Abuse
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Abuse
We know we are in an abusive relationship when..
Men can also be victims
Types of abuse
The Abuser
Support network
Abuse doesn't have to be Violent
The Bottom Line
Tell someone about it.
EXIT: Time to escape

Domestic abuse affects at least one in four women in Surrey and one in six men nationally. Children and young people are also affected by domestic abuse. On average, a woman will be assaulted 35 times before reporting the abuse, and domestic violence is a factor in 1 in 4 suicide attempts by women.

 

Special medical concerns

      • Sometimes you may not even know you are hurt.
      • What seems like a small injury could be a big one.
      • If you are pregnant and you were hit in your stomach, tell the doctor. Many abusers hurt unborn children.
      • Domestic violence victims can be in danger of closed head injuries. This is because their abusers often hit them in the head. If any of these things happen after a hit to the head, get medical care right away.

Memory loss
Dizziness
Problems with eyesight
Throwing-up
Headache that will not go away

Domestic abuse affects at least one in six men nationally. Children and young people are also affected by domestic abuse and domestic violence is reportedly a factor in 1 in 4 suicide attempts by women.

However, physical violence does not have to be present for a situation to be abusive. The fear of violence is often enough to control, intimidate and isolate many (if not most) of us. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or even spiritual and occurs irrespective of race, gender, class and age. It usually occurs within a family (or between partners or ex-partners) and involves the power and exercise of control by one of us over another.

Domestic abuse can also affect our housing, health, education and our freedom to live freely and without fear.

One common form of abuse is manipulation. This is often used to twist and to distort our sense of reality; this usually succeeds in us convincing ourselves that it’s ok to be abused. It’s ok, because it’s our fault. Moreover, we have no way out of our situation.

Whenever any of us experience abuse we could use the support of someone we can trust and who will listen to us in confidence. Critically, LISTEN to us without JUDGING us. A fellow human being who can give us practical advice (if we ask for it) as well as provide or signpost us to sources of help and real support. 

WE don't have to suffer in silence. Whenever any of us is being frightened, hurt or abused by anyone (including family members) we should not stay silent. Our silence is our abusers greatest weapon against us.

 

Introduction

 

Abuse has been compared with slavery.

Slavery is the social status of specific persons known as slaves who are under the control of another person the slaver or slave owner.

 

Historically, slavery has generally occurred as a means of securing the labour of the slave, without the right of the slave to refuse, leave or receive anything in return for thier labour other than food, accommodation and clothing.

 

Slaves attempting to escape would expect to be savagely beaten or even killed. Their crime being to deprive their owners of their owners property.

 

Thanks to the endeavours of individuals such as William Wilberforce and Abraham Lincoln; Slavery officially ended in the British Empire in 1833 and the United States in 1865. This being so; none of us are born into slavery, and  none of us should be kept as slaves.

 

 

 

Despite the abolition of slavery, today, unknown millions of us continue to exist as the personal property of others. Trapped in abusive relationships. Controlled and owned by those who abuse us.

 

The comparison between being trapped in an abusive relationship and being a slave is unfortunately, a tragically good comparison.

 

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