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Domestic violence - one in four women is affected

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Domestic violence - one in four women is affected

The term "domestic violence" is almost self-explanatory. It refers to violence that takes place in the home and is perpetrated by a partner. It is often limited to physical and sexual violence, but the definition is not entirely correct. It also includes verbal abuse and badmouthing in front of other people. It also includes damaging property.

Some partners tend to forbid their wives or girlfriends to have contact with other people or even prevent them from leaving the house. They try to control their partners and may even begin to terrorize them. This is also considered domestic violence. Not to be forgotten is the threat of harm against the partner herself, her friends and relatives or even her pets.

It is often difficult for outsiders to recognize domestic violence in their environment. The perpetrators often behave in a very friendly and peaceful manner in public. In addition, victims usually remain silent. They are ashamed to talk about it or simply don't dare to come out. Feartheir partner could therefore inflict even more violence on them.

This makes it all the more important to talk more about the issue of domestic violence and to raise society's awareness of it.

The sad reality: uncovering domestic violence statistics

It sounds shocking, but it's actually true: Every fourth woman between the ages of 16 and 85 have already been the victim of domestic violence. You have experienced abuse from your partner or ex-partner. Women and girls living with a disability are up to three times more likely to fall victim to domestic violence.

Violence not only places a physical burden on its victims, but also a mental one. The latter is particularly serious in the home, as this is actually considered a place of safety. Security and protection. This Feeling is completely destroyed by domestic violence and the victims have the feeling that they can no longer feel safe anywhere. This applies not only to the place, but also to the person, which actually feels like "home".

Suddenly the question arises: "If I can't even trust my partner, who can I trust?" Other interpersonal relationships are also often called into question and the victims close themselves off for fear of being physically or emotionally hurt again.

domestic violence statistics

Where does domestic violence begin? Recognizing the first signs

Domestic violence does not begin with the infliction of physical harm. Insults, oppression and paternalism are already part of it. These are the first important signs that you should be aware of.

What to do in the event of domestic violence: first steps to safety

If you are experiencing domestic violence or suspect that a friend may be affected, there are various contact points that can offer you help. For example, you can contact the violence against women helpline.

The staff will advise you on the topics of victim protection and criminal prosecution and help you to contact support facilities in your area. They will also help you find women's shelters or advice centres that specialize in helping children from violent households.

The White Ring

A very important place to go if you or a friend are experiencing domestic violence is the White ring. It offers you a personal contact person directly on site. This person will help you to leave the violent circumstances behind. He/she will accompany you to appointments with the police, court or authorities and provide emotional support.

The Weißer Ring makes help easily accessible to you and therefore checks in advance which contact points would be particularly relevant for you or your friend. To this end, the employees carry out a help check for initial psycho-traumatic counseling and initial legal advice.

domestic violence statistics

The penalties for domestic violence: a legal overview

Everyone is entitled to the Protection against Violence Act. It guarantees protection from violence for all persons in their domestic and private environment. However, the ultimate punishment for perpetrators depends on the exact form of violence. Assault or grievous bodily harm are particularly common. There are also threats, stalking and coercion.

A conviction for assault can result in a fine or up to five years in prison, and up to ten years for dangerous bodily harm. A fine or up to two years' imprisonment also awaits in the case of threats. Coercion can result in up to three years imprisonment.

The domestic violence hand signal: how it can save lives

It is not easy to talk about domestic violence. There is often even more danger, because if the violent partner finds out that you or your girlfriend are talking about it, the situation very often comes to a head. There is a special hand signal to ensure that no one has to endure violence unnoticed. This signals that you are in distress and shows others that you need help.

And this is how it works: Raise your hand and turn your palm forward. Fold your thumb in and then put your fingers down so that they cover your thumb.

Coaching and counseling: ways out of the spiral of violence

It is not easy to escape the eternal spiral that domestic violence can create. This makes it all the more important to have someone at your side who you can confide in and who will lend you a helping hand. This is exactly where Coaching relevant.

It is not uncommon for people to suffer after a violent Relationship self-esteem very strongly. It is incredibly difficult to get involved in a new partnership and to realize what a great person you actually are. Through coaching, you learn to become more self-confident again and to use the power of your thoughts. At the same time, it gives you important insights into your own Personality type and helps you to better understand yourself and the things that are important to you personally.

Are you afraid that your relationship could turn negative, even if you have not yet experienced domestic violence? Then make sure you take our Free relationship test! It gives you an initial indication of whether you are in a toxic relationship which could possibly take on violent proportions at some point!

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Reviewed by Dr. med. Stefan Frädrich

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