Myths About Domestic Violence

Myth 1

Domestic violence does not affect many people. It is believed that domestic violence is the most common, but least reported, crime in the United States.

Myth 2

Domestic violence is only physical abuse. Physical violence is only a part of a larger pattern of abuse. This may also include emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. Sometimes there is no physical abuse, but the abuser will use other ways to exert power and control over an intimate partner

Myth 3

Domestic abuse is only a momentary loss of temper. It is just the opposite. The abuser makes a decision to abuse. It is an ongoing behavior to enforce control through fear.

Myth 4

Domestic violence only happens in poor families. Domestic violence happens throughout all levels of society, ethnic background and religious groups.

Myth 5

Domestic violence is just an occasional slap or punch that is not serious. Victims are seriously injured. Over 30% of the women seeking care in emergency rooms are victims of domestic violence.

Myth 6 

Drinking or drug abuse causes domestic violence. Some abusers use it as an excuse for their violent behavior. One does not cause the other.

Myth 7

If the abuser is truly sorry and promises to reform, the abuse will stop. Remorse and begging for forgiveness are manipulative methods used by the abuser, as a means of control. Abusers rarely stop.

Myth 8

The victim can always walk away from the relationship. Victims believe that do not have a safe place to go. Victims do not believe they have the financial ability to go.

Myth 9

If the violent episodes do not happen that often, the situation is not that serious. Even if it only happens once in a while the threat remains. Each episode is a reminder of the previous episodes.

Myth 10

Victims have the types of personalities that seek out and encourage abuse. There are no determined personality traits that describe a victim. It is the abuser that is responsible for the abuse.