If you are in immediate danger, call 999 for police assistance.
There are many misconceptions surrounding domestic abuse and it is important to remember that situations are rarely black and white.
Evidence shows that when victims hear these misconceptions, they are less likely to seek support for fear that they may be judged by those around them. Additionally, they may lead to them not wanting to take action against the perpetrator.
Here are a number of the most common misconceptions that persist:
Domestic abuse is only violence
This is one of the largest misconceptions about domestic abuse. The truth is that, under the law, domestic abuse can take many forms that aren’t just violence.
These include:
- Physical abuse – Assault, injury or threats of violence.
- Sexual abuse – Any unwanted or forced sexual activity. This can include being forced to send explicit images.
- Emotional abuse – Coercion, intimidation or humiliation.
- Financial abuse – Controlling access to money and financial resources.
Violence is rarely the first form of abuse that many people suffer.
Often, victims will be isolated from family and friends and have their self-esteem worn away, making it harder for victims to leave when signs of domestic abuse begin.
Drugs and alcohol are the cause of domestic abuse
If a perpetrator has consumed drugs or alcohol, they may blame their actions on these substances.
In reality, substances can make an existing situation worse or be a catalyst for an attack, however, they are rarely the sole cause of domestic abuse.
Many people take substances and do not attack their partner, so it can never be an excuse for violent or controlling behaviour, the perpetrator is always responsible for their own actions.
Domestic abuse only happens because the partner has been provoked
This misconception is one of the most widespread. No one deserves to be domestically abused regardless of whether their partner has been provoked or not.
The belief is often rooted in the idea that domestic abuse is a punishment for doing something wrong or acting in a particular way.
Saying that somebody has been provoked takes away the blame from the perpetrator and instead pushes blame on the victim.
Any kind of abuse is never the fault of the victim. The responsibility for their actions always lies with the perpetrator, which the laws around domestic abuse make very clear.
People can just walk away from their abusers
Leaving an abusive relationship is hard for many reasons. During a relationship, abuse rarely begins at the start, perpetrators will wait until the relationship is established, so it is harder to leave.
Once a relationship is established, there may be children, housing or financial considerations as to why a victim won’t leave.
Additionally, if the perpetrator apologises and claims that the abuse will not happen again, victims can often be misled into believing this time and time again.
Considerations should also be taken, as many people fear for their lives when they are fleeing domestic abuse. Sometimes, leaving can be the most dangerous time.
How can we help?
Breaking the stigma around domestic abuse is imperative to allowing victims to receive the support that they need.
There are legal protections available for those who have experienced domestic abuse.
Our compassionate team of domestic abuse solicitors can support victims with non-molestation orders, occupation orders and any matters surrounding children.
For support with domestic abuse, get in touch with our team for a discreet conversation.
