Test Your Knowledge
Click the questions below to reveal the answers..
- 1. Domestic violence occurs only among working class and immigrant families?
False: Violence against women and children crosses cultural, economic, religious and educational lines.
- 2. Domestic violence is frequently a one-time thing?
False: Domestic assaults increase in frequency AND severity, if not checked.
- 3. Alcohol is usually the cause of violence against women?
False: Alcohol is often used as an excuse for violence, but it is not the cause.
- 4. Pregnant women are protected from the violent attacks of the men they live with?
False: Many women receive their first violent attack during pregnancy or just after birth.
- 5. Violence against women is a sign of the times and is aggravated by women’s changing roles?
False: Violence against women and children has been with us through the ages and was regulated by law. (“rule of thumb”)
- 6. Men who attack the women they live with are out of control or mentally ill?
False: Domestic violence is a crime, not a sickness.
- 7. A shove or a push is less worthy of attention and intervention than a punch or kick?
False: One violent act or action is a warning sign and should not be ignored.
- 8. In Canada it is not against the law for a man to sexually assault his partner?
False: Sexual assault against ANY women is a crime. Marriage is not a defense against prosecution in Canada.
- 9. Emotional abuse is usually less threatening or intimidating to the victim than a physical attack?
False: Emotional abuse is just as damaging to the victim. It induces of the same fear and threat of physical violence.
- 10. Children who watch violence against their mothers may suffer emotional trauma?
True: Children who witness violence are seriously affected and are at risk of repeating the violence in their adult relationships.
- 11. We as a society tolerate the use of physical and emotional force by men against their partners?
True: Acceptance of the home as private territory and support for the idea that women should be submissive to men send a clear message to violent men that force is acceptable.
- 12. Women who are abused by the men they live with are often weak and need others to make their decisions?
False: Abused women have great courage and determination when faced with situations of great danger and emotional stress.
- 13. Domestic crime is a civil rather than a criminal offence?
False: Violence against women is a criminal offense and police can lay a charge.
- 14. Most men who abuse women do not believe they have a problem?
True: Men who abuse usually will not admit they are responsible for their actions and will blame the women.
- 15. Some women’s attitudes provoke violence in the men they live with?
False: No attitude deserves a violent response.
- 16. If a woman didn’t want to stay in an abusive relationship she could easily leave?
False: Women often feel they must stay because they are afraid to leave. Lack of jobs, pay equity and lack of affordable housing are only a few of the barriers they face when leaving.