Domestic Violence is defined as:
“The use of physical or emotional force or threat of physical force, including sexual violence, in close adult relationships…. the term ‘domestic violence’ goes beyond physical violence… it can also involve emotional abuse; the destruction of property; isolation from friends, family and other potential sources of support; threats to others, including children; stalking and control over access to money, personal items, food, transport and the telephone”.
(Report of the Task Force on Violence against Women 1997)
Violence against women occurs in all sorts of social classes and is equally prevalent in both urban and rural areas.
Does your partner:
- Control who you see and what you do?
- Put you down and humiliate you?
- Hurt you physically?
- Make you have sex when you don’t want?
- Control how the money is spent?
- Not want you to have/spend time with friends?
- Threaten to take the children away?
- Destroy your things or smash up the furniture?
- Threaten to harm himself if you leave?
- Turn into a ‘nice’ person outside the home?
- Apologise after attacking you and promise he won’t do it again – but he does?
Are you:
- Afraid for yourself and your children?
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about what is happening?
- Isolated with no one to talk to?
- Afraid to express an opinion when he is around?
- Hiding bruises or making excuses for injuries caused by him?
- Finding it hard to be enthusiastic about life?
- Always watching what you say or do so he won’t be angry?
- Feeling like you’re going mad or you just wish it was all over?
