Domestic violence is not only in the form of physical acts, but also psychological and sexual violence. Not only injuries, health problems and even death lurk the victims of this action. Therefore, protect yourself by recognizing its forms and how to react to them.
Domestic violence (KDRT) is all forms of threats, harassment, and violence between two people who are bound by marriage or other family members, such as children. This is a form of relationship abusive and toxic which happens quite often.
Anyone has the opportunity to become a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence. However, in reality, most of the victims of domestic violence in Indonesia are women. A study revealed that about 30 percent of Indonesian women had experienced domestic violence, even some cases of domestic violence were experienced by pregnant women.
Although considered the stronger party, violence can also be experienced by men, especially men who are in same-sex relationships. This situation can be more difficult for men, because they do not want to be called weaker than their partner.
Types of Domestic Violence
Previously, it was mentioned that domestic violence is not only physical, but psychological and sexual which can happen continuously.
Threats with weapons and death are the biggest risks that can arise if domestic violence is not stopped. Signs of physical violence in the household can be seen easily, for example in the form of cuts and bruises.
Likewise, psychological violence can leave emotional scars and trigger several conditions, such as stress and depression. There are times when victims of domestic violence do not even know that they are experiencing domestic violence.
Well, there are several forms of domestic violence that you need to know, namely:
1. Emotional abuse
The following are signs of domestic violence that you may have experienced or are experiencing:
- Your partner criticizes or insults you in public.
- Your partner blames you for their rude behavior and says you deserve it.
- You often feel afraid of your partner.
- You change certain habits or behaviors to avoid getting angry with your partner.
- Your partner forbids you to work, continue your studies, or even see family and friends.
- Your partner accuses you of having an affair and is always suspicious if you are seen around or talking to other people.
- Couples are always hungry for attention with irrational reasons.
2. Intimidation and threats
In addition to being emotionally violent, couples who commit domestic violence usually often intimidate or threaten their partners, such as:
- Your partner has thrown away or destroyed your belongings.
- Your partner is constantly following you and wants to know where you are.
- Spouse threatens to kill themselves or kill your child.
- Your partner is always checking your personal belongings or reading your text messages and e-mails.
- The clothes you wear or the food you eat are controlled by him.
- Your spouse limits the money you hold, so you can't buy essentials for yourself and your children.
In addition to the things above, harassment against religion, disability or physical disability, ethnicity, race, or social strata between partners can also be categorized as domestic violence.
3. Physical violence
Physical violence is a type of violence that often occurs in cases of domestic violence. These acts of violence can take the form of hitting, slapping, kicking, strangling, grabbing, or even burning your or your child's limbs.
Not infrequently couples also tie or lock you in the house. This behavior is usually triggered by alcoholism and drug use.
4. Sexual violence
Sexual violence can also occur in victims who experience domestic violence. The following are some signs of sexual assault:
- Your partner forces you to do things you don't want to do, including sex.
- Your partner touches your sensitive body in an inappropriate way.
- Your partner hurts you during sexual intercourse.
- Couples force sexual intercourse without wearing condoms or contraceptives
- Your partner forces you to have sex with other people.
After committing an act of violence, usually the perpetrator of domestic violence will apologize and promise not to repeat his mistake, and even give a gift to atone for his guilt.
This attitude usually does not last long and the possibility that he will commit domestic violence again may occur.
Dealing with Domestic Violence
Trying to get out of an abusive relationship is often not easy. Financial dependence can be one reason to continue to survive in this dangerous situation.
Victims of domestic violence who try to run will receive even worse violence if caught. In heterosexual couples, husbands who abuse their wives also often don't want their wives to take their children away.
The longer you stay in a domestic violence situation, the greater the danger that threatens. Not only to yourself, but also to your children. If you've been wanting to get out of a life of violence and stress for a long time, here are steps you can take:
- Tell your condition to the closest person you can trust. Make sure the perpetrator is not around when you tell this.
- Document your wound with a camera and save it with care.
- Record any violent behavior you receive and when it occurred.
- Avoid fighting violence with violence, because it risks making the perpetrators take more extreme actions.
If you already have a strong determination to be ready to leave the house, there are some tips that you can do carefully, including:
- Prepare a bag containing all your essentials. Bring along important personal documents, such as identity cards, money, and medicines. Place the bag in a safe and hidden place.
- If possible, use a new number and mobile device just in case they are not tracked.
- As much as possible change the password to access your e-mail and delete any search information that you access via the internet.
- Know exactly where you are going and how to get there.
In addition, although domestic violence only occurs in husband-wife relationships and does not occur in children, children who witness violence are at risk of growing up to become individuals who also like to commit violence.
Children who often witness violence are at risk of experiencing psychological disorders, aggressive behavior, and low self-esteem. In Indonesia, Article 26 paragraph 1 of the Domestic Violence Law states that only victims can directly report acts of domestic violence to the police.
In addition, Article 15 of the Domestic Violence Law states that everyone who hears, sees, or knows of the occurrence of domestic violence is required to make efforts to prevent acts of violence, provide assistance and protection, and assist the process of applying for protection.
Victims of domestic violence can report their violence to the Integrated Service Center for Women and Children Empowerment, the National Commission for Women, or the Women and Children Service Unit at the police station.
Do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist if you experience domestic violence. In addition to providing treatment for physical and psychological injuries that you experience, doctors can also provide advice so that you can get out of this life-threatening situation immediately.