{"id":8728,"date":"2022-03-25T14:59:01","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T13:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/la-violence-dans-le-couple-definition\/"},"modified":"2025-10-06T10:48:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T08:48:03","slug":"understanding-domestic-abuse-and-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/en\/understanding-domestic-abuse-and-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding intimate partner violence"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column]<div class='page_wrapper_with_anchorpanel'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='vqf_anchorpanel'><div class='anchor_panel_block'><div class='inner'><span class='anchor_title'>On this page<\/span><ul><li><a href='#Sec1'>What is intimate partner violence? <\/a><\/li><li><a href='#Sec2'>Understanding the cycle of abuse <\/a><\/li><li><a href='#Sec3'>The impact of intimate partner violence<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#Sec4'>What does the law say? <\/a><\/li><li><a href='#Sec5'>The origins of intimate partner violence<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='vqf_page_wrapper'>[vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec1&#8243;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='vqf_full_col'><h2>WHAT IS INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ?<\/h2><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>For some people, abuse begins with physical violence; for others it may be psychological. However, in most cases, the different types of abuse combine and escalate over time and become increasingly dangerous.<\/p>\n<p>Often, the person experiencing abuse is unable to articulate exactly what is happening to them. This is why it is important to understand what is meant by intimate partner violene and what you can do to find the right support and help.<\/p>\n<p>For further information on the different forms of abuse:<\/p><\/div><div class='vqf_intra_links_block innerpage_intra_links'><div class='inner_row'><div class='intra_link_col'><div class='intra_link_item'><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/la-violence-dans-le-couple\/la-violence-psychologique\/' aria-label='Psychological'><\/a><div class='intra_item_inner'><div class='intra_body'><span class='intra_title'>Psychological<\/span><\/div><div class='intra_footer'><img src='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/wp-content\/themes\/vqf\/assets\/img\/icons\/arrow_black.svg' alt=''><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='intra_link_col'><div class='intra_link_item'><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/la-violence-physique\/' aria-label='Physical'><\/a><div class='intra_item_inner'><div class='intra_body'><span class='intra_title'>Physical<\/span><\/div><div class='intra_footer'><img src='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/wp-content\/themes\/vqf\/assets\/img\/icons\/arrow_black.svg' alt=''><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='intra_link_col'><div class='intra_link_item'><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/la-violence-sexuelle\/' aria-label='Sexual'><\/a><div class='intra_item_inner'><div class='intra_body'><span class='intra_title'>Sexual<\/span><\/div><div class='intra_footer'><img src='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/wp-content\/themes\/vqf\/assets\/img\/icons\/arrow_black.svg' alt=''><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='intra_link_col'><div class='intra_link_item'><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/la-violence-economique\/' aria-label='Economic'><\/a><div class='intra_item_inner'><div class='intra_body'><span class='intra_title'>Economic<\/span><\/div><div class='intra_footer'><img src='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/wp-content\/themes\/vqf\/assets\/img\/icons\/arrow_black.svg' alt=''><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Intimate partner violence affects all social classes, cultural backgrounds and types of relationship - heterosexual couples, same-sex couples and other LGBTQI+ relationships.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec2&#8243;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block media_n_text_block' id=''><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='vqf_full_col'><h2>UNDERSTANDING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE<\/h2><\/div><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Every relationship is different, but most of the time abuse takes the form of a four-phase cycle that\u2019s easy to identify once you know the signs. It can be difficult to break this increasingly vicious circle without outside support. Breaking the silence and isolation by opening up about your situation is an important step towards getting the help and support you need.<\/p><\/div><div class='left_media_block'><div class='media_box'><img src='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Infographie_cycleviolence_EN.jpg'><\/div><\/div><div class='right_text_block'><div class='vqf_text_carousel_with_cta'><div class='owl-carousel owl-theme'><div class='item'><div class='text_item'><h4>1. Tension building<\/h4><p>At this stage it may be difficult for the person being abused to express their feelings and any differences of opinion with their partner\/abuser. Perhaps the abuser wants to be in control of everything in the relationship and isn\u2019t open to negotiation. All disagreements become a source of frustration and tension grows. The victim may already see some signs of abuse but they hope it\u2019s temporary and that the situation will soon improve.<\/p><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/en\/ask-us-a-question\/' class='vqf_outline_cta'>Ask a question<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class='item'><div class='text_item'><h4>2. An incident of abuse<\/h4><p>The abuser lashes out, either to vent their anger or to resolve the conflict in their favour. The level of violence wasn\u2019t intense in Phase 01, but now, in Phase 02, the abuser is capable of anything: shouting, swearing, threatening, intimidating, slapping, hitting, and other forms of violence. The victim feels trapped, frightened and powerless. Often the only way to stop the abuse is to comply with the abuser's demands.