IT’S TIME we CHANGED the way we TALK ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 

It’s widely considered women are care-givers, placing the needs of others before themselves. But did you realise this philosophy prevents many women contacting domestic violence support services? The reason is, they think the problems of others are greater than theirs. 

I was shocked when I heard this was a common belief because I thought it too and I thought I was the only one.​

This was reinforced when I went to the police to report a particularly aggressive and frightening event. While the police didn’t say my abuse wasn’t bad enough for them to follow up, I left the station feeling like there was no one who would or could help me. There were others more worthy of support. 

No wonder victims often feel trapped and unable to escape from an abusive relationship. That’s why we started Escape to Better Foundation. 

Let’s stop ranking domestic violence by perceived severity. All abuse is bad and totally unacceptable. 

With domestic violence, there may or may not be physical abuse, but the threat is often there. Domestic violence also includes things like intimidation, control and verbal abuse. So whenever politicians or the media focus on physical violence or the death of women, they are gaslighting every other victim – just like their abusers. 

Please STOP evaluating domestic violence according to assumed severity. Abuse is abuse and discussions about domestic violence should focus on all forms of abuse. 

Do you think it’s time to CHANGE the way we TALK ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? 

Please tell me what you think and share this post with others so we can hear their thoughts too. Visit our website Resources page to access completely confidential resources, designed to help people escape from abusive relationships. Or Donate here so we can continue to help people wanting to escape abusive relationships.