WINNEMUCCA - Domestic Violence is a misunderstood community issue. Misconceptions of domestic violence are reinforced in media every day. Popular shows will blame victims, movies depict a family living in poverty struggling with the effects of an abusive environment, and media outlets neglect to address incidents of domestic violence for what they are - conscious choices to commit acts of violence against a partner.
There are many myths surrounding abuse. The most common myths are below.
Myth: Domestic violence is the result of bad communication or a bad relationship.
Fact: Domestic violence is the result of a belief system. Someone believes they have the right to control the actions of their partner through the use of fear and intimidation.
Myth: An incident of domestic violence is often caused by alcohol or drugs.
Fact: The presence of drugs or alcohol does not cause domestic violence. Consuming alcohol or using drugs does not influence how an individual feels they should treat the person they care about. Many people have drug and/or alcohol problems but are never violent. Similarly, many people abstain from drugs and alcohol and are violent.
Myth: Domestic violence is more common in "lower class" families.
Fact: Domestic violence occurs in homes across all income levels. However, research has suggested that an individual's income or social status may greatly influence how and if they seek help, which creates an image of a lower class problem.
Myth: They deserve the treatment if they choose to stay.
Fact: No one deserves to feel hurt or threatened by someone they love. Choosing to leave is a difficult decision that is often complicated by financial resources, personal support systems, and the hope that the other person will change. Blaming the victim is no way to justify the choices of an abuser.
Myth: The abuser was probably just having a bad day and lost control.
Fact: Committing an act of violence is a choice. Just as people choose to control their temper in public, they choose to commit violence or threaten violence behind closed doors.
Domestic violence is an act committed against one person. Abusers choose which person they wish to control and they choose the behaviors that are most likely to influence the other person's actions. Abusers make a conscious decision to behave in ways that will control their partner. It is more than a bad day or a bad temper; it is a choice.
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