Domestic violence has been a widespread problem in recent years, with millions of people dying as a result of it. Domestic violence accounts for 10% of all deaths worldwide. Domestic violence is not gender-based; all genders have a high proclivity for violence, and the deadly consequences of domestic violence can leave an indelible mark or result in the victim's death.
The number of domestic violence cases in Nigeria is increasing by the day throughout Africa. Much of it is shared on social media after the victim has passed away. Domestic violence can be avoided if the victim reports the abuse to the appropriate authorities and also leaves the area if it appears to be unhealthy.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic abuse, often known as "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence," is a pattern of behavior intended to establish or retain power and control over an intimate partner in any relationship. Abuse is defined as physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or psychological acts or threats against another individual. Any behavior that frightens intimidates, terrorizes, manipulates, hurts, humiliates, blames, injures, or wounds someone falls under this category. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender can be a victim of domestic violence. It can happen in a variety of partnerships, including married, cohabiting, and dating couples. Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life and all levels of education. Domestic abuse can affect anyone of any age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status. A child or other relative, as well as any other household member, can be a victim of domestic abuse.
What Are The Signs Of Domestic Violent?
Domestic violence is regarded as a form of abusive behavior directed towards an intimate partner in a dating or family relationship, in which the abuser has power and influence over the victim. Domestic violence can take many forms: emotional, physical, financial, and sexual. Incidents are rarely isolated, and they tend to increase in frequency and intensity with time. Domestic violence can lead to significant physical harm or death. Early indicators of abuse are often visible throughout the courting stage, but they are often overlooked in the hope that the abuser would improve over time. The majority of the time, this is not the case because the indicators tend to become more severe. Anyone who acts forcefully when disputing with another person is at risk of domestic violence, which should be avoided at all costs.
The questions to answer to know if you are Abused?
Consider how you are treated and how you treat your spouse as you go through the following questions.
Recognizing Domestic Abuse Signs
Is your significant other...
- In front of your friends or family, embarrass or mock you?
- Do you have a list of your achievements?
- Make you feel as if you can't make a choice?
- To get compliance, do you use intimidation or threats?
- Telling you that without them, you're nothing?
- Are you being grabbed, pushed, pinched, shoved, or hit?
- Do you feel compelled to do things you're not ready for sexually?
- Make you feel as if there's "no way out" of the situation?
- Stop you from doing things you don't want to do, such as spending time with friends or family?
- Attempt to prevent you from fleeing after a fight or leave you there to "teach you a lesson" after a fight?
- Do you ever become worried about how your partner will act?
- Make excuses for your partner's actions in front of other people all the time?
- Do you believe that if you changed something about yourself, you might assist your partner in change?
- Try not to do anything that can generate a squabble or enrage your partner?
- Do you always do what your partner wants rather than what you want?
- Are you staying with your partner because you're terrified of what would happen if you split up?
If you're experiencing any of these issues in your relationship, seek help. Abuse will continue if no one intervenes. It takes bravery to call for help for the first time.
Keep this in mind: Abuse of any kind is unjustifiable. It is not your fault that you have been subjected to harassment. You are not the only one experiencing this.
There's no need to be concerned about visa threats. For your specific scenario, we provide information on distinct choices.
If you don't know the local language, don't worry. In several languages, we can assist you.
Types of Domestic Violence
1, Physical and sexual assaults, as well as threats to commit them, are the most visible forms of domestic abuse and violence, Physical abuse is defined as striking, kicking, burning, grabbing, squeezing, shoving, slapping, hair-pulling, biting, denying medical care, forcing drinking and/or drug use, or using other physical force to injure or attempt to injure a partner. If your partner does any of the following, you might be in a physically abusive relationship. and they are often the activities that alert others to the situation. However, when the abuser's other abusive actions are reinforced by one or more instances of physical violence, a bigger system of abuse emerges. Although physical assaults may only happen once or twice, they induce fear of future violent attacks and allow the abuser to dominate the victim's life and surroundings.
