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What is Domestic Abuse?
What does domestic abuse involve?
Domestic abuse involves the use of power and control by one person over another. It can occur in all domestic situations, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, age, religion, mental or physical ability of those involved.
It can take the form of one or more of the following: slapping, punching, kicking, bruising, rape, ridicule, constant criticism, threats, manipulation, sleep deprivation, social isolation, denying access to money and other controlling behaviours.
How common is domestic violence?
3. Nationally, it is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. It is also estimated that domestic abuse is the biggest killer of women aged 19-44, claiming the lives of two women each week.
Less than half of all incidents are reported to the police, but they still receive one domestic violence call every minute in the UK.
What is the cause of domestic violence?
Abusers or perpetrators choose to behave violently to get what they want and gain control. Their behaviour often originates from a sense of entitlement which is often supported by sexist, racist, homophobic and other discriminatory attitudes.
Domestic violence is learned intentional behaviour rather than the consequence of stress, individual pathology, substance use or a 'dysfunctional' relationship. Perpetrators of domestic violence frequently avoid taking responsibility for their behaviour, by blaming their violence on someone or something else, denying it took place at all or minimising their behaviour.
Why does the victim stay?
Whilst the risk of staying may be very high, simply leaving the relationship does not guarantee that the violence will stop. In fact, the period during which a woman, for example, is planning or making her exit, is often the most dangerous time for her and her children. Many women are frightened of the abuser, and with good reason. It's common for perpetrators to threaten to harm or even kill their partners or children if she leaves.
There are many reasons why a person stays in a violent relationship - s/he may think their partner will change, is scared of the future - where to live, how to get money and whether s/he will have to hide forever and what will happen to the children.
What is the law?
There is no specific offence of 'domestic violence' under criminal law, but many forms of domestic violence are crimes such as assault, false imprisonment, criminal damage, harassment, attempted murder and rape. Being assaulted, sexually abused, threatened or harassed by a partner or family member is just as much a crime as violence from a stranger, and often more dangerous.
Victims of domestic violence can get protection from abuse under the civil law through a court order (called an injunction or protection order). These orders can help prevent further abuse to the survivor and her children, remove the abuser from the home and keep him away. The application is usually made through a solicitor, either to the family proceedings court or the county court.
