What is domestic abuse?

We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)

• Psychological and/or emotional abuse 

• Physical or sexual abuse

• Financial or economic abuse

• Harassment and stalking

• Online or digital abuse

Gender and domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is a gendered crime which is deeply rooted in the societal inequality between men and women. It is a form of gender-based violence, violence “directed against a woman because she is a women or that affects disproportionately.” (CEDAW, 1992).

Women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking) and in particular sexual violence. Any woman can experience domestic abuse regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, or disability, but some women who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and finding help.

Domestic abuse exists as part of violence against women and girls; which also includes different forms of family violence such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so called “honour crimes” that are perpetrated primarily by family members, often with multiple perpetrators.

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https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse

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Also see the link below for more info

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https://www.wristband.com/content/domestic-violence-awareness/

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) and addiction are interrelated.  

Multiple studies have proven that substance misuse increases the chance of violence in the home.  

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We recently published an educational guide to help the public understand the link between domestic violence & addiction where we discuss substance misuse issues in victims, witnesses and perpetrators of IPV/DV and highlight where to find help.

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See the link below for more info from The Recovery Village Columbus at ColumbusRecoveryCenter.com.

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https://www.bicyclehealth.com/blog/link-between-domestic-violence-addiction

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Exploring the Connection between Domestic Violence and Addiction

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Domestic Violence

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Domestic Violence Resources

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