I chose the chapter from Lundy Bancroft’s book entitled: The Mythology. I chose this chapter for further study, because with belief in these myths being so widespread, it creates complications not only for the victim, but for society as well. Abusers intentionally say and behave in manners that intend to confuse those around them. His goal is to prevent his partner from seeing through the fog of confusion to the methodology of his abuse. He doesn’t want anyone to think that he is in control of his abusive nature so that he can deflect blame onto other people, such as his current partner, previous partner, or even his mother. The majority of myths out there explaining away the abusers’ actions are actually created by those doing the abusing. By creating these myths, abusers are able to confuse those around them as to the root of their problems. This gives him power, power to control his partner, power to recruit others to be on his side, and power to avoid any sort of consequences. This power is lost once those around him figure out the truth behind the abuse.
Below you will find several links. Two are to websites and one is to an article. I chose the websites that I did because they provide a well rounded overview of the myths that exist in our world and what the truth behind these myths really is. The article that I chose also dispels many of the myths, common and not so common, that make it more difficult to see the abuse that is happening This makes getting out of an abusive situation more difficult for the victim. Following these articles you will find a video clip. I chose this clip because it provides a deeper understanding into the signs of abuse as well as the common misconceptions held by family and friends of the victims.
"In one important way, an abusive man works like a magician: His tricks largely rely on getting you to look off in the wrong direction, distracting your attention so that you won't notice where the real action is"
(Bancroft 2002, p.21).
(Bancroft 2002, p.21).
The link above will take you to the Domestic Violence Resource Centre. Here you will find information about domestic violence, including: myths and facts, emergency response services, the power wheel, and safetly planning.
The link above will take you to the Sedgwick County Office of the District Attorney. Here you will find information about the cycle of violence, myths and facts, safety planning, and guidelines for prosecution.
The above link will take you to an article by RADAR (Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting). This article discusses fiftey myths that surround domestic violence.
The video above discusses the definition of domestic
violence, myths surrounding it, and the
signs and symptoms that you might
be in an abusive
relationship.
