65% Observe Physical Aggression as the Most Common Form of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is arguably one of society’s most prevalent concerns in several countries. In some cases, abusers are unaware that they are perpetrating domestic violence. Alternatively, victims may not take action against their abusers if they are unaware that what they are experiencing is domestic violence.

Furthermore, people must recognize that domestic violence can be in several forms and that there are laws that can address their concerns. With a better understanding of it, one can take more effective action against its manifestations. Thus, Real Research, an online survey application, launched a survey seeking public opinion on the practice of the law against domestic violence in different countries. Here are the results.

Highlights:

• 50.99% have experienced or know someone who experienced domestic violence
• 74.69% are familiar with the Istanbul Convention
• 58.73% want urgent issuing of protective orders to prevent domestic violence

Domestic Violence and Its Forms

The survey seeking public opinion on the practice of the law against domestic violence in different countries, asks respondents if they are married. In response, 66.53% are married, while 13.36% have plans of marrying soon. Meanwhile, 5.88% were married but now divorced, leaving only 14.23% unmarried.

The survey then asks participants if they have ever been a victim of domestic violence or at least know someone who has. In return, 50.99% of respondents said they had personally experienced domestic violence, and 19.33% said they knew someone who had. Only 16.68% of them have never been a victim of domestic abuse.

Accordingly, the survey asks respondents about the kind of domestic violence they or someone they knew experienced. Here, the majority (65.15%) experienced physical aggression. Followed by threats (12.23%), control and domination (9.11%), and stalking (3.72%).

Domestic Violence Law and Protective Orders

Moreover, the survey asks respondents if they observe their country practicing domestic violence law. In reply, 67.98% say they do. Whereas 14.28% say they do not, and 17.74% are unsure.

Afterward, the survey asks respondents about the penalties for domestic violence in their country. In return, 60.18% say they penalize perpetrators by setting protective order that orders them to stay away from the victim. Others sanction domestic violence in different countries in the following ways: arrest and prosecution (14.04%), forced control of the aggressor (7.79%), and charging fine (7.03%).

In addition, 74.69% have already heard of the Istanbul Convention, which prevents and combats violence against women and domestic violence. Thus, leaving only 25.31% unfamiliar with it.

Consequently, the survey asks them if their country of residence has ratified the Istanbul Convention. In response, 61.57% say ‘yes’ and 13.41% say ‘no’’. Meanwhile, 25.02% are unsure.

Causes of Domestic Violence and How to Prevent It

Furthermore, the survey asks for the cause of domestic violence. Results vary on the abuser’s condition, namely being an alcoholic and drug addict (46%), being jobless (22.84%), and having poor living conditions (15.455). Meanwhile, 13.41% believe that the abuser could be a victim himself of domestic violence before as a child.

Finally, the survey reveals public opinions on what measures the state should take to prevent cases of domestic violence. On this, a majority of 58.73% choose protective orders and strict punishment for the violation. A further 17.11% want the certainty of safety for the victims, their children, and their relatives. In addition, 7.21% prefer criminalizing the act and requiring the authorities to collect evidence to support charges in court.