<\/p><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/en\/ask-us-a-question\/' class='vqf_outline_cta'>Ask a question<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class='item'><div class='text_item'><h4>3. Reconciliation<\/h4><p>In this Phase, the abuser often minimises their actions and the consequences of their behaviour. They justify the abuse by blaming external problems such as stress, tiredness or unemployment.  They rationalise their behaviour by saying that they were provoked, and the victim ends up doubting themselves, feeling guilty and believing it is up to them to change in order to stop the abuse.<\/p><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/en\/ask-us-a-question\/' class='vqf_outline_cta'>Ask a question<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class='item'><div class='text_item'><h4>4. The honeymoon period<\/h4><p>When the crisis is over, the abuser apologises and promises never to do it again. They are afraid of losing their partner and will do anything to be forgiven. The victim feels a sense of hope.  They want to believe in the abuser\u2019s promises of change and they focus on putting the pain behind them by accepting the apologies and acts of kindness. This is known as the honeymoon period and the couple stays together.  <\/p><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/en\/ask-us-a-question\/' class='vqf_outline_cta'>Ask a question<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class='item'><div class='text_item'><h4>Unfortunately, the honeymoon doesn't last<\/h4><p>The spiral of abuse will begin again but it will cycle through the different phases faster and faster and the attacks will become more severe. If nothing is done, the abuse can lead to life-threatening, irreversible injuries and the risk of homicide is very real. <\/p><a href='https:\/\/www.violencequefaire.ch\/en\/ask-us-a-question\/' class='vqf_outline_cta'>Ask a question<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;block_background&#8221;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block only_for_tab'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='vqf_full_col'><h2>The impact of intimate partner violence<\/h2><div class='vqf_tabs'><ul class='tab_btns'><li data-tab='tab_1' class='actv_tab'><span>On the victim<\/span><\/li><li data-tab='tab_2'><span>On the abuser<\/span><\/li><li data-tab='tab_3'><span>On the children<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;tab_1&#8243; el_class=&#8221;tab_container_item&#8221;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block text_n_media_block'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Abuse leaves people feeling afraid, guilty, ashamed, and isolated. These feeling are completely normal- it\u2019s the situation that\u2019s not.<\/p><br \/>\n<p>As a result of this ongoing emotional turmoil, people can experience serious health and mental wellbeing problems. These include: stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, chronic fatigue, and more. Abuse and violence undermine a person\u2019s wellbeing and negatively affect their health.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='vqf_accordion_block'><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>A state of permanent high alert<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>The person being abused lives their life in a state of constant high alert. They\u2019re always worrying about the threat of abuse as it can happen at any time, for any reason.  They are always guessing their partner's intentions and trying to defuse any tension. The victim no longer has the courage to freely express their wishes and opinions because they\u2019re worried about being abused. They adjust to their partner's moods and avoid anything that could put them at risk or trigger the abuser.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Feelings of guilt <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Victims often feel guilty. They believe it\u2019s their own fault they are being abused. It's something they've said or done, or something in themselves that\u2019s wrong and is making the other person become abusive. They believe that if they change their behaviour, the violence will stop. They keep questioning and changing themselves but the abuser doesn\u2019t stop.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Loss of self-esteem <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>As a result of the abuse, the victim loses their sense of self-worth. They feel increasingly worthless and ashamed. The abuse is seen as normal and even justified and their threshold of tolerance rises to the point where they no longer realise that what they are experiencing is totally unacceptable.  Repeated abuse destroys a person\u2019s self-esteem and confidence across their relationships, families and careers.  This is made even worse by the shame of being abused, of being a 'battered woman\u2019\/'battered man\u2019. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Isolation sets in<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Under pressure from their partner, or because they want to hide their situation, victims gradually withdraw from their family and friends. They avoid socialising and going out. This loss of contact encourages the abuser to become increasingly controlling. The victim\u2019s doubts and confusion grow and they can\u2019t tell if what they\u2019re experiencing is normal or not. They feel trapped but don\u2019t know how to change the situation or escape. Many people are sure that any attempt they make to escape will fail. This situation is worsened by the belief that nobody understands or cares and they feel lonely and hopeless.