Violence is used to:

• Stop someone doing something
• Make someone do something, or
• Punish someone for doing something.

Violence is not just physical. It includes threats, intimidation, put-downs, humiliation, sexual abuse, twisting of words or playing mind games.

Violence is frequently blamed on poverty, upbringing, anger, alcohol, drugs, lack of communication, jealousy, mental illness, stress, illness and lack of education.

But many people experience these without using violence.

Most people who use violence at home are able to be calm, patient people outside of home.

Many victims of family violence talk about how the person abusing them can switch to their nice side if visitors suddenly arrive.