Domestic Abuse: A Conversation With ‪…‬ Shereen

Leaving an abusive relationship is not easy. Abusers repeatedly go to extremes to prevent the victim from leaving. In fact, leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. One studyin America found in interviews with men who have killed their wives that either threats of separation by their partner or actual separations were most often the precipitating events that lead to the murder.
A victim's reasons for staying with their abusers are extremely complex and, in most cases, are based on the reality that their abuser will follow through with the threats they have used to keep them trapped: the abuser will hurt or kill them, they will hurt or kill the kids, they will win custody of the children, they will harm or kill pets or others, they will ruin their victim financially -- the list goes on. The victim in violent relationships knows their abuser best and fully knows the extent to which they will go to make sure they have and can maintain control over the victim. The victim literally may not be able to safely escape or protect those they love, this episode looks at why leaving is never simple.

The UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative is a multiyear effort to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world.

The initiative, launched in 2008 under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General, was created to support the civil society led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign around the world.

Managed by UN Women, UNITE calls on governments, civil society, women’s organizations, young people, the private sector, media, and the UN system to join forces to address the global pandemic of violence against women and girls.

The global theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2023, is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”
Join the global movement with the #NoExcuse campaign calling for urgent investments to prevent violence against women and girls.
Key facts on violence against women and girls
More than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their family

More than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their family

Nearly 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18

In 2021, nearly 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18

One in three women have been subjected to violence at least once in their lifetime

One in three women have been subjected to violence at least once in their lifetime

‘Parental alienation’ and ‘alienating behaviour’ have been used more and more in the family court, children’s social care, media, and social media. This episode starts a conversation about what it is and why it can be a further extension of abusive behaviour post separation.

Stalking and harassment is unwanted behaviour and attention that is repeated and causes someone distress or alarm. Stalking must be taken seriously, and research suggests it has been a factor in 94% of domestic homicides. It includes someone following a person, contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means, monitoring a person’s use of the internet, email, or other forms of digital communication, interfering with a person’s property, and watching or spying on a person. The effect of such behaviour is to curtail a victim’s freedom, leaving them feeling that they constantly have to be careful. In many cases, the behaviour might appear innocent (if it were to be taken in isolation), but when carried out repeatedly so as to amount to a ‘course of conduct’, it may then cause significant alarm, harassment or distress to the victim.
For further support visit www.paladinservice.co.uk, www.suzylamplugh.org.

‘Honour’-based violence (HBV) is an umbrella term for various forms of abuse perpetrated against a victim because he or she is believed to have done something to bring shame on the family or community. HBV can take many forms, from emotional, financial and sexual abuse through to murder. Victims of HBV are usually women and girls, whilst perpetrators typically belong to the victim’s family and/or community.

Domestic violence affects everyone in the family, including children. Although children may not be the direct targets of violence in their home, the effect of witnessing violence can have a profoundly harmful impact on their lives. In fact, research indicates that children exposed to violence in their home often suffer severe emotional and developmental difficulties not unlike those of children who are victims of abuse or neglect themselves.
When children witness abuse, over time they may begin to believe that violence at home is normal. Studies indicate that they may display more anxiety, depression, anger, and self-esteem problems than children who have not witnessed violence at home. They may also learn to avoid talking about their own feelings, blame themselves for the abuse or have physical symptoms of illness as a result of stress. Witnessing abuse can make children feel lonely and isolated from their friends and, in the worst case scenario, lead them to act out the violence they have observed. This episode we look at the impact that abuse has on children #familyviolence #domesticabuse #children