Statistics show that around 1 in 4 women experience violence at the hands of a partner, and almost half of domestic violence cases go unreported. The reasons for this are varying, however a common reason is due to the stigma that victims often face after reporting the abuse they have suffered.

Many victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence due to social stigma’s that surround domestic abuse. Victims often deny the abuse that is taking place or feel they cannot report the abuse due to feeling as though they will be judged by society for remaining in the abusive relationship.

There are many victim blaming attitudes prevalent in society today and we must work together to raise awareness to stop these negative attitudes that detrimentally impact victims. Social stigma and victim blaming attitudes that surround domestic violence often makes victims feel unable to reach out for support. For example, victims with children often fear being labelled as a “bad parent” for staying with an abusive partner.

Studies have shown that people who hold domestic violence myths attribute more blame to the victim than the perpetrator.

What Does Stigma Look Like?

People can experience stigma in many different ways, but it can be defined as disapproval or negative beliefs directed at people with a specific identity or characteristics. Domestic violence victims often experience stigma in a variety of different ways, including:

  • Feelings of guilt, shame or responsibility for their abuse
  • Being perceived or treated differently by others
  • Having their experiences dismissed or denied

Stigma is often routed from ignorance, or from false beliefs or myths that people hold in relation to domestic violence and the people who experience it. Studies have shown that people who hold domestic violence myths attribute more blame to the victim, than the perpetrator.

Domestic Abuse Common Myths:

  • The belief that survivors provoked/deserved their abuse, particularly if they returned to their abusers
  • Belief that people who suffer abuse have the option to simply leave their abuser
  • The belief that an abuser “just loses their temper” sometimes
  • The belief that domestic abuse is a private matter

It is important that we continue to raise awareness of the dynamics of domestic abuse, as well as the myths and the signs to spot in order to reduce the perceptions of the stigma that cause many victims to suffer in silence.

If you feel you are a victim of domestic abuse, please do not hesitate to reach out on any of the contact numbers provided below.

Here at Ringrose Law, we offer a 24-Hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 07739 748675. Alternatively, you can email to access the support you need.

National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070 or alternatively text “NCDV” to 60777.

Lincolnshire Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency