Are You Feeling Vulnerable or Intimidated?
You’re Not Alone. We’re Here to Help. Call us on 041 9844550 or Freephone 1800 929 999.
Understanding Abuse
Domestic abuse is a pervasive and deeply concerning issue that affects countless people at some point in their lives. Alarming statistics reveal that 1 in 3 women will experience psychological violence, while 1 in 6 will endure physical and sexual violence. Abuse takes various forms, but at its core, it involves one partner using manipulative tactics to exert power and control over another within an intimate relationship. This cycle of abuse often leads to escalating harm over time.
Coercive Control
Coercive control is a particularly insidious aspect of abusive relationships. It involves a range of actions aimed at making one person subordinate and dependent, ultimately shrinking their world. This may include isolating you from your support systems, exploiting your resources for personal gain, denying you the means for independence, resistance, or escape, and closely monitoring and controlling your everyday behavior. Coercive control encompasses emotional, physical, financial, and sexual aspects of domestic abuse, often accompanied by threats.
Coercive control is a CRIME. It is NOT your fault, and it is NOT ok.
Abuse and Children
Children are not passive observers in the context of domestic abuse; they are active individuals profoundly affected by their environment. Exposure to domestic abuse can have far-reaching and damaging consequences for children and young people. It can influence their cognitive processes, emotional well-being, and behavioural patterns in harmful ways. Protecting children from the effects of abuse is of paramount importance.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it is essential to reach out for help and support. You are not alone, and there are resources available to assist you in breaking free from the cycle of abuse.
Call us on 041 9844550 or Freephone 1800 929 999.
Recognising Signs of Abuse
If you recognise any of the statements below, maybe you should contact us on 041 9844550 or Freephone 1800 929 999.
My Partner:
Exerts Control
Stops me from seeing family or friends
Stops me from leaving the house
Watches my movements and constantly checks on me
Stops me from contacting my children because I left
Intimidates Me
Accuses me of flirting or having affairs with others
Constantly belittles, humiliates, and criticises me
Threatens to take away my children
Demonstrates Physical Aggression
Punches, slaps or kicks me in parts of my body/or threatens to
Pinches and/or bites me
Strangles or gags me to stop screaming
Has destroyed my belongings or property
Threatens to hurt my children
Threatens with knives/sharp objects
Controls Finances
Controls all the household money and bills
Won’t let me have access to bank accounts
Does things that prevent me from going to work
Sexual Violence
Forces or harasses me to have sex
Has beaten and raped me (also while I was pregnant)
Forced me to participate in sexual activities I don’t want to do
Uses Technology to Exert Control
To threaten to/or has put up intimate images of me online
Check my phone and online accounts including likes
To track where I am
I Often:
Feel afraid
Change my behaviour from fear of confrontation and what might happen
Ask my children to stay quiet so as not to upset my partner
Encourage my children to hide their emotions
Feel isolated from my friends and family
Doubt myself
Believe I have no control over my life