For international domestic violence awareness month, we are here to help bring awareness to what domestic violence and abuse is. Domestic abuse is an incident or multiple incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening or violent behaviour. Common cases of domestic violence include sexual violence by a partner or ex-partner, or physical abuse by a family member.
Some examples of domestic abuse may include:
- Coercive control
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Financial or economic abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
Women are more likely than men to experience different types of domestic abuse, typically sexual violence, but that does not mean that men do not experience it as well.
How can I tell if I’m in an abusive relationship?
If your partner has ever been physically or emotionally abusive to you in any form, has often stalked you, unjustly accuse you of things, or try to take control of you – that may indicate that you are experiencing domestic abuse.
How can I tell if I am being abused at home?
If anyone, no matter who they are or where you are, has ever put their hands on you or has hurt you in any form, not just physically, and you might not feel safe around this person at all times, this may indicate that you are being physically/emotionally abused.
It is common to have arguments, fights, disagreements, etc. with your partner, family members, or people close to you. But if this becomes a consistent pattern or you often feel scared or in danger around these people, you should really consider getting help or talking to someone about it.
You are not alone. You can easily get help and support without judgement. There are plenty of platforms where you can virtually receive help through live chats, online handbooks, survivors forums, or counselling services like we offer at Elpizo.
https://youtu.be/PXSi_3s-xS4%20