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Ashamed to stay, ashamed to go back<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Victims often feel guilty because they can\u2019t leave their partner or for going back after leaving. They may be held back by a number of things - they don\u2019t want to put the children through a separation; they feel guilty about leaving their partner; they experience pressure from friends and family; there is a deep fear of retaliation and\/or losing the children. They are also worried about a lack of money and have concerns about finding work or somewhere to live. Ambivalent feelings towards their partner can also hold them back, because the abuser is sometimes kind and promises never to abuse them again. Part of them still loves their partner and wants to believe in them, despite everything. <br \/>\n<br \/>\nBreaking free from abuse takes time. Everyone goes at their own pace and it\u2019s a very personal journey. Every separation, even if it's temporary, is helpful and worthwhile. Taking space allows the victim to gain a better understanding of the destructive spiral in which they are trapped and to test their ability to live on their own and manage their lives with their children. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Abuse damages your health<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Victims of intimate partner violence, preoccupied with surviving in a hostile environment, become exhausted and drained. They often suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia and other disorders. Other health consequences include nausea, dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, back pain, headaches, nightmares, loss of appetite, loss of concentration, alcohol and\/or drug addiction, and suicidal thoughts, among others. These health problems can affect the quality of their work and lead to absenteeism, which puts them at risk of losing their job. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Physical scars, injuries, and wounds <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Physical abuse often leaves marks that can provide clues: bruises, strangulation marks, cigarette burns and other physical marks. Broken ribs, collarbones and jaws are common. Attacks can cause life-threatening, irreversible injuries. The eardrums, spleen, kidneys, abdomen and lungs are often affected. Physical violence often occurs during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage or abortion.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>From anger to retaliation<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>As well as fear and shame, victims of violence often feel anger and resentment. Some suppress their feelings because they are afraid to speak out or because they are afraid of provoking more violence from their partner. Others react aggressively. For example, they may shout, swear, or hit their partner in response to the abuse. In some relationships, both partners may use violence as a means of resolving conflict. In such cases, the couple can seek help together, as both victims and abusers. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;tab_2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;tab_container_item&#8221;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block text_n_media_block'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Violence affects everyone in the relationship, including the abuser. Each act of abuse further distances them from their loved ones and also from themselves. There are also significant legal and financial risks.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='vqf_accordion_block'><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>The abuser suffers too<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>The abuser may feel a real and painful sense of guilt. Unable to break the spiral of violence, their self-esteem is affected which can then continue the cycle of abuse.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>The relationship is at risk <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>The relationship is at serious risk if there is an environment where abuse is common. The victim is afraid of the abuser and no longer feels respected, even though they may still love them. There is a risk that the couple will separate. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Children become more distant <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Children are affected by abuse between their parents. They become afraid of the abusive parent and may avoid them. They may also become angry with the abuser. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>The abuser becomes isolated <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Even if those close to the abuser don\u2019t witness the violence directly, they often sense what is going on. As a result, loved ones may feel uncomfortable and unsure of how to react, and they will stop contact with the abuser. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>The abuser is liable for prosecution <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Police intervention, arrests, court appearances, imprisonment, a criminal record... These are all serious consequences and penalties of intimate partner violence.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Custody and visitation rights <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>In the event of separation, and in situations of danger, the abuser can be deprived of custody of their children and have their visitation rights restricted, even if they have never behaved aggressively towards them. When someone abuses their partner, they run the risk of being kept away from their children. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Financial risks <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Caught in a spiral of violence, the abuser may find it difficult to concentrate at work, becoming inefficient, irritable and at risk of losing their job. They may also suffer financially in the event of separation or divorce. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;tab_3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;tab_container_item&#8221;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block text_n_media_block podcast_media'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='left_text_block'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>When children hear their parents&#8217; shouting and distress, or witness scenes of abuse, it can be very frightening. It creates a climate of uncertainty. Although they may not express it openly, children are affected and traumatised by what their parents are going through and need to be protected.