DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

II UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The dynamics of domestic violence differ from the other forms of violence because the abuse is perpetrated by a person whom the victim loves and trusts. Domestic violence usually involves a long-term pattern of power and control, creating dependencies that complicate the ability of the victim to leave. It is not uncommon for relationships that end with domestic violence to begin as apparently healthy and happy. In fact, it is this emerging and progressive (or escalating) process of abuse that complicates a survivor’s feelings about an abuser and makes it harder to leave or get help.1

Women victims of domestic violence are at risk of developing a range of health problems caused by physical violence. Victims are also at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and forced abortion. In far too many cases, domestic violence may end in death.

Psychologically, domestic violence can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, panic attacks, alcohol/substance abuse, suicide attempts, etc. Domestic violence also has significant

1 Women’s Support Center, Armenia: Guidelines for Domestic Violence Service Providers, 2016, p.13.

consequences in the social circle of the victim. Family, friends and coworkers risk retaliation and intimidation from the perpetrator, if they try to intervene or assist the victim living in the abusive relationship.2

Children victims

of domestic violence are at risk of having developmental problems, mental problems, psychiatric disorders, educational difficulties, aggressive behavior and low self-esteem. Children living with domestic violence are more likely to commit a crime or to become abusive partners in future relationships. They are more likely to view violence as acceptable. The Istanbul Convention also recognizes the severe impact that domestic violence has on children, both as victims and as witnesses.3

Domestic violence has serious consequences for the society as a whole. Those refer not only to the cost of the fight against violence and the cost of medical and mental health care services, but also to the decreased contributions of victims to society, including the loss of work productivity.

Further, isolating women or forbidding them to get an education or work impoverishes the family and slows down the socio-economic development of Armenia.4

If perpetrators are not held accountable, the society sends a message that the violence is acceptable and tolerated. This approach can result in more serious violence, and deters future victims from reporting and seeking help.

2 Council of Europe, Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence against Women: A learning resource for training law enforcement and justice officers, 2016, p. 15-16. 3 See https://rm.coe.int/168008482e. 4 Council of Europe, Police Response to Violence against Women and Domestic Violence in Armenia, 2018, p.10-11.