Domestic Violence Fact vs Myths

There are many common myths about domestic violence. This October, during Domestic Violence Action Month, YWCA Spokane will debunk some of these myths to help End The Silence that so often surrounds domestic violence.  Consider sharing these facts online and with loved ones to help educate and spread awareness about domestic violence.

PRINT & SHARE DV MYTH VS FACTS

• Myth: Domestic violence only happens to women.
• Fact:1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. 30-50% of transgender people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

• Myth: Drugs, alcohol, stress, and mental illness are the causes of domestic violence.
• Fact: While drugs, alcohol, stress, and mental illness can be factors in an abuser’s life and can certainly make an abusive situation more complicated, these things do not cause domestic violence.

• Myth: Abusers are just out of control and need anger management.
• Fact: Abusers use many deliberate tactics to maintain power and control in a relationship. Sometimes these tactics can include physical violence and aggression, but there are many other ways that control is established.

• Myth: Domestic violence is always physical abuse.
• Fact: While physical abuse can be one way of maintaining power and control, it does not occur in every abusive relationship and is usually not the only form of abuse if it is occurring. Emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, isolation, threats, and intimidation are all forms of domestic violence.

• Myth: If a victim doesn’t leave, it must not be that bad or they are ok with how they are being treated.
• Fact: Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult. On average, a victim will try to leave an abusive relationship at least eight times before they can leave successfully. Some of the things abusers do to make leaving hard can include: creating financial dependence, using children as a coercion tool, making threats of violence or legal retaliation, or using the court system to keep control of a victim even after they leave.

To learn more about how you can End The Silence about domestic violence, consider contacting YWCA’s Community  Educator and Outreach Coordinator, Nicole Nimens at nicolen@ywcaspokane.org or call 789-9290.

Survivors and allies are always welcome to call YWCA’s 24 hour domestic violence helpline at 509-326-2255 to speak with a confidential staff member who can help to answer questions and direct you to meaningful resources.