Domestic abuse only happens to women
The majority of victims of domestic abuse are women, but it can happen to men in both heterosexual and same sex relationships. Domestic abuse is also experienced by people who identfy as transgender or non-gender.
Why doesn’t she just leave?
Statistically, the most dangerous time for a female victim of domestic abuse is when she leaves her abuser – she is most likely to be murdered by him at this point.
There are also other significant issues to consider – leaving could mean giving up her job, losing contact with friends and family, if there are children they may have to change schools and leave their friends behind.
Alcohol and drugs cause domestic violence
Whilst there are links between people who have alcohol issues or who take drugs and domestic abuse, there is no evidence that alcohol or drugs cause domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is about having power and control over someone, whilst taking drugs or misusing alcohol may affect people in different ways, they do not make people become an abuser.
Domestic abuse only happens to people who live in bad areas
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. It doesn’t matter where you live, whether you have a job or not, how much money you earn, what your gender or sexual orientation is. People of all backgrounds, cultures and religions can experience domestic abuse.