There are some common myths about family violence.  

Myth: Family violence is a private matter between husband and wife

Fact: Family violence affects everyone, including the children. Violence is not a normal part of a marital relationship. It is unacceptable.

Myth: Fighting is part and parcel of family life.

Fact: Conflicts and differences do occur between family members. In a healthy relationship, family members compromise and seek ways of overcoming their differences. Violence is not a normal part of a family life and should not be an option.

Myth: The victim deserves it

Fact: No one deserves to be abused. Very often, the violence and anger is triggered by something which is beyond the victim's control. There is no excuse for violence. There are other ways to deal with a problem or situation without resorting to violence.

Myth: The violence will stop eventually

Fact: The violence may not stop at all. Oftentimes the violence come and goes in a cycle. After the violent incident, the abuser feels sorry and reconciles with the victim. The victim sees that the abuser is loving and regretful and believes that the abuser will change for the better. However, the tension builds up again and violence recurs. The victim lives in fear and tries to cope with the violent situation. Usually the violence gets worse and more frequent.

Myth: Family violence only occurs among the poor and uneducated

Fact: Statistics have shown that family violence can happen to any family, regardless of social, economic, occupational, educational, ethnic and religious background.

Myth: Alcohol or drugs are the causes of family violence

Fact: Alcohol may intensify violent behaviour but it is not the cause. People who drink or take drugs may not behave violently. Alcohol or drugs should not be an excuse for violent behaviour.

Myth: Abusers are violent in all their relationships

Fact: A person who is violent at home can behave reasonably and show tolerance to those who are not part of the family.

Myth: The victim can just leave if the relationship is that bad

Fact: The victim may have good reasons for not leaving. But it does not mean that the victim wants to be abused.