Myths Continued

There are too many myths about domestic violence to focus in on them all. I will start again by covering a few more and continuing from the last blog. These are only the more common ones, but by understanding these, you can more effectively understand what domestic violence truly is and how to prevent it. 

 

Myth #1 – Drugs and alcohol cause domestic violence.

Reasoning: According to www.casadeesperanza.org, drugs and alcohol may increase the danger level and have been present in cases, but it DOES NOT cause this violence. “Many alcoholics or drug users do not batter, and many batterers do not use drugs and alcohol. Stopping the abusers drinking or drug use will not end the violence. Batters who are alcoholics or use drugs have separate issues to confront if they want help-their addiction and their abusive behavior. Each problem must be addressed independently.”  

Myth #2 – Batters, or abusers, “lose control” of their temper.

Reasoning: According to the same source as outlined above, battering is not a loss of control; it is the exertion of power and control of one partner over the other. Many times, an abuser is only violent toward their children or partners and make sure that others are unaware of the situation. They indulge force and fear behind closed doors into making sure that no one talks about it. 

Myth #3 – Not everyone knows a victim of domestic violence

Reasoning: According to www.umn.edu, we all know victims. “Worldwide, between one quarter and one half of all women experience violence in an intimate relationship. Victims of domestic violence may not disclose the abuse because of embarrassment or humiliation, fear that they will be blamed for the abuse, or the danger of retaliation from the abuser. 

I hope that these myths bring some light into the stereotype of domestic violence. I hope that you realize that it is more common than is often portrayed. There is no one set income group, gender, or any other group that is omitted from this type of violence.