Violence
violence; fighting; relationships; conflict;
Contents
WARNING!
If you are in a situation of violence it is important to think of your safety now! You cannot change someone else's violent behaviour, only they can. If your situation is an emergency call the police.
In South Australia Police Attendance Ph: 131 444.
If you require further advice, call
- Crisis Care Ph: 131 611,
- Domestic Violence Helpline Ph 1800 800 098
- Kids Helpline Ph: 1800 551 800.
So what is violence anyway? Sometimes people think it's the same as anger, it's not. And it's more than just physically hurting someone. Most people experience violence at some point in their lives, and for some, violence is something they have to deal with every day.
What is violence?
Violence is not only physical assault. It is any action that is meant to make others feel hurt, scared, small or humiliated. Violence can be:
- Physical - The use of physical force, whether it injures someone or not. Eg. holding, shoving, pushing, restraining, torturing, punching, biting, kicking, burning, hurting or killing pets, breaking possessions, using any kind of weapon etc.
- Emotional/verbal - The use of threats, intimidation or put-downs. Eg. speaking in a scary way; threatening to hurt or kill you or someone else; giving "looks" that make you scared; name calling; telling someone he or she is crazy or useless; saying things to purposely make others feel bad about themselves; bullying or harassment.
- Sexual - Forcing, manipulating or doing sexual acts to someone when she or he does not want it. Eg. touching someone where they don't want to be touched, rape, demanding or tricking someone into doing sexual things, using objects, treating someone as a sex object.
- Financial - Using money as a source of power over someone. Eg making someone dependent on you for money, forcing someone to beg or do other things for money, keeping control of all money matters, stopping someone from getting a job, selling others' things.
- Social - The use of social life to control someone or make them feel bad about themselves. Eg. not letting someone choose their own friends or doing it for them, being mean about someone's family or friends and making them feel unwelcome when they are around, insisting you do everything together, put-downs or pay-outs in public, being jealous and controlling about how and with whom you mix/spend time.
- Spiritual - The use of religion, faith or cult beliefs as a form of control or to hurt. Eg. preventing someone from keeping their own faith, forcing or manipulating you to participate in beliefs or ceremonies you don't want to, scaring or hurting you by the use of certain beliefs.
The effects
If you experience violence you may feel:
- fear for your safety or well-being - (or others around you eg. children)
- guilt or self blame for the violence - "I shouldn't have done…", "I shouldn't have said…"
- shame - "What will other people think of me?"
- being jumpy, nervous or anxious - a tap on the back or a bang and you "jump out of your skin"
- ANGER at your attacker or others for not protecting you - "you hurt me you #@%*!"
- making excuses for or playing down the assault - "it wasn't that bad", "they didn't mean to…", "this is because they were abused…"
You are never responsible for someone else's choice to act with violence. You cannot choose or change someone else's behaviour.
If you have used violence you may experience:
- an assault or other criminal charge - violence is against the law
- loss of friends, family, partners, job - violence ruins relationships
- loss of respect and trust within relationships
- fear or anxiety of the consequences of the assault - "will she leave me?", "will I have to go to jail?", "will I lose my job?"
- feel out of control of your behaviour, feelings or your life - "I couldn't stop myself"
- guilt, shame or disbelief of your behaviour - "I am a bad person for doing this"
- anger at self or others for the violence
- depression, feeling low - "look what I have lost", "what have I become?"
- a feeling of revenge - "they deserved it", "they were asking for it".
People choose to act in a violent manner. There are choices you (and only you) can make other than to hurt others or yourself. Violence can destroy lives and hurt people.
If you have witnessed or been around violence you may experience the following:
- feeling unsafe and scared - "When will it happen next?"
- fearing for your own and others' safety - "I hope mum is OK"
- worrying about losing your father, mother, child or family - "Will my family break-up?"
- uncertainty or insecurity about things around you - "I am scared all the time"
- guilt or responsibility - "I caused or could have stopped the violence"
- anger toward those who attacked or those who did not protect you or themselves
- depression or feeling helpless
- pressure or stress related to legal action involved.
