The following information is from website http://dvrcv.org.au/about_us/relationships-violence
How we understand domestic violence
Domestic violence takes different forms and may be known as different things.
Domestic violence is also commonly known as
- Family violence
- Relationship violence
- Intimate partner violence
- Child abuse
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Domestic violence is common in Australia.
It is a pattern of abusive behaviour through which a person seeks to control and dominate another person.
Domestic violence does not take the form of a single incident. It is ongoing behaviour that gradually undermines the victim’s confidence and ability to leave the violent person. The severity and frequency of violence often escalate over time.
This violence takes many forms, none of which is mutually exclusive. While physical violence may be the most visible form, others such as sexual, emotional, social, spiritual and economic abuse can be equally harmful.
Examples include:
- Isolating a victim from family and friends
- Controlling their access to money
- Diminishing their self esteem
- Preventing them from practising their religious beliefs
- Intimidating them and
- Threatening them
Domestic violence is common in Australia. It is complex, and different from other forms of interpersonal violence.