Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a behaviour within a domestic relationship which involves an abuse of power. It encompasses a range of behaviours including intimidation, coercion, emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, isolation and psychological manipulation.

Domestic violence is sometimes called “family violence” and when a person needs protection from another person they can apply for an Apprehended Violence Order.

There are many psychological and practical barriers faced by women who are victims of domestic violence when dealing with domestic violence services and the legal system.

These may include:-
· Fear of reprisal
· Feelings of shame
· Responsibility for children
· Concerns about financial consequences
· Lack of knowledge of the legal system

The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes and other domestic violence services have Access and Equity Policies to assist:-
· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
· Immigrant and refugee women
· Lesbian or bisexual women
· Women with disabilities
· Older women
· Younger women
· Geographically and socially isolated women

Some forms of domestic and family violence include:

Psychological Abuse: Threats of violence or death, emotional and verbal abuse which threatens, degrades or insults you.

Sexual Abuse: Being forced to have sex (rape) or being forced to participate in other sexual acts.

Physical Assault: Punching, hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, choking or the use of weapons.

Social Abuse: Being stopped from seeing friends and family.

Economic Abuse: Having no access to, or control over money and other resources.

If you are experiencing domestic or family violence you may feel:-
· Constantly fearful and anxious, feeling “on edge”.
· Like you have lost belief in yourself and who you are.
· Isolated and alone.
· Pain and suffering from physical injuries.

Domestic Violence is not a private matter. It is the responsibility of the whole community. The attitudes which allow criminal behaviour to pass unnoticed must be overcome. Most important is to ensure that men accept responsibility for the attitudes and behaviour that lead to violence and they work actively to change these.

The early 1980s saw an increasing awareness of the issue of violence in the home within both the community and governments across Australia.Perhaps the most difficult area of social change is attitudinal. Attitudes are shaped by socialisation processes and constantly reinforced by our culture.

Thus it can be shown that domestic violence has its roots in a power imbalance between the genders. Only when an attitudinal change takes place within our society will the issue of domestic violence diminish.

REFERENCE:
Crawford V. & Neville M.(2004) – “Hot Topic No. 47” Library Council of NSW.Family Violence Professional Education Taskforce (1994)
“Family Violence Everybody’s Business Somebody’s Life” The Federation Press Pty. Limited, Leichhardt,NSW.
Tweed Shire Women's Servic Inc. Information for Women.

TO SEEK HELP: The numbers and websites below can link you to information sources and advice.

24 Hour Crises Line: NSW 1800 656 463 QLD 1800 811 811

http://www.reachout.com.au/
http://www.tswomen.org.au/contact.html
http://www.well-spring.com.au/communityservices.html
http://ofw.facsia.gov.au/womens_safety_agenda/australia_says_no.htm

Compiled by Jenny Lynch