85 www.rnca.ca Myths: People who are violent towards others have mental health issues. Facts: An extremely small percentage of perpetrators suffer from mental health issues. Most perpetrators are charming, persuasive and rational. The use of personal power to control others is a behavioural choice. Myths: If women really wanted to leave a violent relationship they would. Facts: Abused women leaving their partners are faced with the reality of severe physical assault or even death. Abusers may isolate their partners, depriving them of jobs and educational opportunities while maintaining control. This combined with unequal opportunities for women makes it difficult for a woman to leave a violent relationship. Myths: The community places responsibility on the perpetrator where it belongs. Facts: Most people blame the victim for staying in a violent relationship rather than questioning why the perpetrator continues the violence or why the community allows the violence to happen. Myths: Men who batter are often good fathers and should have joint custody of their children. Facts: At least 70% of men who batter their partners sexually or physically victimize their children as well. All children suffer from witnessing violence against their mother. Myths: Alcoholism and poor anger management cause violence. Facts: While a correlation exists between substance abuse and violence, no causal relationship exists. Abusers are not usually violent toward others in their life besides their partners or children, and can control themselves in social situations. www.gov.nl.ca Myths and Facts aboutViolence AgainstWomen continued
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==