|
Myths and Facts
Women can "just leave"
There are many myths that persist about domestic violence. Likely the most damaging and untrue is that "women can just leave." That this statement is untrue is borne out by many facts about the women killed right here in Nova Scotia by their intimate partners. Almost 30% of these women were killed after ending the relationship. According to Dr. Jacqueline Campbell, of The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing women who leave are most at risk at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after leaving. For this reason ending a violent relationship can actually escalate the violence and this is why many women do not even attempt to leave. In addition physical violence is often only part of the abuse experienced by women in intimate violent relationships. Often a woman is isolated from her friends and family, denied financial independence and, otherwise made to feel that she has no way out.
Children are not affected by domestic violence
Another common myth about domestic violence is that it does not affect the children. The fact is that children who witness domestic violence often suffer the same effects as if they themselves had been physically abused. These include the emotional trauma of witnessing violence in the home and the effects on children's ability to later form loving, respectful, trusting relationships.
Drugs, alcohol and mental illness excuse violence
Finally, many people believe that drug/alcohol addiction or mental illness excuse abusive behaviour. However, there is no excuse for domestic violence, and while drugs, alcohol or mental illness may be contributing factors in the violent behaviour they are never the sole cause.
|
|
