With so many issues that are coming out because of the pandemic, we might be neglecting something that is vital to our safety – domestic violence. Did you know that it had a major increase globally due to Covid-19? Learn more about it and about domestic violence in Singapore here.
In this article, you’ll read:
- 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence before age 50
- Domestic violence against women in Singapore
- Signs of domestic violence to watch out for
1 in 4 women around the world experience domestic violence before age 50
More than one in four women experience intimate partner violence before they reach 50. This was revealed by a recent worldwide analysis led by researchers from McGill University and the World Health Organization. The said study was the largest of its kind, covering 366 studies and involving over 2 million women in 161 countries.
McGill University Professor Mathieu Maheu-Giroux, said:
“Intimate partner violence against women — which includes physical and sexual violence by husbands, boyfriends, and other partners — is highly prevalent globally,”
Moreover, one in seven women experienced intimate partner violence within the last year of the study period between 2000 and 2018. What’s more disturbing is that high levels of violence against young women were found. An estimate of 24 per cent of women between the ages of 15 to 19 experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.
Victims are hesitant to report their experience
The numbers of victims are already alarming. However, the accurate scale of violence against women is likely even higher.
Most of the studies about domestic violence were not based on self-reported experiences. According to the researchers, given the stigmatised nature of the issue, women can be hesitant to report their experiences.
Many factors affect complex reasons why victims do not report violence, said Delia Donovan, the CEO of Domestic Violence NSW.
An individual may fear that no one will believe them. Aside from that, they are also afraid to experience victim-blaming. They feel ashamed of what happened to them and might even blame themselves at some point.
Minimising their experiences is also expected “because denial is a safer place than feeling traumatised”, says Ms Donovan.
Image source: iStock
High-income countries reported lower rates of domestic violence
Recent studies have found that high-income countries have a lower prevalence of violence both lifetime (long-term) and the past year.
The lifetime prevalence among women aged 15 to 49 was highest in Africa, South Asia, and parts of South America. Meanwhile, the regions with the lowest estimated lifetime domestic violence against women were Central Asia and Central Europe.
Moreover, the proportion of women who experienced intimate partner violence in the last year was around 5% for North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. On the other hand, the number was as high as 15% to 30% in regions of Africa.
A recent study also shows that governments are not on track to meet global targets to eliminate domestic violence.
Domestic violence against women in Singapore
According to a previous article from Channel News Asia, cases of family abuse or domestic abuse have risen in Singapore in 2020 and 2021, specifically during the circuit breaker.
From April to May of 2020, the Singapore Police Force got 476 police reports that were filed for offences associated with family violence, such as hurt, criminal force and assault, criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement.
“Family violence is something that happens behind closed doors and many have been shy to talk about it in the open. Over the years, (however), different agencies have brought the issue up to the public to (encourage) people to come forward,” said Associate Professor Faishal, Minister of State for Home Affairs at the Bedok Police Division.
Signs of domestic violence
As mentioned earlier, some women are afraid to come out or speak up about their experience with domestic violence. It can be that they are afraid of their abuser or they are ashamed of what they experienced and scared that they will be judged or ridiculed by others.
Sometimes, women just feel that it is “part of being married,” and dismiss their partner’s abusive actions.
So, how do you really spot signs of domestic violence?
It is a huge red flag if you feel afraid of your partner. You are scared to express yourself, say what you think, bring up specific topics, and say no to sex.
Regardless of why you are afraid, keep in mind that fear has no place in a healthy relationship. According to WebMD, these signs that you could be experiencing domestic abuse or violence:
Your partner bullies, threatens, or cotrols you
- Accuses you of having an affair
- Blames you for abuse
- Criticizes you
- Tells you what to wear and how you should look
- Threatens to kill you or someone close to you
- Throws things or punches walls when angry
- Yells at you and makes you feel small
Your partner controls your money:
- Keeps cash and credit cards from you
- Puts you on an allowance and makes you explain every dollar you spend
- Keeps you from working whatever job you want
- Steals money from you or your friends
- Won’t let you have money for basic needs like food and clothes
Your partner cuts you off from family and friends:
- Keeps close tabs on where you go and whom you go with
- Makes you ask for an OK to see friends and family
- Embarrasses you in front of others, and it makes you want to avoid people
Your partner physically abuses you:
- Abandons you in a place you don’t know
- Attacks you with weapons
- Keeps you from eating, sleeping, or getting medical care
- Locks you in or out of your house
- Punches, pushes, kicks, bites, pulls hair
Your partner sexually abuses you:
- Forces you to have sex
- Makes you dress in a sexual way
- Makes you feel like you owe them sex
- Tries to give you an STD
- Won’t use condoms or other birth control
How to report domestic violence in Singapore
Nobody deserves to be treated violently or abused physically, mentally or emotionally. More importantly, no child deserves to live in a hostile environment where domestic violence is happening.
If you or someone you know is encountering child abuse, adult abuse, vulnerable adult abuse or family violence-related matters, call the NAVH at 1800-777 0000.
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A Total Of 5,135 Family Violence Cases In 2020 As Reported By The Police