Around the world at least one woman in every three has been beaten, abused or coerced into sex into her lifetime. Most often the abuser is a member of her own family. The prevalence of domestic violence is difficult to determine for several reasons: it often goes unreported, and there is some ambiguity about what should be included in the definition of domestic violence.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that only 31% of victims of domestic violence and 20% of female victims of sexual assault report the incidence to the police. Living in a domestically violent household is not easy. Some believe that leaving a domestically violent household is even more difficult. But we all have a right to feel safe.

The following posts in this section will discuss domestic violence, along with strategies to cope with it, avoid it, escape it and face it. We hope this can help many individuals understand the problem and devise solutions for themselves and for friends.

Follow-Up Posts:

  1. Types of Domestic Violence
  2. Myths About Domestic Violence
  3. Impact on Children
  4. Why Do Victims Stay?
  5. The Cycle of Violence
  6. Looking After Yourself
  7. New Relationships

Related Series: Coping with Relationship Breakdown, Coping with Workplace Harassment, Anger Management – Series