'Domestic Violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive behaviours by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation'
To talk about this subject I had to do some research as I have never experienced it myself. Acts of domestic violence can be both physical and psychological damage. Physical aggression including; hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects. Threats of sexual abuse, emotional abuse is also common. Controlling and domineering, intimidation, stalking, passive/covert abuse (neglect).
http://http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-violence-survivors-handbook.asp?section=000100010008000100310003
http://http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-violence-survivors-handbook.asp?section=000100010008000100310003
Acording to statistics domestic violence is very common and affects one in four women in their life time. Two women a week are killed by their partners or previous partners! The term 'domestic abuse' is sometimes used as in some cases partners aren't actually physically violent they affect their partners lives emotionally, controlling their minds.
The major issue for domestic violence is a partner in the relationship wanting an amount of control over the other person, this is automatically done by creating fear!
Crime statistics also show that domestic violence is gender specific, that it's mainly associated with females and perpetrated by men. This is most common when there is a pattern of physical/sexual assaults or injuries ending in death.
However men can also experience domestic violence (both in straight or gay relationships) however according to Women's Aid it tends to be as a result of a self defence act towards the man from women.
Women's Aid have created a term for this, Women and Men - Victims and survivors.
'The terms 'victim' and 'survivor' are both used, depending on the context. 'Survivor' is, however, preferred as it emphasises an active, resourceful and creative response to the abuse, in contrast to 'victim', which implies passive acceptance. If you are reading this, then you are - at least to some extent - a survivor'
'The terms 'victim' and 'survivor' are both used, depending on the context. 'Survivor' is, however, preferred as it emphasises an active, resourceful and creative response to the abuse, in contrast to 'victim', which implies passive acceptance. If you are reading this, then you are - at least to some extent - a survivor'
Domestic Violence is a serious subject...
'The abuser is always responsible for the violence, and should be held accountable. There is no excuse for domestic violence and the victim is never responsible for the abuser's behaviour.
'Blaming the victim' is something that abusers will often do to make excuses for their behaviour, and quite often they manage to convince their victims that the abuse is indeed their fault. This is part of the pattern and is in itself abusive. Blaming their behaviour on someone else, or on the relationship, their childhood, their ill health, or their alcohol or drug addiction is one way in which many abusers try to avoid personal responsibility for their behaviour'
'Blaming the victim' is something that abusers will often do to make excuses for their behaviour, and quite often they manage to convince their victims that the abuse is indeed their fault. This is part of the pattern and is in itself abusive. Blaming their behaviour on someone else, or on the relationship, their childhood, their ill health, or their alcohol or drug addiction is one way in which many abusers try to avoid personal responsibility for their behaviour'
Many female celebrities understand the importance of this issue and have volunteered them time to help raise awareness and provide safety for the victims. http://http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23778322-reese-witherspoon-backs-fight-on-domestic-violence.do
This is a very insightful post, having never experienced domestic violence or known anyone else who has suffered this abuse, it gave me some facts that I was unaware of. For example two women a week killed by domestic abuse is unbelievable. Overall a good post. I've learnt something new today!
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