Domestic violence
Domestic violence refers to violence that occurs at the hands of someone close to a person. Violence can take many different forms and may last for a short time or for decades. The person committing the violence may be, for example, someone you are dating, a partner, an ex-partner, a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, or one’s own child. In many cultures, the concept of family is broad, meaning that a close person may also be a cousin, aunt, or uncle. Friends are often excluded from the definition of close relationships, even when they may be the closest relationship a person has.
Other terms that are used include intimate partner violence and family violence. Violence in close relationships occurs in all kinds of families and relationships, including polyamorous relationships, heterosexual relationships, and LGBTQI+ relationships.
Domestic violence has both physical and psychological effects on individuals and families. Some of the effects are short-term, while others are long-lasting and may even span generations.
It is often difficult to talk about domestic violence, but doing so is necessary in order to change the situation. Everyone has the right to receive help and to recover from violence in close relationships.
From the survivors of domestic violence, we have learnt how important it is to hear and read stories of those who have survived. We have gathered some brave survivor's stories for you in our Medium blog and TakeAction podcast (please note that these are available in Finnish and English only).
I did not see the destructive relationship I had been in all the time — Family violence survivor Miranda Siebel
“Earlier, a nurse told me something was going on with my baby daughter. She did not cry and did not start to sit up, stand up, or talk. The teacher of my son was worried about his mental health because of his drawings. I knew something was going on in our home, but I did not recognise the seriousness at all.” Read more: Medium blog
Surviving and healing from domestic violence — Survivor story Eva Wissenz
“I need to be resilient, no guilt and no shame… I think is the same need that is important to see that you are going to share your story you are just bringing oxygen to yourself, maybe people will judge you… my reaction is that we are all human and this is human business, there is no shame.” Read more: Medium blog
Domestic violence has been hidden behind the family curtains for generations. It has been a stigma or taboo which has not been talked about.
We should care about domestic violence because it is a fundamental violation of human rights; it harms individuals and communities and requires collective action to prevent and address it.
The individual stories may vary in nature, but understanding that you are not alone may encourage you to learn more about your situation.
The increasing number of domestic violence cases in the crime statistics also shows that increasing awareness is leading more and more people to report incidents.
Abuse happens within heterosexual relationships and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more often victimized, men also experience abuse.
Statistics on the prevalence of domestic violence in Germany show that one in four women after the age of 16 experience physical and/or sexual violence from current or former relationship partners.
One in four men also experience domestic violence in a heterosexual relationship. Compared to women, men experience significantly less severe physical/sexual violence and more psychological violence and control.
The annual crime statistics, which record police reports, show that around 80% of those affected are female, and around 80% of perpetrators are male.
People with disabilities are more frequently affected by (domestic) violence than people without disabilities.
No nationwide data is yet available on the prevalence of violence in same-sex and trans* partner relationships.
Due to the high extent and serious consequences of domestic violence, it is increasingly becoming a topic of discussion in public and in various support systems.
The annual social costs of gender-based violence in Europe are estimated at around 290 billion euros. Read more: European Council (2023)