You, and others who experience violence, are never responsible for another person's violent behaviour. People choose to be violent. You and your safety are most important.
Where does it happen?
Most violence happens in homes or with people we know. This is the opposite to what the media often shows us eg, the news often shows stories of women on the street being raped and murdered or grannies being bashed. Movies show punching, killing, bombing etc. Of course these happen but most often we are presented an unrealistic view of violence to get us to watch the show. The more sensational, the more likely we are to watch it.
Statistics show that women are more likely to be the victims of sexual violence, but men are more likely to be victims of assault. More women report incidents of domestic violence, but it is suggested men who are victims do not always report domestic violence when it has happened. So violence can affect anyone in our society.
Young people say they have seen violence in many situations. Here are some examples:
- parent and son/daughter - can happen both ways
- boyfriend/girlfriend/same sex attraction - intimate relationships
- defacto/wife/husband - it is estimated as high as 1 in 3 families experience violence
- work, school, social life - sexist, racist, homophobic and other forms of violence
- sport - on the footy field or basketball court, soccer violence
- media - TV, movies, books or comics
- public/street - stranger or gang
- television /the news
- violence in the workplace.
Why does it happen?
Violence or abuse can be a behaviour used to get power over other people and/or to try to look more powerful in other people's eyes. It can be an inappropriate expression of anger. We live in a society where there are power differences. If there is a power difference, or if people are seen to not "conform" or "fit in" to our society this can lead to others being violent towards them.
What are people called or what happens to them if they are not the one who is dominant or does not conform? How does it happen? Here are some ways that more powerful people can put other people down.
Age
- Called upstart, cheeky, naive etc.
- Are smacked, hit, yelled at, told to shut up, (Child Abuse).
- Are told they are to be "seen not heard" or they are to feel like a possession eg "you will do what I say, you are mine".
- Older people being told they are useless or 'senile'.
Ability
- Called stupid, thick, or other names. Are harassed, assaulted, or discriminated against.
Nationality
- Use racist names. Are harassed, assaulted etc.
Sexuality/Gender
- Called 'fagot' or 'poof'. Treated badly because they do not identify as male or female.
What else can you think of? Where do you see power differences? What do people, who are seen as "inferior", experience? What do people who act in a violent way get out of it?
Beliefs about violence
Our beliefs about violence affect the way we understand and act in all situations. Many people who act in a violent way believe incorrectly that:
- violence is acceptable and a good way to get what you want
- violence is OK because people deserve it
- they need to show they are more powerful than someone else
- they are superior to someone else because of characteristics they have
- violence is something that can not be controlled eg "I just lost it"
- masculine is to be tough, powerful and in control
- feminine is to be weak, powerless and need to be controlled
- anger always results in violence.
Violence is never OK. It is a learned behaviour. It is a choice we make based on a belief we have. We always have non-violent choices. You are the only person who has control of your choices. If you feel you have tried everything, ask for help.
There are many, many people who have experienced what you are experiencing.
Everyone can make a difference by standing up to violence. If it is not safe for you to stand up to someone who is violent, you can stand up to violence by getting help, by getting out of the situation and by making yourself safe.
Drugs and alcohol
A common belief is that alcohol, marijuana or other drug use causes someone to become violent. While there are many studies to show alcohol and other drug use are strongly linked to violence, they do not cause someone to choose to act in a violent manner. Drug or alcohol use is often used to excuse violence. Violence is never acceptable. It is against the law and can lead to charges being laid.
Think of people you know who get drunk or stoned and don't get violent. Why is it they are able to choose to behave in a non-violent manner? What do they believe about violence?
Is someone hurt?
If you or someone you know is being hurt by violence, safety is of utmost importance. Remember that you can't change someone's violent behaviour, only they can!
If you require emergency assistance call the police immediately. You may not be able to stop the violence but you can get help.
