DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By Cecilia Gutiérrez A., Psychologist NSW SLASA.

psychologist@nswslasa.com.au   

Domestic violence represents an important mental and public health problem because it involves great physical, psychological and social risks as well as severe consequences for their families and communities. Domestic violence affects families of all ethnicities and socioeconomic levels. 

The emotional impact generated by a violent situation is considered a risk factor not only to the direct victim of abuse, but to the entire family, especially children and adolescents who witness the violence. It is vital in this context to be able to understand what involves in the domestic violence in order to prevent it, because it affects in an important way the mental health and the people quality of life, not only physical well being, but also emotional, psychological and social.  One of the most important initial steps in order to identify violent situations is to get informed.   Below we will answer the most frequent questions about violence.

What do you understand by Domestic Violence?

When we talk about domestic violence we are talking about the type of violence which occurs within the family and it is basically manifested by the abuse of power and the systematic abuse through physical, psychological and/or sexual aggressions inflicted by family members, putting at risk the integrity of the victim. The abuse can be directed to children, women, elderly and men, however, the victims are usually the most vulnerable and dependent family member (women, children, and the elderly). It is important to emphasize that In order to talk properly about domestic violence, the abuse and maltreatment must be frequent, repeated and continual.  Domestic violence takes various forms depending on to whom the abuse and aggression are directed. It can be classified as child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse.

Types of Domestic Violence

Physical:

This type of violence is directed to cause some harm to the body; hitting, pushing, pulling hair, slapping, burns, bites and assaults with weapons. 

Psychological:

consists mainly on humiliation, verbal devaluations, manipulation, exaggerated and public criticism, rude and demeaning language, threats, blame, social isolation and control of money.

Sex:

All those acts that damage their dignity and are against the person’s sexual freedom : when the person  force their partner to have sex against their will or  the person force their partner to perform  certain sexual practices in which there is no agreement.

What are the consequences of domestic violence?

Consequences of domestic violence can vary and be permanent, affecting the affective, cognitive and social development. Some the consequences are:

• Personality disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self esteem,
• Feelings of guilt
• Greater risk of suicide or drug consumption
• Greater risk of repeating abusive behaviour against people in disadvantaged situations and keep the vicious circle of violence which is pass from generation to generation.