The Myths and Realities of Domestic Violence

Myth: Most people in abusive relationships are young and will grow out of them.
Reality: Abusers of all ages and sexes abuse their partners and/ or children. Domestic violence is about the need for power and control over their victims. Physical, mental, sexual, and emotional abuse are used to gain and maintain power and control.

Myth: Abusers are mentally ill and have anger management issues.
Reality: Abusers who abuse their family members do not hurt their friends or associates. Abusers have a tendency not to abuse their partners in public; anger can be managed.

Myth: Domestic violence incidents occur when abusers consume alcohol and illegal substances.
Reality: Some partners who abuse drugs and alcohol, both mind-altering substances, do not cause domestic violence.

Myth: Abusers do not know how to cope with stress and will not stop until they learn how to cope.
Reality: One of the favorite myths of abusers is that they are just letting off some steam; however, it’s just an excuse to continue violent behavior. Everyone has stress from time to time, but the domestic abuser should be held accountable for his actions. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS AGAINST THE LAW!

Myth: Domestic violence occurs more often in middle to lower class families and during bad weather.
Reality: Domestic violence happens in all social class and in any type of weather. Police often do not report domestic violence in wealthy neighborhoods.

Myth: Domestic violence calls are the least dangerous calls of all calls for police officers to be involved in.
Reality: Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous calls the police can handle.

Myth: The most effective law enforcement response to domestic violence calls is to settle them down or to separate for the night.
Reality: The arrest of the abuser is the way to curb more domestic violence. Almost every state has laws against domestic violence and mandates the arrest of domestic violence violators.

Myth: Victims of domestic violence do not want protection from the police.
Reality: Victims of domestic violence are fearful of their abusers and are likely to defend their abusers from the police because of their personal fears. Abusers are more likely to threaten their victims with more severe violence if people find out the truth.