In all levels of society, amongst friends and family, in law and the criminal justice system, within institutions such as the Police, Social Services and CAFCASS, there are deep rooted misconceptions about what domestic abuse and violence against women is, how and why it happens, and who is responsible.
Women who suffer abuse are often portrayed as ‘weak’ or ‘victims’. They are frequently asked the question ‘what type of woman does abuse happen to’, as if the responsibility for the violence lies with them instead of with the perpetrator. Women who leave abusive situations learn quickly that they are not only victimised by their perpetrators, but also by the misconceptions and misinformation about domestic abuse and violence against women that exists in wider society.
Conversations about Abuse aims to contribute to current public debates by challenging myths and misunderstandings about the many forms of violence against women that shape public perception and social institutions. It intends to start new conversations that are informed by experience and based on insights from feminism, politics and policy analysis. It intends to be useful to victims and survivors, those who work in the field, academics and policy makers.
Conversations about Abuse is run by Dr Mireille Hebing, who lived in a severe situation of domestic abuse with her children for nine years. Since Mireille left the relationship, she has had support from local domestic abuse services, has attended support groups and workshops, and in protecting herself and her children has extensive experience of dealing with Police, Social Services, CAFCASS and Family Courts. She is the Head of Programmes of International Relations, Politics and Law at Regent’s University London and has experience of working in the women’s sector.
All friends and fellow survivors who contribute to Conversations about Abuse have given their consent, for reasons of anonymity their names are pseudonyms.
Mireille