Domestic Violence

Question 1

What is domestic violence?

Answer 1

An abuse of power perpetrated mainly (but not only) by men against women both in relationship and after separation.

Occurs when one partner attempts physically or psychologically to dominate and control the other.

Takes a number of forms, but most commonly acknowledged are physical/sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional and social abuse, economic deprivation.

Question 2

What is family violence?

Answer 2

A serious issue especially in Aboriginal communities, but is all forms of violence in intimate, family and other relationships of mutual obligation and support

Question 3

What are the levels of risk for men and women of domestic violence?

Answer 3

As children, both are equally at risk for violence from family members; but as males age, they are more likely to be harmed by enemies or strangers, and women by lovers or partners

Question 4

What are some of the behaviors of intimate partner violence?

Answer 4

Acts of physical abuse such as slapping, hitting, biting, kicking, choking and beating.

Acts of psychological abuse, like intimidation, constant belittling, social isolation from family and friends.

Forced intercourse/other forms of sexual coercion

Question 5

What is battering?

Answer 5

When abuse occurs repeatedly in the same relationship

Question 6

What is trauma?

Answer 6

Trauma is both an event and a particular response of fear, helplessness or horror to an event (e.g., PTSD)

Question 7

Describe the link between trauma and mental health.

Answer 7

Domestic violence linked to feelings of suicide, and negatively affects sleep and eating disorders

Women, as a result of the violence, have alcohol and drug abuse issues

Question 8

What is Herman’s (1997) 3 stage model when working with women who have experienced trauma?

Answer 8

1. Safety - promote feelings of safety
2. Remembrance and mourning - Respect the woman’s lived experience and mourn with her for the hardships and challenges
3. Reconnection - Reconnect her with community

Question 9

What are some principles of good practice of assisting victims of abuse?

Answer 9

1. Actions to address violence should take place both at national and local level
2. Efforts to reform institutional responses should aim for changing culture, not just training
3. Interventions should cover and be coordinated between a range of different sectors
4. Involve women!