What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is referred to being violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour in a relationship and includes social, physical, financial, sexual, emotional and mental violence. It does not have to occur within your home as long – as it happens within a relationship, it is deemed and classified to be a ‘Domestic Violence.’
Such an act occurs when someone close to you has the power and control over you and this control/abuse can be expressed in different ways.
Physical abuse:
This is where the perpetrator is hurting victim physically.
Emotional abuse:
This is when someone is emotionally abused and attacks your worth and independence.
Financial abuse:
This is when someone controls your finances and ensures that you are financially dependent on them in a manner you are always obliged to ask them for money. This is also classified as a form of domestic violence.
Social abuse:
This abuse takes place when someone insults or humiliates a partner in front of other people and ensures that the victim is isolated from family and friends and is controlled in what he/she does.
Spiritual abuse:
This form of abuse involves the perpetrator preventing the victim from having his/her own opinions about religion, cultural beliefs and values. This also includes manipulating your thoughts on spirituality in order to make the victim feel powerless.
Do you know someone who is undergoing domestic violence and what can you do about it?
Always reassure the victim that he/she can leave where he/she feel unsafe and that it is urgent that the victim talks to someone who he/she can trust such as a friend, counsellor or social worker. They should talk to the police if they feel unsafe and if their life is in danger. The police are there to protect them.
Kindly also advise the victim to reach out and obtain advice from either their solicitor or call 000 or 1800 RESPECT. Translation services are also provided via 13450 number. Please also check out your rights at www.domesticviolence.nsw.gov.au, phone:1800 656463 (NSW). Kindly remember that if you are a victim, you do not have to put up with the situation believing that you do not have a choice. You do have a choice and at no stage does one need to succumb to these excruciating circumstances.
We are all aware of the recent death of Ms. Kaur at her Glenwood home on 15 January 2018. Her husband Mr. Jagdish Singh was subsequently charged with murder. It was only upon the police investigating the matter, did the unfortunate domestic violence incidents relating to the family become public knowledge. If the community members, family members or friends had in fact known to help Ms Kaur and reach out, maybe her life could have been saved.
If you are aware of anyone or if you are undergoing domestic violence, please contact the emergency hotlines outlined above.
Please also do not hesitate to contact Freedman & Gopalan Solicitors at 02 8917 8700 in order to discuss the situation. All discussions held will of course be kept confidential and you do not have to feel obliged at any stage to put up with it for the sake of family or community.