Useful information

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)

According to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, a natural person who experiences domestic violence or gender-based violence is referred to as a victim. (see Article 3)

In criminology, a victim is defined as the person harmed in the course of a crime. The person's rights are violated. The violation can be of various kinds: physical injury, insult, damage to property, etc..

An experiencer refers to a person who has experienced or is still experiencing violence. Unlike a victim, an experiencer might be seen as more of an active subject than an object of action.

An individual who commits a harmful or illegal act typically violates the rights, well-being, or safety of others. In the context of abuse or domestic violence, a perpetrator is someone who carries out actions that cause harm, coercion, or intimidation against another person, often within a relationship. The term is commonly used in the context of criminal or harmful behaviour, encompassing a range of actions from interpersonal offences to more systemic or organized wrongdoing.

An individual who engages in a pattern of behaviour involves mistreating, harming, or exploiting another person. In the context of interpersonal relationships, abuse can take various forms, such as physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, or financial abuse. The term "abuser" is commonly used to describe someone who exercises control, power, or dominance over another, often causing physical, emotional, or mental distress to the victim. Recognizing and addressing abusive behaviour is crucial for the future well-being and safety of those affected.

A person who has experienced violence and survived it. It can be one's own experience of self or how others see a person.

Refers to experiences or events causing intense physical or emotional distress, overwhelming an individual's coping mechanisms, and potentially leaving a lasting psychological impact.

Psychological trauma (mental trauma) is an emotional response caused by severe distressing events that are outside the normal range of human experiences, often overwhelming one's ability to cope. It can lead to lasting effects, impacting mental health and daily functioning.

A pattern of abusive behaviours, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, coercive control, or threats. Violence is used to gain control over an intimate partner or family member, creating fear and harm and a cycle of power and dominance.

Domestic violence or abuse is usually used as a term to refer to violence within a family and intimate partner violence towards a current or former romantic partner.

Violence that occurs in a relationship, former relationship, marriage or registered civil partnership, romantic or dating relationship. Violence can be mental, physical, financial, digital, sexual violence, persecution, coercive control or threats. Violence creates fear and seriously harms the victim and their children.

Gender-based violence refers to harmful actions targeting individuals based on their gender, often rooted in unequal power dynamics. It includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, coercion or control, perpetuating discrimination and posing a significant threat to the well-being of those affected.

For the purpose of the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, „gender-based violence against women” shall mean violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately“. (see Article 3)