16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children

 As we continue to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign from 25 November – 10 December. Please take the time to read below, you might save someone’s life.

 

Abusive Behaviour is:

• When a person slaps, punches, kicks, shoves, scratches, bites or throws things at their partner.
• When a person locks their partner in or out of the house or abandons them in a dangerous place.
• When a person refuses to help their partner when they are injured, sick or pregnant.
• When a person insults their partner, ridicules their beliefs, makes them feel worthless, humiliates them, makes false accusations or isolates them from friends and family.
• When a person threatens to kill their partner, or themselves

 

Signs That Someone May Be Experiencing Abuse:

• Their partner sends harassing messages or calls constantly when they are apart. 
• They seem afraid or anxious around their partner.
• Their partner limits their access to finances or financial decision making.
• They stop taking care of their own emotional and physical needs.

 

The risk assessment tool below will help you or someone you know identify the potential risk faced by remaining in contact with the abuser. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please answer honestly by checking the boxes that apply to you:

 

1. Your abuser has threatened to kill/harm you or your family.
2. Your abuser has threatened or physically assaulted you or your family, or arranged for someone else to do so, with any weapon or dangerous object (e.g. knife, pot, firearm, etc.)
3. Your abuser has harmed or killed a family pet or threatened to do so.
4. You are afraid that your abuser could harm your unborn child or children who live with you.
5. Your abuser has been convicted of the violation of a protection order.
6. Your abuser constantly insults, humiliates, degrades or blames you for all his/her problems to cause you emotional pain.
7. Your abuser has constantly stalked or harassed you in person, on social media, or via text or email or arranged for someone else to stalk you/monitor your movement.
8. Your abuser has damaged your property e.g. deflating your tyres or breaking your windows or doors etc.
9. Your abuser controls your access to your money, takes your money without your permission or refuses to allow you to work or earn an income.
10. Your partner has access to a firearm or dangerous weapons.
11. You think your abuser has a problem with substance abuse such as alcohol or drugs or prescription drugs which has or may potentially lead to his or her violent behaviour.
12. Your partner is jealous towards you, displays possessive behaviour or is controlling of you.
13. Your partner on bail or parole, has served a time of imprisonment or has recently been released from custody in relation to an offence involving violence.
14. The violence or controlling behaviour is becoming worse.

 

If you checked any of these boxes, you are at risk of further domestic violence, domestic homicide or death and we encourage you to seek help.

* 2018 Department of Justice and Constitutional Development