Outreach workers in Syria are worried about the vulnerability of women and girls under curfew. © UNFPA Syria Show
Domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class Victims of domestic abuse may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member. Domestic abuse is typically manifested as a pattern of abusive behavior toward an intimate partner in a dating or family relationship, where the abuser exerts power and control over the victim. Domestic abuse can be mental, physical, economic or sexual in nature. Incidents are rarely isolated, and usually escalate in frequency and severity. Domestic abuse may culminate in serious physical injury or death. Are You Being Abused?Look over the following questions to think about how you are being treated and how you treat your partner. Recognizing the signs of domestic abuseDoes your partner…
Do you...
If any of these things are happening in your relationship, talk to someone. Without help, the abuse will continue. Making that first call to seek help is a courageous step. Always remember...
Power and Control WheelPhysical and sexual assaults, or threats to commit them, are the most apparent forms of domestic abuse and violence and are usually the actions that allow others to become aware of the problem. However, regular use of other abusive behaviors by the abuser, when reinforced by one or more acts of physical violence, make up a larger system of abuse. Although physical assaults may occur only once or occasionally, they instill the fear of future violent attacks and allow the abuser to take control of the victim's life and circumstances. The Power & Control wheel is a particularly helpful tool in understanding the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors, which are used by an abuser to establish and maintain control over his/her partner or any other victim in the household. Very often, one or more violent incidents may be accompanied by an array of these other types of abuse. They are less easily identified, yet firmly establish a pattern of intimidation and control in the relationship. (Source: Developed by Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, Duluth, MN, https://www.theduluthmodel.org/) Emotional abuse includes undermining a person's sense of self-worth through constant criticism; belittling one's abilities; name-calling or other verbal abuse; damaging a partner's relationship with the children; or not letting a partner see friends and family. You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:
Psychological abuse: involves causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner or children; destruction of pets and property; “mind games”; or forcing isolation from friends, family, school and/or work. Financial or economic abuse: involves making or attempting to make a person financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, and/or forbidding attendance at school or employment. Physical abuse: involves hurting or trying to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, burning, grabbing, pinching, shoving, slapping, hair-pulling, biting, denying medical care or forcing alcohol and/or drug use, or using other physical force. You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner:
Sexual abuse: involves forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not consent. You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:
Stalking involves any pattern of behavior that serves no legitimate purpose and is intended to harass, annoy, or terrorize the victim. Typical stalking activities include repeated telephone calls, unwelcome letters or gifts by mail, surveillance at work, home and other places that the victim is known to frequent. Stalking usually escalates. For Survivors
For Concerned Staff - How Can You Help?How you can help victims of domestic abuse?
Note: Keep in mind that a survivor often makes several attempts to leave the abusive relationship before succeeding. For Abusive Partner - Are You An Abuser?
What are the 4 types of dating violence?Contact. Teen dating violence (TDV) occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression.
What are the 5 types of dating violence?Types of Domestic/Dating Violence. Physical Abuse. Hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair pulling, etc. ... . Sexual Abuse. Coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent. ... . Emotional Abuse. ... . Economic Abuse. ... . Psychological Abuse.. What are examples of physical violence?Examples of physical violence include:. scratching.. kicking.. pushing.. punching.. throwing things.. physically restraining.. What are common causes of violence in dating relationships?Some common factors that contribute to victimization include:. History of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse.. Prior injury from a dating partner.. History of alcohol or drug use by either partner.. Childhood abuse.. Witnessing violence in the home.. |