The Power & Authority wheel is a particularly useful tool for determining an abuser's general pattern of abusive and violent behaviors, which he or she uses to create and retain control over his or her partner or any other victim in the family. One or more violent acts are frequently followed by a slew of other forms of abuse. They are more difficult to spot, but they have a strong pattern of intimidation and control in the relationship.
When you're furious, you can damage your property (throws objects, punches walls, kicks doors, etc.).
You are pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked, or choked.
Leaves you alone in a risky or unfamiliar environment.
By driving carelessly, he terrifies you.
Threatens or injures you with a weapon.
You are compelled to leave your residence.
3, Emotional Abuse
Constant criticism, disparaging one's talents, name-calling or other verbal abuse, sabotaging a partner's relationship with the children, or refusing to allow a partner to meet friends and family are all examples of emotional abuse. If your partner:
Calls you names, insults you and criticizes you all the time.
Acts jealous or possessive because he or she doesn't trust you.
Attempts to keep you apart from your family and friends.
It keeps track of where you travel, who you call, and how much time you spend with each of these people.
Doesn't want you to do anything.
Controls or refuses to reveal financial information.
Withholds affection as a punishment.
You are expected to request permission.
Threatens to harm you, your children, family members, or pets.
In whatever way, humiliates you.
Intimidation, threats of physical harm to self, partner, or children, destruction of pets and property, "mind games," or forced isolation from friends, family, school, and/or employment are all examples of psychological abuse.
Traps you in your home or keeps you from leaving.
Prevents you from calling the police or seeking medical attention.
Hurts your children.
3, Sexual abuse: involves forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not consent. You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:Uses physical force in sexual situations. Accuses you of adultery or is envious of your relationships outside the house.
He expects you to dress in a sexually suggestive manner.
Insults you sexually or refers to you as such.
Has someone ever pushed you to have sex or do sexual acts?
During intercourse, it keeps you down.
When you're sick, fatigued, or beat up on yourself, you demand sex.
During intercourse, he or she harms you with weapons or items.
Other persons are involved in your sexual activity.
Is unconcerned with your sexual feelings.
4, Financial or economic abuse entails keeping entire control over financial resources, restricting access to money, and/or forbidding attendance at school or employment to make or attempt to make a person financially dependent.
5, Stalking.
Stalking refers to any pattern of action that is intended to harass, annoy, or intimidate the victim and serves no legitimate purpose. Repeated phone calls, unwanted letters or gifts in the mail, and monitoring at work, home, and other locations frequented by the victim are all examples of stalking behaviors.
For Victims of Domestic Violence.
Abuse of any kind is unjustifiable. It is not your fault that you have been subjected to harassment. You are not the only one experiencing this. If you suspect you or your children are being abused, report it to any appropriate authorities.
If you're unsure how to proceed, you can ask for an assistant or a person with whom you're more comfortable speaking when contacting for assistance.
You can also lookup Support Organizations to find and contact someone who can help you.
What can you do to aid domestic violence victims?
Listen to the abused individual and believe in them to let them realize they are not alone.
Encourage her or him to call a confidential hotline to speak with a specialist in the field for help.
Express worry for him/her, offer assistance, and provide resources recommendations.
If you haven't been approached directly but suspect a coworker is in an abusive relationship, contact your organization's Counseling or Ombudsman's Office. It's worth noting that abuse victims have tried and failed to exit violent relationships.
Are You An Abuser? For Abusive Partner
If you realize you're abusing your partner, your community may have services to help you stop. Several resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Even though this is a therapist's website, the advice and information may be valuable regardless of where you live.
Understand that domestic abuse is not only against the UN code of conduct, but it could also lead to criminal charges under the laws of the duty station where you work. To avoid wrecking someone's life, as well as your own, try to control your temper as much as possible. For assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you in any way we can.
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