DOMESTIC VIOLENCE : FACT OR MYTH
1. Domestic violence usually only happens in married adult couples.
MYTH - Physical abuse is as common among high school and college-age couples as married couples.
2. Boyfriends and girlfriends sometimes push each other around when they get angry, but it rarely results in anyone getting seriously hurt.
MYTH - The fact is that Domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 - 44 in the U.S. - more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. Of the women murdered each year in the U.S., 30% are killed by their current or former husband or boyfriend.
3. While females can be abusive and abuse happens in same-sex couples too, it is much more common for males to abuse their female partners.
FACT - About 95% of know victims of relationship violence are females abused by their male partners.
4. If a mother is abused by her children's father; the children are also likely to be abused.
FACT - 50% of men who frequently abuse their wives also frequently abuse their children. A child who lives in a family where there is violence between parents is 15 times more likely to be abused.
5. Most people will end a relationship if their boyfriend or girlfriend hits them.
MYTH - The fact is that nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser after the onset of violence.
6. People abuse their partners because they can't control their anger.
MYTH - The fact is that people who abuse are usually not out of control, they do it to gain power and control over the other person. They often use a series of tactics besides violence including threats, intimidation, psychological abuse and isolation to control their partners.
7. Most men who abuse their partners grew up in violent homes.
FACT - Men who have witnessed violence between parents are three times more likely to abuse their own wives and children than children of non-violent parents.
8. If a person is really being abused, it's easy to just leave.
MYTH - There are many very complicated reasons why it's difficult for a person to leave an abusive partner. One very common reason is fear - women who leave abusers are at a 75% greater chance of being killed by the abuser than those who stay.
9. Most rapes are committed by strangers who attack women at night on the streets.
MYTH - About 80% of rapes and sexual assaults are committed by a partner, friend or acquaintance of the victim.
10. A pregnant woman is at an even greater risk of physical abuse.
FACT - Pregnant women are especially at risk for abuse. It is estimated that more than one-third of pregnant women are abused. It is common for physical abuse to begin or escalate during pregnancy.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
1. What is the goal of the abusive partner ? To maintain power and control over the other partner in the intimate relationship.
2. What kind of physical abuse are mentioned ? Hitting kicking punching
3. Fill in the script with the missing words :
Emotional violence may not include physical violence but it can be equally as harmful. When someone is abused emotionally, they may be called names, humiliated, yelled at or made to feel intimidated. The abuser may try to control the other person by telling them what to do, what to wear or where they can and cannot go.
Financial abuse is when a person tries to control and limit their partner’s access to money, so that the partner will be dependent on them. One example would be if the person discouraged or disallowed the partner to work and make their own money. Another is if the person takes the partner’s money or credit card and refuses to give them back.
4. What is stalking (or harassment)? Spying on someone, following them around, not leaving when asked, sending harassing or unwanted emails or texts.
5. What is the final form of partner abuse mentioned ? Sexual (without consent or when the partner ignores boundaries)
6. Who can victims talk to ? Friends, school counselor, social worker, another trusted adult and a national hotline (toll free number).
