God's mercies are new every morning. Also for those discarded and unloved. It is the right of every man, woman, and child to have a safe place to stay, a meal to enjoy, to be loved and accepted.

Domestic violence is a systematic pattern of controlling, coercing, and violent behavior intended to punish, abuse, and ultimately control the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of another.

Emotional Abuse

• Isolation
• Intimidation
• Mind games
• Manipulation
• Blackmail
• Suicide threats
• Destruction of property
• Unpredictable behavior
• Shaming
• Abuse of animals

Verbal Abuse

• Insults
• Harassing
• Name-calling
• Yelling
• Blaming
• Denying
• Threats
• Minimising

Physical Abuse

• Pushing
• Restraining
• Hair-pulling
• Rape
• Strangling
• Hitting
• Kicking
• Use of Weapons

Economic Abuse

• Preventing Employment
• Denying family access

Who does it Affect?

Domestic violence not only has a devastating physical and emotional affect on the victim(s), but also have a significant impact on those surrounding the victim(s).

Children learn how to behave and interact at a young age. Being exposed to violence increase the chance of the child growing up to become involved in an abusive or violent relationship too.

The possible effects of exposure to domestic or family violence can include:

• Physical injury
• Depression
• Anger, hitting and biting
• Anxiety
• Poor sleeping habits
• Withdrawing behavior
• Low self-esteem

What to do to stop Domestic Violence

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may feel like you have nowhere to go, or no one to turn to.

This is NOT true!

You can report your partner to the police or seek advice and support from a support group or organisation

Did you know that domestic violence has more repeat victims than any other crimes? On average, a victim suffers 35 assaults before reporting it to the police.

Stop the cycle of abuse and report it now!

How to help a friend or family member in a domestic violent position

• Remind them that this is NOT their fault - no one deserves abuse!
• BELIEVE them! You may be the first to listen or validate their experience
• Explain that you are afraid for their safety and the safety of their children
• Be patient. Don't expect them to have all the answers immediately
• Help them relocate resources in a place of safety
• REMEMBER: They are taking a huge risk by talking to you about their abuse.