Here are some other tips:
- If you are living with a violent person, it is a good idea to have a safety plan worked out. This might include hiding some money away, having clothes packed in a suitcase, or organising somewhere to stay. Think about things like credit cards, bank accounts, passports, marriage certificate and birth certificates. You cannot stop someone's violence and you therefore may choose to leave for your own and others' safety. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of any children who witness the violence.
- If you are living in a situation of child abuse (where you are being abused, or a child is), tell someone you trust. Remember you are not the cause of the violence, it is not your fault.
- Wherever you live, if you are concerned about the safety of yourself or someone else, contact the local police or community services agency.
How can I stop myself being violent?
Making a decision to take responsibility and actually doing something to change your own behaviour is something to be proud of. Good for you! It takes tons of courage and strength of character to admit that you are violent and decide to do something about it. Many people go on in their life making excuses for their violence and letting violence take over. To take a stand against violence in your life and take responsibility for your violent behaviour shows real courage, determination and strength.
You may like to ask yourself:
- Do you want relationships where both you and other people feel respected or where they feel insecure and scared?
- Do you want people to hang out with you because of love and respect or out of fear and obligation?
- Do you want relationships where other people feel scared of you or where they feel safe and able to speak their mind?
- Do you want a life where you are under the influence of your temper or one where you are in charge of yourself?
- Do you want relationships where people move further away from you for safety or are you looking for ways to bring them closer?
Remember there is no situation where violence is OK. Here are some steps you might take.
- Think about getting help - change is very hard on your own. We all make new years resolutions we end up breaking. Change is much easier with help. There are many people who have helped lots of others before who will be really keen to help you too.
- Make a pact with yourself - Make a list of how change will make your life better. What changes do you want to make? How will you know you have changed? What do you want to achieve?
Think about where you learned about violent behaviour. Where did you learn? What beliefs do you have about power? (Return to above 'Why does it happen?') - Familiarise yourself with, and respect people's rights - see Assertiveness for further information eg. the right to feel safe; the right to have an opinion; the right to have feelings of self worth; the right to make mistakes; the right to be treated fairly etc You along with everyone else have these rights.
- Write about a time when you were violent. What triggered you? How did it begin? What was said? What did you think about? At what point did you choose to be violent? What happened afterwards? How did you feel? How might the other person have felt?
- Describe a time when you chose not to act violently - How did it begin? What happened? What was said? What did you think about? When did you make the choice to not be violent? What happened? How did you feel? List how you were able to choose to not act violently. There are many ways to express your feelings without violence. What are the ways you know?
- Make a plan to stop violence taking over your life and help non-violence become part of your life.
- What will you do to treat others fairly?
- How will you uphold other people's rights?
- What will you do when you are faced with a situation where you know you might act violently?
- What new skills might you practice? (Eg. assertiveness, conflict/negotiation, self-esteem)
- Who will help you in your changes? (It is probably most useful to find someone you have not been violent toward in the past.)
- Are there things you choose to stay away from for a while? (eg alcohol, relationships where you have been violent, drug use).
- Stick to it! When you notice yourself make a new choice or use a different behaviour, give yourself a "pat on the back". Reward yourself, do something you enjoy! Keep a record of all the benefits of the change you made. Celebrate your change with someone.
- Start and get into new things in your life. Don't let violence take your life over! Some people like to begin new friendships based on non-violence. Others like to take up new interests, eg. caving, canoeing, hiking, poetry, Tai Chi, meditation... These are ways to stand up to violence and to take back your life!
- Some people like to chat with a counsellor about the changes. Others like to check out men's groups or groups that are about confronting violence and abuse.
These are just a few tips to help start the changes you might like to make to take back control in your life. If violence continues to take over it may be helpful to look around for a counsellor who you can help you explore your violence further.
Non-violence
We can all do things to show violence is not acceptable and non-violence helps build a healthy community and life. Here are some examples.
- Speak and live non-violently everyday.
- Never bully, put-down or ridicule people.
- Pull your mates up when they are violent or bullying - tell them it is not OK.
