9 Myths About Domestic Violence

There are many myths about domestic violence that have been in circulation from aboriginal times. The myths remain as myths because the world is changing, and people started recognizing the truth. Women who face domestic violence need support and understanding, not criticism.

1. Violence due to Alcohol and drug Usage:

The use of alcohol or drugs only makes an existing abuse worse. It doesn’t provoke a person to cause domestic violence. Perpetrators use this as an excuse to abuse women and children. They also justify their acts by saying that their action is the result of unavailable access to alcohol or drugs.

1. She Should Have Left:

The love and affection towards perpetrators make it tough for women to leave. She still believes him if he apologizes for his actions though repeats the same. The trepidation feeling for her and her children may stop her from leaving. Perpetrators isolate their partners from friends and families to gain control over them. Financial dependence is also an important factor for their stay.

1. Domestic Violence is not Always Physical Violence:

Only physical violence exists in domestic violence is a myth. Incidents that involve: coercive control, psychological or emotional abuse, physical, sexual abuse, financial abuse, stalking, harassment, online or digital abuse, is regarded as domestic violence.

1. Children remain calm during Abuse:

Almost all the children who witness abuse directed at their mother become emotionally vulnerable, resulting in long-lasting and traumatic experiences. Sometimes the children who identify them as Lgbtq have become the victim of domestic violence.

1. She’s the Root Cause:

This is an ingrained widespread myth that needs to stop. Still, the world believes that man is the head of the family and he is allowed to punish his partner or children if things don't go his way.

1. It’s their Family Matter:

Domestic violence against women and children has a physical and psychological effect on them. People fail to trust women who disclose the abuse that happened to them. So it is time to condone domestic violence and help save women and children.

1. Even Men are Facing Abuse:

The abusive rate is higher in women when compared to men. Women are prone to multiple incidents of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Different forms of family violence, like forced marriage, honour crimes, are perpetrated by their extended family members.

1. Those who Abuse are Mentally unstable:

Perpetrators choose to hurt women on purpose, and there is no research that proves this myth. They use this statement as a tool to justify their actions.

1. Women always Prefer Abusive Men:

Victim blaming is the prevalent thing that exists in our society. At the beginning of a relationship, everything seems fine until that affection turns into controlling and intimidating behaviour. Why would women fall into an abusive relationship if they could predict or suspect that the relationship would be abusive?

By believing these myths, we indirectly told perpetrators that their actions were right. Women in all countries face domestic violence regardless of colour, status and age. If you are one among them, contact DV West. We help women and children who have been victims of domestic violence with a feminist framework mindset. Our vision is to create a peaceful living space for women and children, preventing domestic violence.

DV West’s vision is for a society free of violence against women and children; a society where women and children are safe in their homes and in their communities and have the support and resources they need to live active and fulfilling lives.