Myths about Domestic Violence

Domestic violence propaganda is full of myths and facts. But how do you decipher what is truly myth and what is truly fact? As a general rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. According to www.stoptheviolence.org, let us go over a few myths that have been around for a while:

Myth #1- Domestic violence happens in low-income families, or people with substance abuse problems or only to people who grew up in a violent family

Reasoning: Upper and middle-income families suffer as well, however, many times their secrets are better kept. The shame and embarrassment is so great that it often times silences the victim(s) from going forward with information. To quote: “If the general belief is that this thing only happens to poor victims, minority people, substance abusers, how can a wealthier person admit this is happening in their own families, or those they know? The stakes are high and the risks are great for people with public profiles and economic resources.”

Myth #2- Only women are helped

Reasoning: Domestic violence shelters and hotlines are  ready and willing to help all victims, regardless of gender. They help anyone that has been assessed as the victim in an intimate partner relationship. The reason for the stereotype is because the overwhelming majority of cases are of women being abused by men.

Myth #3- “It couldn’t be that bad, if the couple stays together or the victims returns to the abusive partner.”

Reasoning: An abused person does not act, report the abuse or leave in many situations because of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of retaliation, all kinds of fear. Statistically speaking, physically leaving is actually the time of greatest danger. Shame also comes into play. “The shame of admitting we are not the capable, talented people who we want people to think we are. The shame of not being happy in our own families and homes.” 

These are only three of the main myths that are often asked. This list does not even begin to ponder about what other myths are wrongly out there, and more importantly, what can be done to omit these myths from the general public thinking. What other myths can you think of?