- Join a non-violence group.
- Value difference in people and ideas. See our topic on 'Diversity and discrimination in Australia'.
- If you see violence call it what it is and don't excuse it.
- Never make excuses or blame others for your violent behaviour.
- Remind people violence is everyone's business.
- Be aware of violence on TV and in video games and how it affects people.
- Talk to children about why violence is not OK.
- Maintain everybody's right to feel safe.
- Encourage other choices rather than being violent.
These are examples of messages you can spread individually or with others. It takes all of us to help make a safer world to live in.
Violence affects everyone
We are all responsible for stopping violence. Having the threat of violence in our community affects us all. We all have to do things to make sure we are safe from violence. Here are some examples:
- a woman changes sides of the street when she notices a group of men ahead
- a family spends thousands on big fences and security devices in their home
- elderly citizens stay at home rather than go to the shops alone or walk at night
- a man is careful to 'act tough' and not get a reputation as a 'wimp' or 'gay'
- being careful about how you dress so as not to attract attention or be victimised
- a young man with a 'disability' stays away from social situations.
What else can you think of?
Resources
South Australia
- There are specially trained police officers who deal with violence in the home. Police Attendance in South Australia Ph 131 444. There are also crisis and domestic violence services to assist you.
- Phone the Domestic Violence Helpline Ph: 1800 800 098. (See our topic Relationship Violence for further information).
- You could ring Crisis Care Ph: 131611 or the Child Abuse Report Line Ph: 131478. If you want advice you don't have to give your name. If you are not safe, there are people who can help you, and they will require your name and to know where you are.
- If you have experienced rape or sexual assault it is important to think first of your safety. Remember it is not your fault, you are never the cause of violence. You could go to your local hospital or phone the Rape and Sexual Assault Service PH: 8226 8777.
- If you experience harassment or discrimination (see our topic on Harassment if you are not sure what this is) it can be helpful to have people on side. You are not responsible for other people's actions and there are laws in place to uphold this. Find someone in your school or workplace who is representative of anti-discrimination policies (all workplaces and schools in South Australia should have them). You could contact the Equal Opportunities Commission or seek Legal Advice.
- If you are concerned about the safety of a friend or relative you may also phone any of the above numbers for assistance. It is important you do not put yourself in danger and you are aware of your own and others' safety.
- Think about going to 'Men's Information Service' or 'Confronting Violence and Abuse Group for Men' for help. (See below for contact phone numbers)
Other resources in South Australia
- The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
- Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
- West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
Contact TSS via the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19,
or for mobile phone callers (08) 8303 1691, normal rates apply.
- Police Attendance in South Australia Ph 131 444.
- Your local Police Station.
- Men's Information Service Ph :8262 8818.
- Crisis Care Ph: 131611.
- Child Abuse Report Line Ph: 131478.
- Domestic Violence Helpline Ph: 1800 800 098.
- Your local Community Health Centre.
- Your School, College or University Counsellor.
- Confronting Violence and Abuse Group for Men Ph: 1800 800 098.
General
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics Crime and safety, Australia, 2005. http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
Colley D (1997). 'Interventions with Men who have been Abusive and Violent', Domestic Violence Unit Adelaide.
Creighton A, Kivel P (1990). 'Helping Teens Stop Violence - A Practical Guide for Educators, Counsellors and Parents'.
Curriculum and Gender Equity Policy Unit. 'No Fear Kit', Commonwealth Department for Employment Education and Training, ACT 1995.
Friedman B. (1996). 'Boys Talk - A program for young men about masculinity, non-violence and relationships', Men Against Sexual Assault.
Kessler, Ashenden, Connell, Dowsett, (1982) 'Ockers and Disco-Maniacs', Inner City Education Centre, Stanmore.
Miedzian M (1992) 'Boys will be Boys, Breaking the link between Masculinity and Violence', Virago Press.
Southern Domestic Violence Action Group (1996) 'No-one Need Live in Fear'.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).