<\/p>\n<p>Small children, who are often carried by their parents, are also at risk of being hit in the event of physical abuse.<\/p><\/div><div class='vqf_accordion_block'><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Children suffer<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Intimate partner violence never leaves children unscathed. They are distressed by the unpredictable and inexplicable violent outbursts. The weight of the \"family secret\" is expressed through sadness, emotional distress, anxiety, and feelings of insecurity.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Children feel responsible <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Children tend to feel responsible for the abuse. They feel guilty and believe that they are responsible for improving the situation. Children may try to: <br \/>\n<br \/>\nCare for their parents: for example, by cheering up their depressed mother, or relieving her of her chores. <br \/>\n<br \/>\nSave the victim: intervene during a crisis to protect the abused parent. <br \/>\n<br \/>\nSelf-sacrifice: for example, get into trouble deliberately to distract attention from the victim and bring the couple closer together. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Different disorders emerge <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Children may react in different ways depending on their age and the frequency and severity of the acts of abuse. These may include: <br \/>\n<br \/>\n- bed-wetting <br \/>\n- sleep problems (nightmares, sudden awakenings, anxiety when waking up, etc.) <br \/>\n- eating disorders <br \/>\n- headaches and stomach aches <br \/>\n- agitation, or even acts of violence against themselves or other children <br \/>\n- withdrawal <br \/>\n- difficulty establishing relationships with children of the same age or even learning difficulties <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Violence affects the parent-child relationship <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>The trauma and stress of abuse can leave parents with little time or resources to respond to their children's needs. Parents may feel extremely irritable, leading to outbursts of anger and aggression towards their children. This does not mean that parents are no longer capable of loving and caring for their children, rather, it is the abuse experienced within their relationship that leads to this situation. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Risk of normalisation <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>By living in a family where abuse is rife, children run the risk of developing a high level of tolerance for it. The situation leads them to believe that abuse is acceptable behaviour, and an appropriate way of resolving conflict. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Children must be protected <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Children need support and protection if they are faced with abuse in the home. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of their children. <br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe Swiss Civil Code gives a parent in danger the right to leave the home and separate the children from the other parent (art. 274). <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Break the silence<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Discuss the situation with your child and explain that the abuse is not their fault. If possible, suggest activities outside the home so your child has time to unwind away from the tension. Explain what to do in the event of a violent incident, for example, encourage them to seek help from neighbours and ask them to call for help.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='right_media_block'><div class='media_box'><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec4&#8243;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block text_n_media_block podcast_media'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='left_text_block'><h2>WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ?<\/h2><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>Intimate partner violence is against the law. Most acts of intimate partner violence are punishable under criminal law which protects the physical, mental, and sexual integrity of all individuals.<\/p><\/div><div class='vqf_accordion_block'><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Intimate partner violence is a crime <\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>The Swiss Criminal Code prohibits acts of violence, including those committed within a relationship - married, partnered or common-law, and regardless of sexual orientation. The Code defines the different types of offences and the penalties for offenders.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Most acts of violence are automatically prosecuted<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>In 2004, the Swiss Criminal Code was amended to step up the fight against intimate partner violence. Acts of abuse committed between people who are married, in a registered partnership or in a relationship were classified as crimes that are automatically prosecuted if they are committed by one of the following:<br \/>\n-\ta partner during their marriage or within the first year following a divorce, whether or not they live in the same household;<br \/>\n-\ta partner in a registered partnership or within one year of its legal dissolution, whether or not they live in the same household;<br \/>\n-\ta partner in a homosexual or heterosexual relationship living in the same household as the victim, during the period of cohabitation or within one year of separation.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThese crimes are automatically prosecuted as soon as they are brought to the attention of the authorities (police or public prosecutor), even if the victim does not file a complaint. Anyone can report a situation of abuse to the police or the public prosecutor: the victim, a close relative, a neighbour, a professional (if the victim has waived confidentiality).