Domestic violence

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Domestic violence
Synonyms	Domestic abuse, spousal abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV)
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Psychiatry, Psychology, Social work
Symptoms	Physical injury, psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Complications	Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, substance abuse
Onset	Any age
Duration	Can be acute or chronic
Types	Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, psychological
Causes	Complex and multifactorial, including socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, substance abuse, mental health disorders
Risks	History of abuse, substance abuse, mental illness, economic stress
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, screening tools
Differential diagnosis	Accidental injury, self-harm, mental health disorders
Prevention	Education, community programs, legal interventions
Treatment	Counseling, shelters, legal protection, medical care
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; can lead to long-term health issues if not addressed
Frequency	Affects millions worldwide; varies by region
Deaths	Significant contributor to homicide and suicide rates

A campaign poster against domestic violence in Uganda. The sign reads: Beating my wife destroyed my marriage, don't do what I did.

Domestic violence means that in a relationship or marriage, one or both of the partners uses physical, sexual or psychological violence to try to get power or control over the other or due to losing their temper. Domestic violence can occur in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. There is often a predictable pattern or cycle of violence in a relationship and the abuse tends to get worse over time. Domestic violence can be also a factor to be homelessness, as pointed out by Principles 15 of the Yogyakarta Principles.

Patterns and Consequences

Domestic violence often follows a predictable pattern or cycle of violence in a relationship, and the abuse tends to escalate over time. The consequences of domestic violence can be severe, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. Domestic violence can also be a factor leading to homelessness, as pointed out by Principles 15 of the Yogyakarta Principles.

Cultural Attitudes and Laws

In any culture or community, there are beliefs and attitudes that support domestic violence and beliefs and attitudes that do not support domestic violence. In most countries, laws exist to protect victims of domestic violence. There are also organizations that can help in such situations.

Reporting of Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, many cases of domestic violence do not get reported to the police. Estimates suggest that only a third of domestic violence cases (or even less) get reported to the authorities [citation needed].

Mental Health and Domestic Violence

Many people who use violence against their partners have mental disorders, especially antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.

See also

• Intimate Partner Violence
• Domestic Violence Hotline
• National Domestic Violence Hotline

See also

• Cycle of abuse (patterns in relationships where there is domestic violence)

References

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Domestic violence by continent