Most people recognize how dangerous domestic violence is, both physically and emotionally. But there are still many common misconceptions about domestic violence. Here are 5 prevalent myths and the reality.
1. Myth: Most people report instances of domestic violence to the police.
Reality: Half of abused women do not tell the police, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.
2. Myth: Acts of domestic violence are generally physical or sexual.
Reality: Any pattern of coercive behavior—whether it’s physical, sexual, economic, emotional, and or psychological abuse—exerted by one family member or intimate partner over another in an attempt to establish or maintain power and control constitutes domestic violence.
3. Myth: People who suffer from domestic violence recognize that they are being battered.
Reality: A victim of domestic abuse may not identify family violence (physical or emotional) as domestic violence. This is especially true if there is no physical injury.
4. Myth: All cases of domestic violence are committed by men against women.
Reality: 83% of all domestic violence cases involve women being battered by men. 17% of domestic violence acts are committed by women. Domestic violence also happens in same sex couples and among teenagers.
5. Myth: People who suffer from domestic violence always want to leave the person committing the violence.
Reality: People who are victims of domestic violence are often protective of the abuser, blame themselves for “relationship problems,” and minimize and rationalize the abusive behavior.
WJCS offers programs and services to survivors of domestic violence in Westchester county. Learn more at: www.wjcs.com/services/mental-health/trager-lemp-center.
WJCS’ Margaret’s Place program, offered in partnership with the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, provides middle and high school students in White Plains HS, Peekskill MS, and Cross Hill Academy (Yonkers) education about relationship violence as well as counseling conducted by a social worker trained in domestic violence intervention and prevention. Learn more at: www.wjcs.com/services/youth-families/margarets-place.
