10 misconceptions about domestic abuse

In March 2013, Alesha Dixon led domestic violence survivors, families of victims and campaigners on a walk of hope around Westminster, as part of Avon’s ‘Speaking Out in Her Name’ campaign. Alesha is passionate about raising awareness of domestic abuse and wants to ensure that women of all ages know how to recognise the signs of an abusive relationship and how to access support should they need it.

An article published in The Metro, following International Women's Day, explored the 10 most common misconceptions about domestic abuse. In this article we include three of the misconceptions highlighted by The Metro. For a full list visit the original article here.

Misconception number 1. Alcohol and drugs make men violent

‘Drink or drugs may trigger an attack, but they are not the underlying cause of violence,’ says Polly Neate, chief executive of Women’s Aid. ‘There is only one person responsible for domestic violence – the person who is perpetrating the abuse.’

Misconception number 2. More women would leave if the abuse was that bad

‘An abused woman may fear what her partner will do if she leaves, may not have any money or anywhere to go, or think it would bring shame on her family,’ says Neate ‘She may hope that her partner will change, and believe him when he promises the violence will stop.’

Misconception number 3. Men who are abusive grow up in violent homes

‘Some children who grow up in violent homes go on to be abusive themselves but many are actually repelled by violence having seen the damage it causes,’ says Neate. ‘One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Many of us will see this in our families and most of us will not choose to perpetrate abuse.’

For the full list of all 10 common misconceptions view the original on The Metro website article here.