Myths vs. Reality IPV (Intimate Partner Violence)
In our society we still adhere to myths about domestic, or intimate partner, abuse, unfairly placing responsibility for the abuse on the survivor.
Myth #1: This kind of abuse does not really happen much in our community.
Fact #1: Intimate partner violence occurs in Watauga County at about the same rate as it does everywhere else. In 2010 OASIS provided services for 330 women, 5 men, and 298 children of survivors, and responded to over 1,800 crisis and information calls. And those are just the survivors who actually contacted OASIS for support. Many survivors never tell anyone.
Myth #2: This kind of abuse really only occurs to poor women or to women of color.
Fact #2: Intimate partner abuse knows no boundaries. People of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and gender can be victims of or perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Myth #3: Intimate partner abuse is caused by stress, or by alcohol and/or drug use.
Fact #3: Intimate partner abuse is about power and control. Abusers engage in a pattern of controlling and abusive behaviors to gain and keep power over his or her partner. Stress, alcohol, and drug use can make it easier for abusers to justify their abuse, but they do not cause the violence.
Myth #4: Maybe she or he did something to deserve it.
Fact #4: No one deserves to be abused, and the only person responsible for the abuse is the abuser.
Myth #5: If it was really that bad she would just leave.
Fact #5: There are many barriers to leaving an abusive relationship, including the possible escalation of danger. As the community works together to create supportive systems, survivors will feel safer and more empowered to seek safety.
