Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone - it transcends class, age, geographical region, culture and religion. The Scottish Government is aware that domestic abuse affects both men and women and takes a zero tolerance approach to all forms of domestic abuse.
The evidence surrounding domestic abuse shows that an overwhelming majority of cases are perpetrated by men against women.
Scottish Government figures released in November 07 show that there were 48,801 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland in 2006/07 - a figure that has increased year on year.
Violence against women won't stop unless men are part of the campaign to stop it.
The White Ribbon Scotland campaign is a new campaign that aims to:
• Endorse and clearly state the vital role of non-perpetrating men in challenging and stopping violence against women
• Identify, create and promote opportunities for non-perpetrating men to be involved in the campaign to Stop Violence Against Women in Scotland
• Increase the capacity of men in Scotland to engage in the campaign to Stop Violence Against Women, through examination and dissemination of best practice from the UK and abroad
You can support the campaign by signing the pledge at www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk
Domestic abuse can also take many forms - it's not just physical. You don't have to see bruises and scars to be experiencing domestic abuse. It can also be psychological or emotional or even financial abuse or excessive controlling behaviour, such as with-holding money, making demeaning comments and persistently putting women down. Psychological abuse wears the woman down, as it tends to happen over a long period of time and may include things like being not allowed to socialise with friends and family, constantly being undermined or ridiculed, particularly in front of people, taking away any opportunity for fun or pleasure, or making you feel like a prisoner in your own home.
In addition, children and young people are greatly affected by domestic abuse. Children were present in the same or next room in around 85 per cent of incidents. It is estimated that around 100,000 children are living with domestic abuse in Scotland. Witnessing domestic abuse at home can have a detrimental effect on children - who can then show symptoms of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Children often blame themselves for the violence happening because they can't do anything to stop it.
By witnessing incidents, threats, abuse, violence, or seeing and feeling the emotional consequences of domestic abuse, children are in fact being abused. They suffer fear, guilt, anger, intimidation and isolation as a result and they carry these feelings with them for many years. Being exposed to domestic abuse can leave children vulnerable and helpless.
Children who wish to speak to someone in confidence can call Childline on 0800 1111
Signs to look out for if you think someone you know is being abused:
• He puts her down, answers questions for her or dominates the conversation
• He checks up on her, acts like he owns her, behaves in a jealous way or stops her from socialising with other people
• She is apologetic, makes excuses for him or responds angrily if you question his behaviour
• She is nervous when he is around or makes excuses to not turn up to nights out or meetings
• She phones in sick at work, covers bruises or makes excuses for mysterious bumps
• She seems sad, lonely, withdrawn or afraid
If you or someone you know is being abused you can call the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234 calls are free, confidential and cannot be traced. The police, local authorities and rape crisis can also be contacted.
Audio Features
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Comments
iwas a victim of psychological abuse for many years!i was told by my family to get out, but i had 3 children to think of and i thought they were not sufffering at the time. but i tried to keep the family together and in doing so suffered depression, alcohol abuse, and further psychological abuse! eventually i got the courage to leave.i lived in a refuge for 6months then to a dspersed home until finally geting a home for myself and my 3 children.. i am now settled have a good job after obtaining qualifications, my children are happy too.they still see there dad but i am so much stronger than him now.. he will never make me feel like that again..if my story makes someone who is being abused think about the situation they are in and they for one minute would like to do something about it. Because it took me a very long time and i know it is sometimes the most difficult thing to do..debbie mackenzie
iwas a victim o0f psychological abuse for many years!i was told by my family to get out, but, i had 3 children to think of and i thought they were not sufffering at the time. but i tried to keep the family together and in doing so suffered depression, alcohol abuse, and further psychological abuse! eventually i got the courage to leave.i lived in a refuge for 6months then to a dspersed home until finally geting a home for myself and my 3 children.. i am now settled have a good job after obtaining qualifications, my children are happy too.they still see there dad but i am so much stronger than him now.. he will never make me feel like that again..if my story makes someone who is being abused thinks about the situation they are in and they for one minute would like to do something about it then because it tokk me a very long time and i know it is sometimes the most difficult thing to do..debbie mackenzie