Domestic Violence - A Scourge On Society

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a massive human issue which is plaguing our society. Unfortunately, many Australian women and children are suffering at the hands of an abusive spouse or parent.

Many are confused as to what is defined as domestic violence - some even accept it as part of a social norm. However, domestic violence must end because it ruins lives and has no place within Australian society.

Domestic violence is any attempt to control a partner or family member within a relationship through physical, emotional and economic violence. It can affect anyone, at any stage in life. Domestic violence is often derived from a need for control and power and it can be expressed in various forms. 

Juliana - A Mermaid with a Message

After facing her own struggles with domestic abuse during her childhood, 27 year-old Juliana Bahr-Thomson is inspired to raise much needed awareness and funds for domestic violence charity White Ribbon Australia.

Juliana will be paddling 1000kms from Newcastle to Noosa, on a 42 day journey that will test her limits, both physically and mentally.

Juliana says “This paddle is my voice and symbol; it is my way of representing the struggle and personal battles I have overcome in my life.”

“Through this paddle I not only wish to create a voice and spread the awareness message, but I wish to empower and encourage girls and women to aspire towards their dreams and to have a voice of their own!”

Despite her busy life as a teacher and lifeguard, Juliana says that there are still reminders from her past in an abusive household that linger from her childhood.

“Growing up with domestic violence, you don’t realise the effect it has on you until you grow older and get the wisdom. I’m still learning to this day about what I’ve been through,” adds Juliana.

Types of Domestic Violence

There are different forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, economical and social abuse.

Physical Abuse

What may initially start as a rough shove can escalate over time in both frequency and severity. Physical abuse is when a person uses or threatens to use physical force and causes (or attempts to cause) harm to exert their own control and power over another individual. 

Economical Abuse

This is when a person controls and constantly monitors the finances of their partner, or pressures them for large amounts of money. This is a way for the person to retain all of the power within the relationship - by controlling their partner’s finances, the other person may be reluctant to leave.

Emotional Abuse

While emotional abuse may not result in physical scars, the long-term effects can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health. Emotional abuse is often used as a tool by the person to reduce a person’s confidence and sense of self-worth over time. It is also used to encourage dependence upon the partner, by constantly reinforcing their own supposed superiority. It is common for emotional abuse to be used alongside physical abuse to maintain control within the relationship.

Some kinds of emotional abuse include:

• Isolation (Not allowing the person to visit or see friends and family)

• Bullying

• Money (controlling a person’s finances and taking their money), and

• Put downs (calling someone names, blaming them for problems).

Social Abuse

Insulting you in front of friends and family, controlling where a person goes or what they do and keeping the person separated from their loved ones are all forms of social abuse. Social abuse often occurs alongside other forms of abuse.

Domestic violence in Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, between 39 to 49% of domestic violence victims are aged between 20 and 34 years of age. Police data across the states and territories also support the claim that the majority of domestic violence victims are women. Many incidents of domestic violence are not recorded, which means that even the most up to date information is based on incomplete information.

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If you or someone you know may be experiencing one of these forms of abuse, then please contact 24 hour hotline 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).