What is it about ?
Domestic violence refers to all the behaviors, acts or attitudes of one of the partners within an intimate relationship with a view to controlling and dominating the other partner. They include assault, threats and / or brutality of a physical, psychological, sexual or economic nature, or any combination thereof. Domestic violence can be isolated or repeated, and it can undermine the integrity of the partner, or even his socio-economic integration. This violence affects not only the victim, but also other family members, and even children. It is a form of domestic violence.
In the law, the definition is limited to violence between two people. No account is taken of the repetitive nature, nor of the possible consequences for the person concerned or the members of his family.
What is their frequency?
Domestic violence is common. Their frequency is difficult to estimate because they are often killed. Globally, 10 to 50% of women are victims of physical violence from their partner. Men are more often the perpetrators of this type of violence, but women can also be guilty of it. Pregnant women are at greater risk because domestic violence is more common during pregnancy. Mothers-to-be who are young, who have low socio-economic status, who have a low level of education, who do not have a fixed partner or who deal with drugs are more likely to be victims of domestic violence. The same goes for people who have been confronted with acts of violence during their youth.
How to recognize them?
Domestic violence usually follows a “cycle of violence”, characterized by 3 phases.
- The first phase is marked by the appearance of tensions in the relationship, which then lead to outbursts of anger. These attacks gradually worsen.
- The second phase is characterized by the appearance of verbal, physical and / or sexual violence.
- Finally, during the third phase – called “honeymoon” – the aggressor asks for forgiveness and says that everything will be fine. This is a temporary lull, during which everything seems to be going well.
Without help, this cycle will repeat itself and become more and more serious and more and more frequent. The 3 phases do not necessarily always follow one another. The first outburst of anger can thus already give rise to physical aggression.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor does not systematically question everyone about the possibility of domestic violence, but only when he notices signs that suggest such facts. On the other hand, he will always ask the question of pregnant women, who are at an increased risk of aggression from their partner.
The doctor will explore if there is any tension at home and if the person concerned is afraid to go home; he will also learn about acts of violence in the following situations:
- prenatal consultations;
- vague and unexplained symptoms;
- mental disorders such as anxiety and depression;
- behaviour change ;
- recurrent injuries;
- frequent consultations.
Studies have shown that victims appreciate a straightforward approach. The doctor will therefore ask a few direct questions, unless the partner is present:
- Have you ever felt in danger?
- Has your partner or loved one ever hurt you or tried to hurt you in any way?
What can your doctor do?
The management of domestic violence remains controversial. For some, talking about it and clearly setting the boundaries can solve the problem. Others are more categorical and advise removing the victim from his attacker, bringing in the police immediately.
Sometimes the victim refuses to disclose the problem. It can also happen that the aggressor reacts violently to this intervention. In any event, when it comes to domestic or intra-family violence, the doctor will focus above all on security and on the measures to be taken to guarantee security. The doctor will discuss the feelings and the triggering factors, and he will also ask if the children are confronted with the acts of violence. He will note the report of violence and the injuries found in the medical file and, if the victim wishes, he will issue a certificate for the police. The doctor will then refer him to the appropriate experts to offer him the necessary support.
What can you do ?
Ask for help! First, call on your immediate circle: family, neighbors, friends, a religious community or the police. This cry for help can reduce violence.
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