Braidwood Says No to Violence is a community group dedicated to raising awareness within the community to highlight that domestic and family violence, in any form, is not acceptable.
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Domestic and family violence is often defined as an abuse of power perpetrated by a family member, intimate partner or former intimate partner, both in a relationships and after separation.
People who use violence in the family seek to use power to dominate and control other individuals.
Violence may be categorised into nine types, and although only some of the types of violence are criminal offences, the ones that are not, have equally devastating effects on family members.
Domestic and family violence results in significant social and economic costs to the community.
Category 6: Verbal Violence
Verbal violence is any words spoken, either actual or threatened, in private or in public (including through electronic means) designed to humiliate, degrade, demean, intimidate or subjugate an intimate partner, former intimate partner or other family member.
This type of violence may also include threats of physical violence.
Put-downs, insults and shouting are all examples of verbal violence. If someone in your life 'calls you out' or blames you for not fixing family or community problems, with the intention of intimidating you, this is verbal violence. A family member who uses words or shouting that threaten your sense of safety is using verbal violence.
Although shouting at someone is not usually illegal, threatening to harm, injure or kill another person, or a pet, is a criminal offence.
As a community we equally have a responsibility to work toward the prevention of domestic and family violence and to demonstrate the unacceptability of all forms of domestic violence.
We have the choice to promote a view that all forms of domestic and family violence are unacceptable, and that those who use violence should take responsibility for their behaviour. To ensure safety of the family, there are programs available to assist people who do violence to change their behaviour and become better versions of themselves.
We also have the choice as a community to work together to empower those affected by domestic violence. Domestic and family violence is widespread and complex, and impacts on the physical, emotional, social, financial wellbeing and safety of individuals in families.
If you are experiencing family violence, there is help for you to be safe. There are both public and private resources for help or support.
Each week in this column we offer a possible contact point. Men's Referral Service offers assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence. 1300 766 491 .