Frequently Asked Questions

Domestic Abuse

1. How do I know if what I am experiencing is Domestic Abuse ?
2. I have not been hit by my partner. Am I experiencing domestic abuse ?
3. I don't feel that I am in danger right now. Can I still come to Glasgow Women's Aid for help ?
4. I have a disability. What additional support is available?
5. How common is domestic abuse?
6. What is the cause of domestic abuse?
7. Is domestic abuse caused by alcohol and drugs?
8. Is domestic abuse caused by mental health issues?
9. Do women choose abusive men?
10. What are the affects of domestic abuse on women?
11. Why is domestic abuse linked to pregnancy?

1. How do I know if what I am experiencing is Domestic Abuse ?

It will help you if you talk through your experiences with someone. You can contact GWA for support. (see link What is domestic abuse )

Back to top

2. I have not been hit by my partner. Am I experiencing domestic abuse ?

Domestic abuse can involve several types of behaviour including but not only physical aggression.  (see link What is domestic abuse )

Back to top

3. I don't feel that I am in danger right now. Can I still come to Glasgow Women's Aid for help ?

Yes, you can telephone or access our drop in facility. We are here to listen and support any women experiencing domestic abuse.

Back to top

4. I have a disability. What additional support is available?

Our public access office is accessible and there is a lift. Within the office we have a 'loop' and text phone. One of our refuges was specifically designed to be accessible to women and children with physical and/or sensory impairments.

Back to top

5. How common is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is very common with at least 1 in 4 women experiencing it at some point in their lives. Only a minority of incidents of domestic abuse are reported to the police.  

Back to top

6. What is the cause of domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse against a woman by a man is a misuse of power and control. Within our society men continue to be awarded privilege over women and children. Perpetrators of domestic abuse choose to behave in this way due to a sense of entitlement. As such domestic abuse by men against women can be seen as a consequence of the inequalities that continue to exist in our society.

Back to top

7. Is domestic abuse caused by alcohol and drugs?

The use of substances is not the underlying cause of domestic abuse. Many people who drink too much or take drugs do not abuse their partners or family members. Likewise, abusers may be violent without the use of alcohol or drugs.

Abusers who use alcohol or drugs may use this as an excuse for their behaviour.

Women experiencing domestic abuse may also turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of escape from the violence. Sometimes abusers will use their partners addiction as an excuse for their abuse.

Back to top

8. Is domestic abuse caused by mental health issues?

The behaviour involved in domestic abuse can lead people to believe that the perpetrator must have mental health problems. However, the vast majority of people with mental health problems do not abuse other people. If an abuser is careful about when, where and to whom they are abusive then they are displaying enough control and awareness about their behaviour to indicate they are making a choice.   

Back to top

9. Do women choose abusive men?

Women do not seek out abusive men. Usually, men who will become abusive do not display this aspect of their behaviour until the realtionship is established. It is also important to recognise that for some women domestic abuse will not be their first/only experience of abuse. Previously experiencing another form of abuse can make a woman more vulnerable to other forms of abuse, particularly if she has not received appropriate support.

Back to top

10. What are the affects of domestic abuse on women?

Women can be affected by domestic abuse in a number of ways. All women will react to their experiences in their own way, these may include any or all of the following:-

• Isolation from family and friends
• Emotional and psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem
• Poor health
• Physical injury
• If they are pregnant they may miscarry or the baby may be a stillbirth
• Loss of income or work
• Homelessness
• Long term impact on financial security/career
• Death: 2 women per week in the UK are killed by a partner or former partner 
•  

Back to top

11. Why is domestic abuse linked to pregnancy?

There is a very clear link between domestic abuse and pregnancy. In 30% of domestic abuse cases the abuse either started or escalated during pregnancy. Domestic abuse has been identified as a prime cause of miscarriage or stillbirth (Mezey,1997). Maternity services have been aware of this for sometime and as such domestic abuse will be raised with all women, in privacy, during their 'booking in' visit. When the abuse is physical injuries may be sustained to the breasts and abdomen.   

Back to top