Understanding abuse
Understanding abuse is essential to recognising and naming your experience, or the experience of someone you care for.
There are several well established tools that help us understand abuse.
1. The cycle of violence
The cycle of violence shows a pattern of experiences and behaviour within a relationship where violence is occurring. Recognising the pattern is a key to finding safety and recovery. Many people find themselves stuck in this cycle. A full cycle can take place in a matter of hours, days, weeks, months or years.
https://sunshinecoastdfvcoordination.com.au/DomesticFamilyViolence/CycleofViolence-451/
or
https://www.safechoicestas.org.au/news/the-cycle-of-violence
2. The power and control wheel
The Power and Control Wheel was created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) in 1984 to both help victims of domestic violence and to educate abusers. Established in the town of Duluth, Minnesota, USA
https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/understanding-power-control-wheel/
3. Myths and misunderstandings
There are many myths and misundertandings that our society and culture reinforce. These ideas having a harmful effect for victim/survivors and make excuses for people using violence and their actions. We all play a role in recognising and debunking these myths. Read more below.
https://familyviolencelaw.gov.au/domestic-family-violence/myths-and-misunderstandings/
4. Who experiences abuse?
Anyone can experience abuse, regardless of gender, culture, sexual orientation or identity
However, in Australia, some identity groups experience abuse more than others.
For a broad range of Victorian-based statistics relating to family violence visit:
https://safeandequal.org.au/understanding-family-violence/statistics/
More information of statistics relating to people from a range of backgrounds and identity groups visit: