SESSION FOUR WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

1. SESSION FOUR WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

2. Defining Domestic and Family Violence Domestic And Family Violence is an abuse of power perpetrated mainly (but not only) by men against women in a relationship or after separation. It occurs when one partner attempts to physically and/or psychologically dominate and control the other. 26

3. What is Domestic Violence? • Physical abuse: Kicking, slapping, hitting, punching, pushing, pulling, choking and property damage.  • Emotional abuse: Jealously, anger, intimidation, controlling, neglect, humiliation,threats, isolation and verbal abuse.  • Social Abuse: Being stopped from meeting or seeing friends or family, not allowed to leave the home. Being stalked. • Sexual abuse: Forcing and coercing sexual acts, rape and having sex without wanting to.   • Economic Abuse: Controlling access to money and other resources, forced to live without money. 27

4. Myths & Facts 28

5. Myths & Facts Fact 29

6. Myths & Facts 30

7. Commonly named causes or excuses for domestic violence • Financial pressure on the family causing stress • Drug & alcohol abuse by one or more family members • Gambling by either partner • Abuse within extended families, generational abuse • Typical and acceptable “male” behaviour • Culturally acceptable behaviour 31

8. Indicators of domestic and family violence, experienced by women • Physical injuries, including broken bones, no explanation for injuries • Threats to safety, intimidation or harassment • Current or previous police involvements • Feelings of sadness or depression, low self esteem • Difficulty in concentration or focus • Being denied access to funds or resources and/or repeated requests for financial assistance 32

9. Indicators of domestic and family violence, experienced by women • Over protective of children and avoidance of discussing children • Current or previous separation in the relationship • Extensive use of medications • Lack of self esteem or self confidence • Problems with sleep & sleeplessness • Nervous or withdrawn behaviours 33

10. Indicators of domestic and family violence, experienced by women • Aggressive behaviours or language • Isolation from friends, family & community • Medical or psychosomatic illness, such as headaches or stomach problems, frequent visits to hospital or doctor • Eating disorders • Difficulty with friendships 34

11. Impacts of domestic and family violence on children and young people • Physical injuries • Bed wetting or soiling • Psychosomatic illness • Behavioural problems • Anxious or fearful behaviours • Aggressive language or behaviours • Developmental delays • Nervous or withdrawn behaviours 35

12. Impacts of domestic and family violence on children and young people • Advanced maturity, sense of responsibility • Disturbed sleep, nightmares, constant waking, fear of the dark • Use of drugs or alcohol • Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, poor social skills. • Lacking in confidence, poor self esteem and self image • Sadness or depression • Eating disorders • Self-harming behaviours 36

13. Some Additional Causal Factors Experienced By Migrant Communities • Financial pressure: in particular the financial pressure of supporting relatives in the home country and the pressure of unemployment • Gambling • Changes in women’s attitudes, expectation and roles. • Relationship difficulties, including issues relating to children, which were seen to put pressure on relationships that may lead to domestic violence • Male behaviours and attitudes in particular in response to the changed roles of women in Australia • Cultural differences, in the context of mixed marriages • Provocation from women experiencing the freedom of women's rights 37

14. Issues which impact on the incidence of domestic violence in refugee communities Pre arrival torture, trauma, rape and sexual violence Post traumatic stress disorder Problems experienced during resettlement Racism Loss of dreams Loss of status 38