Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is violence committed by someone in the victim’s domestic circle. This includes partners and ex-partners, immediate family members, other relatives and family friends. The term ‘domestic violence’ is used when there is a close relationship between the offender and the victim. Some abusers make use of deliberate certain behaviours to maintain power. They use control over intimate partners in their relationship. But instead, they should be treating each other with respect, care, and love. This prospers a healthy relationship. Domestic violence is an intentional emotional, physical, or economic pattern to instil fear. It forces the partner to act according to their will and interests.

Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence can have various forms and behaviours. Some of the common set of behaviours under domestic violence are:

Sexual Abuse –

Sexual assault and harassment, or to have sex by manipulating through guilt & threats.

Physical Abuse –

Causing pain, harm, or injury. E.g., Slapping, Suffocation, Beating and Kicking.

Psychological Abuse –

Blaming, intimidation, threats etc.

Verbal or Emotional Abuse –

Criticism, threat to hurt or cause pain to loved ones.

Economic Abuse –

Limiting or controlling finances and income. Or creating obstacles for pursuing or continuing a job or misusing the credit card.

Domestic Abuse –

Having control of social media accounts and account credentials. Also, checking phone and messages, and tracking with GPS, etc.

Effects of Domestic Violence

Survivors of domestic violence go through continuous and challenging impacts on their health. They take time to get back to their normal life and feel their surrounding environment safe. The healing process is as long as they tolerated overwhelming pain from their loved ones. This lessens their strengths. It also increases their fear of safety even around their families. Survivors and their supporters should know that this is a time taking process. The journey of recovery and healing takes time. Also, the effects of the trauma vary from person to person. It depends on their capacities, age, the stress they faced. Also, on the frequency & severity of the violence and abuse, they have faced. Some of the common forms and consequences of domestic violence are:

Physical Effects

Common physical effects of domestic violence include bruises on different parts of the body. Also, muscle tension, sprained and broken wrists, elbows, legs, or other parts. Further, involuntary shaking, red or purple marks at the neck, and chronic fatigue. Moreover, breath shortness and variation in sleeping or eating pattern are also common. Sexual dysfunction, disturbance in the menstrual cycle, fertility issues etc. also contribute to it.

Effect on Mental Health

There can be mental effects of domestic violence too. This includes PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), uncontrollable thoughts, and anxiety. Also, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, sadness, and anger can be common effects. Further, lower self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and attempts can be a big issue. Use of drugs and alcohol, and taking revenge etc. are also not uncommon.

Emotional and Spiritual effects

Emotional and Spiritual effects of domestic violence may include feeling worthlessness and hopelessness. It can also result in, apprehensiveness or discouragement about the future. Demotivation, inability to trust again, self-doubts and questioning about the spiritual faith.

Effects on Children

Besides this, children witnessing or experiencing domestic violence also face consequences. This can influence their growth and development. They may isolate themselves. They have an increased risk for emotional behaviour problems whether abused or not. They may also be the victims of depression, anxiety, and fear. They may have academic learning problems as well as failure in academics.