Myths about Abuse
Domestic and family abuse only really occurs in poor communities
Abuse within the family unit or between intimate partners occurs in all communities and across all socioeconomic levels. Violence and abuse in low income neighbourhoods are more likely to come to the attention of law enforcement as well as intervention services.
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Homicide
In contrast to popular public opinion, people are more likely to be murdered by a current or former intimate partner as well as a family member than by an unknown individual. In many homicide cases there is some form of relationship between the victim and perpetrator. The intensity or strength of this relationship can be real or imagined. Homicide by a current or former intimate partner
Homicide by a current or former intimate partner is one of the most prevalent forms of murder internationally. A history of physical violence in the relationship is often thought of as the main risk factor associated with partner homicide. However, many homicides occur without a frequent history of physical assault.
External stressors that may precede a murder include;
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Mental Health
Dr Sean Hammond Mental health & ViolenceMental illness is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for violent behaviour. However, it is undeniable that for some people suffering from mental illness the potential for harm to the self and others is very real. Studies linking mental illness to assault show that patients with schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar disorder were significantly more likely to be assaultive than people without these disorders . That said the prevalence rates of violence by mentally ill people is still very small and although most people with these conditions do not commit assaultive acts, the presence of such a disorder is significantly associated with an increased risk of violence. The severity and the particular form the illness takes may be indicative of abusive behaviour but a number of other factors also come into play. Many of these are external to the illness itself and relate largely to the levels of stress in the person’s immediate environment. Mental health & AbuseWhile we automatically think of the person with mental illness as being the potential perpetrator of violence it should be remembered that the sufferer is also more likely to be vulnerable to abuse from others. Within a family setting the stress of being a carer for someone with mental illness can often lead to frustration and rage. Support & Help
If a carer of someone with mental illness feels that the illness is leading the sufferer towards the risk of violence it is important that the information is conveyed to relevant parties as quickly as possible. The first port of call is usually the family doctor or GP, but once a diagnosis is made there will probably also be other professionals involved like a psychiatrist and social worker. |
Consequences of Violence & Abuse
Experiencing violence and abuse not only has direct consequences for the victim, but also family members, children, friends and society. Individual differencesIndividual differences such as personality characteristics, coping strategies, cultural norms, previous victimization and social support all effect the immediate as well as long term responses to violence or abuse. While some victims will be visibly upset, others may appear passive or downplay the seriousness of the experience. Other people may become defensive or even aggressive. These kinds of reactions may ultimately have a negative effect on social interactions and relationships. It may further impact upon any initial police investigation and decrease the likelihood of finding appropriate support. Emotional & physical consequencesA persons outward or social behaviour is often related to the range of emotions felt following experiencing violence. Commonly reported feelings include anger, fear, anxiety and powerlessness. The presence of these emotions can lead to; a loss of sleep; recurring nightmares; weight loss/gain; increased stress; avoidance of social interaction or fear of leaving the home; substance misuse (including tobacco, alcohol and prescription drugs) or self harming behaviour (including promiscuity). In the long term, these factors can have severe emotional and physical consequences. Recurring ill-health as well as depression and even suicide are commonly reported particularly among those who have experienced repeat victimization. If a person lacks appropriate support or has unhealthy coping mechanisms the effects of experiencing violence can be devastating to victims, their families and friends. InjuriesThe types of injuries sustained during a violent or abusive incident vary considerably. Whether nor not these injuries are visible will depend upon the perpetrator, their motivation, the relationship between the perpetrator and the targeted individual as well as contextual (the situation or environment) factors. Commonly reported visible injuries include head, neck and facial trauma such as cuts, bruising as well as broken bones and teeth. A severe physical attack can result in permanent scaring or disability. Following a violent or abusive incident many people will expect to see obvious signs of an assault. However, many incidents of violence or abuse do not result in injuries that are visible to others. Injuries to upper torso, legs as well as internal bleeding or miscarriages are commonly unreported or unnoticed by doctors or investigating police officers. Society
The majority of violent or abusive acts go unreported. Of those that are reported many perpetrators are not convicted or do not serve time for their crimes. This increases the chances of there being multiple victims of sexual assault and physical violence. |
Disability & Abuse
Available international research suggests that people with disabilities are at greater risk of experiencing violence and abuse than those without a disability. Disabilities can affect people in a number of ways including:
Commonly reported abusive behaviours include:
The perpetrators of abuse are commonly reported to be carers and nurses. However, male and female family members as well as intimate partners frequently commit these crimes against loved ones. Contact & Support
Contact details of support services for people with disabilities who are experiencing abuse can be found here
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Authority & Abuse
Authority figures are given a unique form of power and trust in society. However, this trust can be broken due to abuse of power and position. Improper or Illegal activity by authority figures is driven by a need for personal or financial gain. Authority figures can include:
Abuse of authority and position can be committed by a single individual or collectively by a group of people and organizations. Perpetrators can be male and female. Other commonly reported behaviours include:
Feelings of powerlessness, fear of retaliation or revenge make many people too frightened or find it too difficult to report the abuse of authority figures. Gaining support and finding justice may seem almost impossible to people affected by this behaviour. Contact & Support
If you have been affected by the improper or illegal activity of an authority figure it is important to seek help as early as possible. Please contact your local police station here |
Elder Abuse
Dr. Mike Murphy
It is also likely that poverty, inappropriate housing, and a culture which does not respect older adults contribute to the phenomenon. Contact & supportFor further information & contact details of support services for elders in your area please click here |
"Honour" based Violence & Abuse,
Honour-based violence (HBV) involves crimes that are motivated and justified by beliefs about protecting the “honour” of the family or the community. Other commonly reported behaviours that cause HBV include:
Under certain circumstances being sexually assaulted or raped can be seen as “dishonouring” the family and community. Attempting to leave an abusive relationship would also be generally seen as unacceptable. These types of situations ensure repeat victimization and have serious consequences for the mental and physical health of the targeted individual. Commonly reported honour-based violence includes:
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Parents Experiencing Abuse
The abuse of a parent by their own child or children continues to be inadequately addressed. As a taboo issue many parents are isolated and remain silent about their experiences.
Many children and adolescents occasionally call their parents names, can be aggressive or refuse to follow the rules. However, this behaviour is very different to sustained and repeated abuse.
Abuse commonly involves financial, psychological, physical and even sexual assault. Many parents will experience more than one type of abuse.
The abusers can be male or female child, adolescent and adult offspring. In the family unit there can be one or more abusers. Abuse can begin in early adolescence or later in adulthood. Abuse may also be directed at other family members.
Parents in abusive situations often report feeling depressed or suicidal. Some parents report that they are living in fear of their off-spring. Frequently blaming themselves, parents don't always seek outside support.
Types of abusive behaviour commonly reported by parents include:
Contact & SupportContact details of support services for parents can be found here |
Males Experiencing Abuse
Wayne McSweeney Male victims of domestic violence are;
Many men who are victims stay silent, and don’t seek help.
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