Myths &
                                       falsehoods

1. Domestic violence is rare.
   At least a quarter of partners admit to using some degree of physical violence during their relationships. A greater number are emotionally abusive. At least 5% of men use repeated serious physical and emotional violence to control their partners.
   
   
   

2. Domestic violence is only about hitting.
   Victims regularly report emotional and psychological abuse to be even more devastating than physical violence. Almost all physical violence is preceded and accompanied by emotional violence.
   
   
   

3. Perpetrators of domestic violence are seriously mentally ill.
   While many perpetrators are depressed or have substance-misuse problems, relatively few have severe conditions such as schizophrenia or obsessive jealousy.
   
   
   

4. Perpetrators can not control their anger.
   Most perpetrators are able to control their reactions in social situations, and are abusive only in the home. Most people who are violent in the home can not be distinguished from other 'normal' members of society.
   
   
   

5. Perpetrators are driven to violence by the behaviour of their partners.
   Perpetrators are unaffected by partners' efforts to change their behaviour - the behaviour they choose to target at any time usually can not be predicted by the partner, and this unpredictability is a major means of maintaining control.
   
   
   

6. Domestic violence is widespread only among lower classes and minority groups.
   While disadvantaged groups have a higher concentration of family violence, it can and does exist at every level of society.
   
   
   

7. Domestic violence is a private affair.
   It is precisely this belief that allows it to continue and to flourish.
   
   

[This list of myths comes from The Medical Journal of Australia]