August 98 Rural Bulletin - Domestic Violence . The effects of domestic violence are far reaching, long term and devastating for individuals, families, communities and society.
Abuse occurs when significant harm is caused by the behaviour.
It may be one serious event or a pattern of behaviour. Many people have inherited the attitudes that assume that men are entitled to power and control in the domestic situation, and that women should behave in a way that supports that position. The law buttressed this view - rape in marriage was not an offence in this country until 1986. The power and control wheel is a useful way of analysing violence in relation-ships. The wheel illustrates the factors that characterise violent relationships, and the tactics used to maintain power and control.