It’s not easy to escape

Violence causes a lot of hurt and challenges for families and communities and is often a cycle that is passed down to the next generation.

It is important we know the signs and teach our young ones better and correct anyone that may be doing this violence. It can be a lot to deal, but it’s important we be there for the victim and offer a safe space.

Domestic and family violence are not easy to escape, especially if there are small bubbas involved. It takes time and a lot of support from family and friends and sometimes even the police/ bullyman have to step in.

These situations can last a little while or years. It’s important to stay strong and offer support even if the victim keeps going back to the perpetrator. It’s important to not get wild and give up on the victim. It is important for friends and families to not make excuses for the violence and the perpetrator as this causes more harm than good. Don’t say things like:

“It’s not like she/he got proper bashed it was just a slap.”

“She/he got a big mouth that’s why they got hit.”

“Boys will be boys.”

“He/she only go off when they drink.”

“They got kids they got to stay together.”

“He/she only smashed the house up its because they were wild for money.”

“They a good couple together just argue/ fight to much.”

In the short term, the victim can start to get depressed or lonely and can even develop a mental illness and think about hurting themselves. In the long term, domestic and family violence in extreme cases can cause disability, brain injury and serious injuries that sometimes can lead to death or the victim’s suicide.