Domestic Violence Always Implies Abuse of Power Based on Inequality

Abstract

Domestic violence includes violence that occurs between family members (parents, partners, siblings, or multi-generational family members, e.g. parents and grandparents). Witnessing domestic violence refers to situations in which a child witnesses frequent and prolonged verbal or physical violence between parents or other family members. Family violence is considered to be all threatening, coercive, or controlling actions used by one family member towards another. Domestic violence is one of the most difficult emotional situations because the attacker is a person the victims trust. If there is no reaction, the consequences for the victim and all the family members can be far-reaching -anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. If there is a danger of violent behavior, it is necessary to seek the help of institutions. These are the police, the state attorney's office, the competent center for social welfare, and the health institution, which have the obligation to act further in cases of domestic violence.