Myths About Domestic Violence

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"Peace Begins in the Home"

MYTHS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

PERPETRATOR

Blames others for his/her actions: "She/he made me do it", "If she/he wasn't nagging so much I wouldn't have to get upset"
Believes he/she has the power to control others actions: "I had to make her listen"
Believes that alcohol is separate from violence: "It only happens when I dirnk"

VICTIM
Believes she/he is powerless, may become submissive: "Forget it, there's no way out"
Believes that he/she will change over time: "He/she will outgrow this phase"
Believes that alcohol is separate from violence: "He/she is a good person when they are not drinking"

CHILD WITNESS
Believes that it is victim's fault: "They got what they deserved", "He/she should have behaved to avoid violence"
Believes promises from perpetrator that violence will not occur again: "He/she promised this would be the last time"
Believes he/she is to blame: "If I would have behaved the violence wouldn't have happened"
Believes he/she is powerless: "Nobody listens to me, I am invisible"

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Believe that law should not interfere with family problmes: "This is out of our hands"
Believe that efforts to intervene in domestic violence calls are not successful: "There's no use in following up because the woman is going to end up with him anyways"
Believe that perpetrator is justified in using violence: "What did you do to make him mad?"