Whatʼs domestic assault?

What’s Domestic Assault?

Domestic assault is a type of violence or abuse that occurs within a intimate relationship, often between spouses, partners, or family members. It is a serious violation of human rights and can have severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for the victim. In this article, we will delve into the definition, causes, and consequences of domestic assault, as well as the laws and resources available to those affected.

What is Domestic Assault?

Definition: Domestic assault, also known as domestic violence, is the intentional or reckless use of physical or emotional force within a household or intimate relationship. This can include behaviors such as hitting, punching, slapping, choking, shoving, pushing, and other forms of physical force, as well as emotional or psychological manipulation, including intimidation, yelling, or stalking.

Types of Domestic Assault: Domestic assault can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: hitting, kicking, slapping, punching, or other forms of physical violence
• Emotional abuse: verbal assaults, including name-calling, put-downs, and other forms of belittling language
• Sexual abuse: forced or coerced sexual activity
• Financial abuse: control over one’s finances, including stealing, hiding money, or preventing access to financial resources
• Psychological abuse: manipulation, stalking, and other forms of emotional intimidation

What Causes Domestic Assault?

While the causes of domestic assault are complex and multi-faceted, research suggests that several factors may contribute to the development and perpetuation of this type of violence, including:

• Gender roles: Societal expectations around traditional gender roles, such as the belief that men are naturally more dominant and in control, can contribute to a power imbalance in the relationship and increase the risk of violence.
• Alcohol and substance abuse: Drinking or using substances can increase aggression and impulse control problems, leading to increased risk of violence.
• Childhood experiences: Children who witness domestic violence in their own households or are exposed to physical or emotional abuse may be more likely to engage in similar behavior in their own relationships.
• Stress and poverty: The stresses and economic pressures associated with poverty can increase conflict and contribute to the perpetuation of violence.

Consequences of Domestic Assault

Physical Consequences:

• Injuries, including cuts, bruises, and broken bones
• Death (in severe cases)
• Long-term physical disability
• Reproductive health problems (e.g. miscarriage, cesarean delivery)

Emotional Consequences:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Social isolation
• Loss of self-esteem and confidence

Psychological Consequences:

• Fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance
• Sleep disturbances and nightmares
• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Feeling trapped or stuck

Laws and Resources

Canadian Laws: In Canada, domestic assault is a crime and can result in fines, probation, and imprisonment. The Criminal Code of Canada defines domestic assault as follows:

"The accused did commit an assault on [name of the person who was assaulted], being at the time of the commission of the assault [name of the accused], his common-law partner."

Other Countries: While laws vary from country to country, domestic assault is recognized as a serious violation of human rights and is typically criminalized.

Resources for Survivors:

• Crisis lines: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)
• Refuges: Organizations that provide temporary shelter and support services for survivors of domestic abuse
• Counseling: Professional therapy services to help survivors process trauma and develop coping strategies
• Legal aid: Organizations that provide legal support and advocacy for survivors seeking to end their relationships with their abusers

Conclusion:

Domestic assault is a serious and pervasive form of violence that can have devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for the victim. While the causes of this type of abuse are complex and multifaceted, understanding the importance of creating safe and equitable relationships, and recognizing the warning signs of abuse, can help prevent this form of violence from occurring. For those who are affected by domestic assault, there are laws, resources, and support services available to help them heal and rebuild their lives.

Important Links:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: (1-800-799-7233)
• The Canadian Women’s Foundation: www.canadianwomensfoundation.org
• The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia: www.lisc.ca

Table: Common Warning Signs of Domestic Assault

Important Notes:

• The above warning signs are not exhaustive, and may not be present in every instance of domestic assault.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help immediately by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).
• Domestic assault is never the victim’s fault and should never be tolerated.