Domestic violence is a typical pattern of physically, mentally or sexually abusing someone in order to gain dominance over one’s partner in a relationship. Domestic abuse is also referred to with terms such as dating abuse, spousal abuse, battering, intimate partner violence etc. One of the main reasons why most cases of domestic violence remain unreported is the belief of people that such abuse is acceptable; as in some countries women are unaware of the laws that protect them while some others leave it unreported for fear of social embarrassment.

Here are some shocking facts about domestic violence.

• It is estimated that around 1.3 million women each year are physically assaulted by their partners worldwide.

• Only 25% of all the domestic violence perpetrated by partners gets reported as a crime to the police.

• According to a report by the World Health Organisation, around 38% murders of women occur as a result of domestic violence.

• Children who witness domestic violence in their homes are twice as likely to engage in physical abuse of their spouses when they grow up.

• Marital rape, also a form of domestic violence is most widespread in developing and underdeveloped countries which lack proper laws to protect women who are victims of such instances.

• Despite the many reports and findings of domestic abuse perpetrated against men, the media and government continue to ignore the fact focusing primarily on the female victims due to their larger number.

• Women experience both fatal and non-fatal domestic abuse, the rates of which are much higher than that experienced by men, as women are more likely to suffer from chronic and injured conditions as a result of domestic violence.

• The notion of men requiring to be physically stronger keep them from reporting physical or mental abuse and it becomes difficult for men to receive justice due to prejudice and greater number of programs and laws being launched primarily for women.

• Men who are victims of violence find very few shelters due to lack of funding and some homes that impose age restrictions admitting boys not older than 13 years.

• Men experience the same psychological issues of shame, guilt, humiliation, anger and depression as women do as victims of domestic violence.

• Around 40% of gay and bisexual men are victims of domestic violence in the hands of their intimate partners.

• A survey conducted by the National Violence against Women Survey revealed that approximately 23% of men reported of being raped, or physically assaulted or stalked by their partners, ex-boyfriends or girlfriends.

• Children are severely affected by domestic violence psychologically and the homes shelter more battered children than women.

Domestic Violence cases can only be reported when the social stigma attached to it can be removed and people become more supportive, open minded and less prejudiced. Both men and women are subject to domestic violence worldwide, which is a growing concern. The victim must realise that s/he does not deserve it and s/he alone is capable of raising his or her voice seeking help and contacting necessary authorities. Often children are subject and witness to acts of domestic violence which can be extremely detrimental for their mental health leaving scarring impacts in their minds.