Myths and Realities
"She’s not really being abused, she’s just using it to be re-housed."
Women usually minimise rather than exaggerate their experiences of violence and abuse.
Very few women are re-housed quickly. They may have to spend many months in refuge or bed and breakfast accommodation before they are given somewhere new to live.
"People who are violent towards their partners must come from violent families."
Many people who are violent towards their partners come from families where there is no history of violence. Many abusers have brothers and sisters who are not violent and abusive. There is no typical abuser.
Within many families where violence has occured, individuals choose not to be violent.
"It's not just men, there are loads of violent women too"
Statistics show that 97% of reported incidences of domestic violence and abuse are perpetrated by men against women.
However domestic violence can occur in same sex relationships and can be perpetrated by members of the extended family. In a very small number of cases (3%) the perpetrators of this abuse are women.
Welsh Women's Aid maintains that domestic abuse is the result of the continued inequality between men and women in society. Therefore, society tends to condone aggressive acts from men in the long term and boys are raised to assume control over women in all areas of work, home and relationships.
-
The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, freephone support and information service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or wanting more information on available support services. Open 24 hours. Click on the logo for more information