World of fear isn't just global problem, it's in our homes, too

Justin Frewen Photo/File

It is only in the past few decades that the world has focused on the horrific levels of violence perpetrated against women in times of war.

Although they have frequently been the victims of sexual violence and assault, such crimes against women - and, indeed, girls - have to a large extent been omitted from historical records.

However, during the past quarter of a century, the appalling accounts of abuse against women during conflicts has brought gender-based violence to global attention.

Surveys carried out in Rwanda, four years after the 1994 genocide, showed 39 per cent of women reported having been raped with 72 per cent claiming they knew someone who had been raped. In former Yugoslavia, it was estimated that at least 20,000 women were sexually assaulted.

These are extremely disturbing and distressing statistics and warrant serious international attention and action. Yet, women are not only subject to violence, sexual assault and abuse in conflict zones.

For most people, their home is a place of refuge - leaving the cares of daily life and work behind they are able to relax secure in their own personal living space.

For millions of women around the world, however, this haven has been destroyed by their partner.

A 2013 World Health Organisation report looking at violence against women globally shows 30 per cent of women were abused by their intimate partner, while 38 per cent of women murdered had been killed by their partner.

Sadly, New Zealand is no exception in this respect with domestic violence ranking as one of the principal causes of injury and death to women.

A 2004 study by Janet Fanslow and Elizabeth Robinson on "Violence Against Women in New Zealand" found that between 33 per cent and 39 per cent of women had been subjected to physical or sexual violence by their partner.

Shocking though these statistics are, they do not tell the whole story.

Many women report that other forms of domestic abuse are just as terrifying as physical abuse.

Women's Refuge, our most significant domestic violence agency, reports the most common form of violence experienced by the women and children it sees is psychological/emotional abuse.

Domestic violence is usually characterised by power and control, with an abuser controlling victims through coercion and fear in order to get their own way.

It frequently comprises a systematic pattern of coercive control punctuated by physical, sexual, emotional or financial violence that leaves the victim intimidated, hurt and fearful for her life, and the lives of her family. Perpetrators tend to be deliberate, manipulative and unrelenting.

Engaging in repetitive intimidation and abuse, they break down their partners, destroying their sense of self-worth and often alienating them from their family and friends.

Domestic abuse not only creates a world of fear at home for the victim.

It can affect all parts of their life and dramatically curtail their participation in society with consequent negative effects upon physical and mental health, emotional well-being, relationships and friendships and cultural connections.

Many domestic abuse victims also find it impossible to remain in employment, which makes it more difficult for them to attain financial independence, thus making it more difficult for them to move out on their own.

Given such high levels of domestic violence, most of us will know someone who has been abused. However, we will often remain unaware of this abuse as many victims feel unable to talk about their situation.

The high level of stigma and general lack of willingness to seriously and openly confront domestic violence and abuse increases the obstacles faced by women in leaving their partner and/or reporting their partner to the relevant authorities.

Justin Frewen is a Wanganui-based United Nations consultant, who has served the UN on humanitarian missions for almost 20 years