<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThese crimes are automatically prosecuted:<br \/>\n-\tUsing violence or threats to intimidate one's partner, for example by forbidding them from going out alone, visiting relatives or making phone calls.<br \/>\n-\tAbducting or confining one's partner, for example by locking them in the house or a room.<br \/>\n-\tMaking serious threats, such as threatening to kill or beat one's partner, or to take their children away.<br \/>\n-\tRepeated physical violence that leaves no visible marks, such as slapping or pulling hair.<br \/>\n-\tPhysical violence that leaves visible marks, such as burns, bruises, broken noses or ribs, other fractures. One episode is sufficient.<br \/>\n-\tSerious physical violence resulting in life-threatening injury or irreversible harm including incapacity to work, disability, permanent mental illness, or serious disfigurement. One incident is sufficient.<br \/>\n-\tFailing to help the injured or endangered person, or preventing someone else from doing so.<br \/>\n-\tEndangering the life of one's partner, for example by pointing a loaded weapon at them or leaving them in an isolated place.<br \/>\n-\tCommitting or attempting to commit homicide (e.g. strangulation).<br \/>\n-\tForcing one's partner to watch pornography.<br \/>\n-\tForcing or attempting to force one's partner to perform a sexual act.<br \/>\n-\tRape or attempted rape.<br \/>\n-\tForcing one's partner into prostitution.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThese crimes can be prosecuted within a period of five to thirty years, depending on the seriousness of the offence. However, sometimes the passage of time can make it difficult to gather evidence.<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Offenses prosecuted upon filling of a complaint:<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>-\tInsults<br \/>\n-\tIsolated acts of physical violence that do not leave visible marks, such as slapping or hair-pulling<br \/>\n-\tAbusive use of communications that cause alarm or distress<br \/>\n-\tDefamation<br \/>\n-\tSlander<br \/>\n-\tDamage to property, e.g. slashed tyres, broken windows, kicked in doors<br \/>\n-\tTrespassing<br \/>\n-\tFailure to pay child support<br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe victim has three months from the time of the incident to file a complaint.<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>The violent party can be evicted from the home immediately<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>In the event of a serious incident, the police can immediately evict the abuser from the family home.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='right_media_block'><div class='media_box'><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec5&#8243;][vc_column_inner]<section class='vqf_section_block text_n_media_block block_background'><div class='vqf_container'><div class='vqf_row'><div class='vqf_full_col'><h2>THE ORIGINS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE<\/h2><\/div><div><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>The origins of domestic abuse lie within the individual, the family, the community, and society as a whole. It is the combination of different risk factors that explain the abuse rather than a single, fixed cause.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='vqf_accordion_block'><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Personal risk factors<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>-\tFragile identity and narcissistic wounds<br \/>\n-\tA history of abuse as either a victim or a witness<br \/>\n-\tPsychological or personality disorders<br \/>\n-\tA desire to dominate others<br \/>\n-\tAlcohol, drug and\/or substance abuse. There is no causal link between alcohol and violence, but it may increase the likelihood of violence<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Family and relationship risk factors<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>-\tA family history of abuse<br \/>\n-\tUnequal power within the relationship<br \/>\n-\tEmotional dependency leading to a desire to control others<br \/>\n-\tPoor communication skills and a refusal to negotiate<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Community risk factors<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>-\tCustoms and traditions that allow the use of violence<br \/>\n-\tIsolation or lack of social inclusion<br \/>\n-\tPoverty and marginalisation<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='accordion_item'><div class='accordion_header'><span class='title'>Social risk factors<\/span><\/div><div class='accordion_body'><div class='acc_body_inner'><div class='vqf_fixed_width_text'><p>-\tHistorically imbalanced gender power relations that continue to disadvantage women and gender minorities<br \/>\n-\tEconomic, social and sexual exploitation of women<br \/>\n-\tA bias towards the protection of individual privacy and the failure of the state to address the problem of domestic abuse<br \/>\n-\tThe use of violence to resolve conflicts in society<br \/>\n-\tThe prevalence and trivialisation of violence in the media<br \/>\n-\tThe legacy of repressive, authoritarian and\/or sexist education systems<br \/>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec1&#8243;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec2&#8243;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;block_background&#8221;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;tab_1&#8243; el_class=&#8221;tab_container_item&#8221;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;tab_2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;tab_container_item&#8221;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;tab_3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;tab_container_item&#8221;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec4&#8243;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_id=&#8221;Sec5&#8243;][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8728","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Understanding intimate partner violence &#8226; Violence que faire ?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Information on domestic abuse such as the cycle, origins, consequences or the law. 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