Domestic violence definition:

“Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour in which one partner seeks to gain or maintain power and control over the other through the use of force, fear, or coercion”. 

Too often, domestic abuse is seen as a private family matter, but the truth is that it has far-reaching consequences for everyone involved. Many victims are reluctant to come forward and press charges for fear of retaliation from their abusers. 

How do you identify that you are in an Abusive Relationship?

Domestic violence often starts with a pattern of controlling behaviour, such as ordering the victim around or making all the decisions. The abuser may also try to isolate the victim from friends and family or restrict their activities. Over time, the abuse may become more severe, with the abuser using violence or threats to control the victim. It can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and psychological manipulation. Victims of domestic violence may experience depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, and low self-esteem as a result of the abuse. In addition, domestic violence can lead to homelessness, poverty, and even death. 

Who suffers from Domestic violence?

Domestic violence can occur in relationships of all types, including married couples, intimate partners, family members, roommates, and romantic partners. It can involve people of all ages, genders, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Domestic violence is a complex issue that can have far-reaching consequences. While both men and women can be victims of domestic violence, the vast majority of victims are women. In addition to the direct effects on victims, domestic violence can also have indirect effects on children who witness the violence.  Studies have shown that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to have behavioral problems, such as aggression and anxiety. They are also more likely to engage in violent behavior when they become adults. It is important to be aware of domestic violence signs and get help if someone is a victim of domestic violence.

Getting help for domestic violence: Where to Start?

Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects women of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Women who are experiencing domestic violence can get help from several different sources. The Domestic Violence Act 2005 is a law that provides help and protection to victims of domestic violence. The Act gives victims the right to take legal action against their abusers, and it also provides for the establishment of domestic violence courts. 

Police and hotlines:

Victims of domestic violence often feel like they have nowhere to turn. They may be afraid of their abuser, or they may feel like they have no one to help them. However, victims need to remember that they always have the option of contacting the police. The police are trained to deal with these situations, and they can help to keep you safe. In addition, many domestic violence hotlines can provide you with support and resources if you feel like you are in immediate danger, or if the offender is still nearby. If you are feeling unsafe, never hesitate to reach out for help. 

There are also situations where you are not a victim of a crime but you witness a crime. In that case, you can always contact the police. They will investigate the situation and take appropriate action. This can help the victim escape violent situations even though they are not able to reach out to the police. 

Safety apps:

There are smartphone applications for women’s safety that will notify family and friends if the victim is at risk. These applications are linked to your phone’s hardware and include features that may be used to send out an SOS signal with a simple shake or long-press the phone’s lock button. When a victim is unable to call using their phones, these applications can be useful. When the SOS function is turned on, the application alerts trusted contacts of the victim’s location via GPS. Some applications have additional features in which the phone begins snapping photographs of what’s in front of it and recording audio at regular intervals. These apps also provide guidance on how to deal with a physical attack and listings of local shelters where the victim may feel secure.

Shelters:

When a person is experiencing an abusive relationship they often have nowhere to turn for help. This is where shelters for domestic violence victims come in. Shelters for victims of domestic violence offer protection and a chance to relax and regroup in a safe environment helping them heal from their experiences. These shelters also offer personal development classes that teach self-awareness and self-esteem. In addition, many shelters have programs specifically for children that help them forget their past abuse and learn how to build healthy relationships. By offering protection, resources, and support, shelters for victims of domestic violence play an important role in helping individuals heal and move on with their lives.

Counselling: 

Women in abusive relationships often experience a range of confusing and conflicting emotions. They may love their partner but be fed up with the abuse. They may feel helpless and hopeless, but also be reluctant to leave the relationship because of fear of being abused again or of not being able to adjust to life without their abuser. This can result in a feeling of being stuck. It is important to remember that abuse is never the victim’s fault and that no one deserves to be abused. These feelings of confusion, guilt, shame, and self-blame are common among women in abusive relationships. There are many counselling and therapy options available to help women deal with the emotional effects of domestic violence, including legal help, and financial assistance. A counselor can provide you with the support and guidance you need to deal with the emotional fallout of domestic violence. They can also help you develop a safety plan and connect you with resources that can help you break free from your abuser. 

Conclusion:

Despite the progress that has been made in recent years to address domestic violence, there is still a long way to go. Too often, victims are not taken seriously and are blamed for the abuse they suffer. We must continue to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support to victims so they can rebuild their lives. Together, we can end domestic violence.