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Myth:
If a woman doesn't
like it she can always leave.
Fact:
Women who
experience domestic violence face a range of barriers to leaving the
relationship. The most common group
of domestic violence victims are those who have dependent children & no
independent financial status. These
women face a future of reduced income and difficulty finding accommodation.
Also, the violence does not necessarily stop after women leave, sometimes
it can get worse. Research on homicide victims shows that women who attempt to
end their relationship are exposed to a relatively high risk of homicide, with
the period immediately after they leave associated with particularly high risk.
Myth:
Domestic violence
only happens in low socioeconomic classes.
Fact:
As many as
1 in 10 women are victims of domestic violence. In a phone-in survey conducted by the
University
of
South Australia
in September 1998, callers ranged across a wide age group, from 17 years to 70
years, and came from a broad range of social backgrounds. A significant number of the women were well educated or had well-paid
jobs. Their male partners were also
from diverse backgrounds and many were financially well off and had good social
standing in the community. Callers
came from both homes that spoke only English and where a language other than
English was used.
Myth:
Alcohol causes domestic violence.
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Fact: Much
violence occurs without alcohol. Many
people get drunk without becoming violent. Alcohol
is an excuse, not a cause. It may
lower inhibitions. Remember that the
person who uses alcohol is responsible for their drinking and their abusive
behaviour. Your attitudes and values
determine whether you use violence against your family or not. In 50% of cases of violent behaviour, neither party has been drinking.
Perpetrators of violence have been violent under the influence of alcohol
and also while not under the influence of alcohol. |
CONSIDER
THIS: Society does not condone or accept drunken driving for an excuse for
damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol.
"Breaking
the Silence" 1997
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Myth:
Women who are victims of domestic violence deserve it.
They must provoke him/"push his buttons"/push him to the limit.
Fact:
There is
no excuse for violence and in any case, many women report being hit from behind,
and with no warning. If he feels his
"buttons are pushed", he can choose to walk away.
Myth:
Men and women are equally violent in relationships.
Fact:
95-98% of
victims of domestic violence are women. While
men do experience violence in their relationships, women are still much more
likely to be victims of violence in their relationships.
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