One of the most enduring types of Violence Against Women is Domestic Violence.
The statistics speak for themselves: in the US alone, more than 10% of the population suffer from this preventable public health problem[1].
Domestic Violence is a choice.
It is the choice made by one partner to control his partner by any means possible.
The ultimate aim of the abuser is to dominate and control his victim.
While Domestic Violence is one of the most pervasive types of violence against women, it also affects children either directly or via witnessing the abuse of a parent.
Some early warning signs that your partner could be an abuser include[2]:
If you experience any or a combination of the behaviours above, then you may be at risk of being abused and must seek help immediately.
Abuse comes in many forms, but the ultimate aim of the perpetrator is to control the victim.
This includes but is not limited to:
Physical abuse is the image that comes to mind whenever we think of domestic violence. Physical abuse describes many different types of physical violence, assault and harm.
Victims of physical abuse may not show their scars or wounds easily, as their abuser targets areas that are not easily seen.
Forms of physical abuse include[3]:
Victims will usually:
Women in this situation should be given attention, care, and self-affirmation that they deserve to be alive. DO NOT give up on these women. In some cases, it may mean the difference between returning to their abuser and breaking free.
Many abused women will be forced to give up their jobs leaving them solely dependent on their abuser.
They might[4]:
Financial abuse does not happen in isolation. This abuse is usually coupled with other forms of abuse to keep the victim firmly under the control of the abuser.
Such victims often need help and training (though not always so) to becoming financially independent again. Others may simply need the opportunity to go back to work.
There are 2 common types of sexual abuse in domestic violence cases depending on the relations between the abuser and victim:
Type 1 – Marital Rape
Even in marriages, rape and other types of sexual abuse can happen.
Abuse happens when the abuser overrides the woman’s refusal or denial for sex. He will then blame and demean her for resisting his demands.
A woman can say no to her partner. However, abusers look upon the “woman/girl he loves” as an object, and will often ignore her refusal. He may or may not also force her into degrading sexual acts, just to prove he can.
Marital rape is a form of sexual abuse that is protected in some countries, because it happens within a marriage. Make no mistake though; marital rape happens, and rape is rape. There is nothing to excuse the rapist from his actions. Rape is a crime of power, and should be treated as such.
Learn about rape and marital rape here.
Type 2 – Incest
In terms of sexual abuse, rape can also be incestuous.
Incest is defined as sexual relations between family members.
In terms of gender-based violence, incest can occur in the following forms:
Incest, more than any other form of abuse, is much more damaging because it destroys the very place that should be a shelter for the child or woman – the family.
Girls and women who experience incest may:
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a start.
If you think you’ve been abused, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY.
Unsure who to turn to? Find someone close to you now according to your country.
For more information about Domestic Violence, visit NCADV or WAO’s websites.
