Understanding Domestic Violence

Since the start of Covid-19, there has been an increase in domestic violence cases globally and locally. At the beginning of the circuit breaker in 2020, non-government, Family Violence Specialist Centres had a 37% increase in calls just comparing the first two weeks of the circuit breaker and prior to the circuit breaker. Subsequently, it was reported that there was an average of 10% increase in family violence cases every month from April 2020 to December 2020. The upward trend continued through 2022. Majority of these cases were spousal or ex-spousal violence, followed by parental violence and child violence. These numbers have been a growing cause of concern for the country. Importantly, it was observed that some victims may not be aware that they are in an abusive relationship. As such, in this article, we hope to address some types of domestic violence one can be subjected to, the effects on its victims, and the resources that they can tap on. 

Some types of domestic violence 

Although domestic violence can exist in different ways, the following hope to cover some common ones that survivors face. 

  1. Physical. Any behaviour that results in physical harm. This includes direct bodily harm, limiting or preventing one from sleep, food, and/or a place of shelter. 

  2. Sexual. Forced to participate in nonconsensual sex acts, inclusive of sexual assault, demeaning behaviour, and infidelity. 

  3. Isolation. Prevent one from maintaining relationships or socialising with family or friends. 

  4. Emotional. The perpetrator may be hypercritical or judgemental towards oneself, ignore boundaries, and/or be dismissive of one’s opinions and feelings. 

  5. Verbal. The perpetrator may use words to threaten, blame, and/or intimidate.

These are some examples of domestic violence. However, there are other forms of domestic violence that are not included in the list above. This behaviour can also happen concurrently. 

Effects of domestic violence 

For survivors who have been through such a traumatic experience, it is common for them to experience traumatic responses. One may experience post-traumatic stress (PTS) responses. Some examples include hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, and avoidance reaction. (Find out more, points 1 and 2 under psychological impact: https://thepsychpractice.com/plog/understandingimpactofsexualassault). 

Other than PTS responses, domestic violence may cause one to experience mood disorders and affect their perception of the self. As the perpetrator is someone who is trusted and loved, the impact of their abuse can often affect many aspects of the individual’s life. Survivors could potentially develop depression or anxiety if they are unable to cope with the impact of the abuse. Furthermore, the repeated abuse that the survivor faces can make them doubt their ability to be independent and make decisions on their own. As such, self-esteem and self-worth could be severely reduced. In some instances, survivors may find it hard to trust others, a sense of hopelessness, and possibly feel uncertain about the future. 

Barriers to help-seeking 

Given the extent of the effects on survivors, it is important for one to seek help as soon as possible. There are many reasons why one may stay with the perpetrator, be it their choice or not. Commonly, survivors may fear that things would become worse if they seek help. The abuser may become more violent and/or threaten to keep the assets, properties, and children. Furthermore, survivors may not have a supportive social network that they can rely on during these turbulent and confusing times. As such, preventing them for from seeking help. 

There is no one reason why domestic violence occurs. However, help is available and easily accessible. Any family service centres near you would be able to provide help. Additionally, the following are hotlines that one can tap into if one finds themselves in this situation. 


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