Domestic violence also known as domestic abuse, can happen to anyone. However, the problem is often overlooked, forgiven, understood, or even silenced. Recognizing and acknowledging signs of an abusive relationship is the first step to seeking help and ultimately putting an end to it. To eradicate domestic violence, it must begin with gathering as much information as possible. Here are myths about domestic violence that everyone needs to understand:

Myth 1: Domestic Violence is Only Physical.
Fact: Acts of violence towards others can be verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical. There are three basic types of domestic violence:

Physical: pushing, slapping, punching, hitting, and kicking.
Sexual: forcing unwanted sexual acts on a partner.
Psychological: verbal and emotional abuse, such as threats, intimidation, stalking, cursing, insulting, isolating the partner from family and friends, and creating financial dependency.

Domestic violence also known as domestic abuse, can happen to anyone. However, the problem is often overlooked, forgiven, understood, or even silenced.


Myth 2: Domestic Violence Only Happens to Women.
Fact: Anyone can be a victim of violence! It occurs in men, children, teenagers, and the elderly.

Myth 3: Domestic Violence Only Occurs in Lower-Class or Uneducated Communities.
Fact: Domestic violence transcends race, social classes, ethnic groups, and minority communities, including LGBT partners.

Myth 4: Anyone Abused Can Easily Leave the Abusive Partner.
Fact: Various situations and conditions make it challenging for victims to leave, including family and societal pressure, shame, financial barriers, children, and religious beliefs.

Fact: Domestic violence transcends race, social classes, ethnic groups, and minority communities, including LGBT partners.

Myth 5: Violence Occurs Solely Due to Alcohol or Drug Consumption.
Fact: Substance abuse doesn’t cause partner violence, but it can escalate it to more dangerous levels.

Myth 6: Victims Often Provoke Abusers.
Fact: Abusers are solely responsible for their actions. There is no justification for continuous physical or emotional abuse.

Fact: Both perpetrators and victims require counseling. Victims need understanding and empowerment to prevent recurring violence.

Myth 7: Domestic Violence is a Private Matter, Not My Concern.
Fact: We all have a responsibility to care for oppressed fellow human beings. It might be your friend, relative, coworker, or neighbor facing abuse. If you see signs of violence, say something. Silence implies acceptance. If you care, take action before things get worse.

Myth 8: Only Perpetrators Need Psychological Counseling.
Fact: Both perpetrators and victims require counseling. Victims need understanding and empowerment to prevent recurring violence.

Fact: We all have a responsibility to care for oppressed fellow human beings. It might be your friend, relative, coworker, or neighbor facing abuse. If you see signs of violence, say something. Silence implies acceptance. If you care, take action before things get worse.

Myth 9: All Abusers are Evil People.
Fact: Anyone can find themselves in a violent situation, and many of us may be tempted to act aggressively even if we know it’s wrong. Perpetrators may seem ordinary but display weakness, irrationality, and lack of control in close relationships. While this doesn’t excuse their behavior, they must be held accountable and encouraged to seek help, such as meeting with a psychologist.