There’s urgent need for greater community awareness
about domestic violence, leading to more alertness
among people to identify such incidents as well as
enhancing their understanding of and consideration
for the victims.
The National Community Attitudes towards Violence
against Women Survey (NCAS) revealed that
Australians are now more likely to excuse abusive
domestic behaviours than they were 20 years ago.
Recognising Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can be difficult to recognise, but
there are some signs to look out for. If you or
someone you know is experiencing any of the
following, it may be a sign of abuse:
Signs of Psychological Abuse: Low self-esteem,
low
confidence,
social
withdrawal,
extreme
meekness and remorse , major personality changes,
signs
of
anxiety,
depression
and
suicidal
tendencies.
Signs of Someone Facing Domestic Violence:
Agreeing with and going along with whatever their
partner suggests, says and does; Appearing fearful
or anxious and attempting to please their partner;
Regularly reporting to their partner about their
whereabouts and activities; Receiving persistent
and harassing phone calls repeatedly from the
partner whenever they are outside; Talking about
the partner's behavioural traits such as anger,
jealousy, possessiveness; Becoming excessively
private about their personal life and partner.
Warning Signs of Physical Violence: Displaying
frequent and unusual bruises and justifying them as
accidents, choosing attire that hides injuries,
missing school, work or other social occasions
frequently without any explanation.
Warning Signs of Isolation: Restrictions on meeting
family and friends, accessing money, bank cards or
a vehicle, rarely being seen in public without their
partner.
The
Impact
Community
Attitudes
Has
on
Domestic Violence Survivors in Australia.
The results of a survey conducted in Australia
revealed that 50% of the participants believed that
women could leave an abusive relationship if they
really wanted to. Shockingly, one in five Australians
believed that violence could be excused if the
offender expressed regret for their actions.
Community attitudes play a crucial role in the way
domestic violence is perceived and addressed.
Trivialising domestic abuse by a large percentage of
the community makes it extremely difficult for victims
to break free from their abusive situation. This is why
it's crucial to challenge such attitudes and raise
awareness.
Survivors of domestic violence often require additional
support beyond therapy and counselling. It's essential
for family, friends, and the community to provide
support, alongside professional services such as legal
aid to help access resources that provide victims and
their children with safety and financial security.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless
of gender, race, age, social status, or religion. National
statistics (ABS) Personal Safety Survey (PSS) 2016)
show that one in sixteen men and one in six women
have experienced violence by their partners since age
15; Children often witness this violence; Women are at
a higher risk, especially those who are pregnant,
young, separated from their partner, disabled,
transgender, Indigenous, or homeless.
Remember, domestic violence is a serious
issue and should not be taken lightly. If
you or someone you know is experiencing
domestic violence, seek help immediately.