What is domestic abuse
Domestic abuse happens when one person in a relationship or a family, hurts their partner or family member on purpose. It is not OK. It is the opposite of how things should be in a healthy relationship where there is fairness, respect, trust, support, and shared responsibility between partners.
It is when one person in the relationship uses different ways to control the other person.
- physical
- sexual
- emotional
- psychological
- financial
- spiritual
More and more, technology like cell phones and social media are being used to track (through GPS), intimidate, bully, threaten and harass victims.
Many victims say that the emotional and psychological abuse is worse than the physical abuse and that it is harder to recover from.
Children who have seen, heard or been around the aftermath of abuse between parents or other family members are always affected, and often traumatised and terrified. It often affects their behaviour at school and how they relate to others. These children have exactly the same longterm affects as children who are direct targets of physical abuse – depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug addictions, eating and sleeping disorders, suicide to name a few.
Domestic abuse effects victims in many ways.
If you think you may be experiencing abuse, but you’re not sure:
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Look at the 1 in 3 be free app to help you identify if you’re in an abusive relationship and connect you with support services in your area
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Read about the warning signs of abuse.
If you are experiencing violence, you can get help to get safe.
Here are some options:
- Call Shine’s Free National Helpline for advice, 9am and 11pm, 7 days a week, on 0508-744-633
- Order and read the Safer Homes in NZ booklet with all kinds of info about domestic violence, your options, and community resources
- Make a Safety Plan
- Women’s Refuge
- Protection Orders & Police Safety Orders