Domestic Violence is any abusive behaviour used by one partner in a relationship to gain and maintain power and control over another person's life.
Domestic violence comes in many forms: physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, social and spiritual abuse.
Domestic violence occurs where one partner is being abused by the other causing fear and injury or psychological distress.
Domestic violence is a pattern of persistent behaviour
which damages the spirit of both the abuser and the victim.
Domestic violence and abusive behaviour patterns can be passed on from one generation to the next.
Domestic violence is a community problem.
WHAT CAN SOMEONE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DO ABOUT IT?
There are three very important things to do,
as soon as possible:
Talk to someone about it
Get yourself support
Get information
HOW DOES IT AFFECT WOMEN?
Domestic Violence affects women in many ways,
for example:
A constant fear and anxiety, feeling "on edge"
Losing belief in yourself and who you are
Feeling isolated and alone
Thinking that you are going mad
Suffering physical injuries and pain
HOW DOES IT AFFECT CHILDREN?
Children (even small babies) are affected by Domestic Violence. Again there are many different effects including:
Fear
Believing that they are the cause
Poor concentration at school or getting into trouble
at school
Reluctance to go to school
Being aggressive or being withdrawn, very quiet and
distant
Perfect behaviour
Research has indicated that child witnesses of domestic violence are more likely to be abusive and violent as adults. Domestic
violence has both short and long term effects upon children involved.
WHY DO WOMEN STAY IN VIOLENT RELATIONSHIPS?
Women are often trapped in their relationships by a number of factors, including:
Fear of reprisals or threats of worse violence if
they leave.
Social isolation and lack of support from other family
members.
Misinformation about the types of assistance available to them.
Financial dependence on their partner.
Poor self esteem which leads them to think they cannot
cope on their own.
Love for their partner and hope that his behaviour
towards them will change.
WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP?
There are a number of agencies offering help.
The following information covers NSW and Queensland.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on
000
In NSW, the Domestic Violence Line (24 hr):
1800 65 64 63
In NSW, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service:
1800 62 62 67
In Queensland, the Domestic Violence Telephone Service
(24 hr): 1800 811 811
In Queensland, Women's Info Link: 1800 177
577
For men, who want help:
The Men's Domestic Violence Telephone Counselling
Service (9a.m.-9 p.m): 1800 246 346.
Domestic violence will continue
to spread unless we act.
