What is Domestic Violence?

Any woman may one day be involved in a relationship with an abusive partner. There is no typical portrait of a woman who is a victim of domestic violence, nor is there a “typical aggressor”.

In its declaration on the elimination of violence against women, adopted on December 1, 1993, the United Nations General Assembly recognized that violence is the manifestation of historically unequal power relations which have led to the domination of men over women.

Domestic violence is perpetuated across generations through sexist socialization and in turn, sexist socialization increases social tolerance for spousal abuse.

Being a victim of domestic violence is a state of helplessness which prevents a free and spontaneous reaction. The victim is not responsible for the violence she experiences.

This type of power relationship is not due to disadvantaged individuals or certain classes of people. Domestic violence strikes the rich as well as the poor. It is unrelated in any way to alcohol or drugs. Domestic violence finds its true source in domination and inequality between the sexes.

Violence does not result from a loss of control, but on the contrary, is a chosen means to dominate the other person and assert his power over her.