• Only married women experience domestic violence

False

Anyone can suffer from domestic violence or abuse. The majority of domestic violence victims are women, but men also suffer from abuse by their partners. The myth that domestic violence is a problem only experienced by married women may make it more difficult for men to admit that they are suffering from domestic abuse. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed to admit you are suffering from violence at the hands of your partner.

Equally, you do not have to be married to suffer from domestic violence, abuse can occur in any relationship. Nor does marriage make domestic violence or abuse acceptable, violence by one person against another constitutes a criminal act, regardless of marital status or gender.

• Domestic violence only occurs between a couple

False

Domestic violence can occur between any family members, including mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, grandparents, in-laws and step family in any combination.

• Domestic violence is uncommon

False

Research by the British Crime Survey shows that 1 in 4 women is a victim of domestic violence at least once in her lifetime. The police receive a call about domestic violence every minute in the UK.

• It was only a momentary loss of temper

False

Research suggests that victims of domestic abuse are victimised over and over again by the same person. Domestic violence is an ongoing experience of abuse, and one you do not have to suffer.

• Hitting your partner is the only form of domestic abuse

False

Domestic abuse encompasses physical, psychological, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.

• Only poor and ethnic minority groups experience domestic violence

False

Domestic violence does not discriminate. People of all socio-economic classes, genders, races, ethnicity's, sexual orientations and religions can experience domestic violence.

• Leaving an abusive relationship is easy

False

It can be very difficult to leave an abusive relationship for many reasons, but help is available to you.

Many victims of domestic violence are at their most vulnerable immediately after they leave an abusive relationship, help and support are available to victims of domestic abuse to help make the process of leaving a violent or abusive relationship less difficult. Don't feel guilty about leaving an abusive relationship, you are not 'giving up' on someone, you have the right to a life free of violence or abuse.

• Women always stay in violent relationships

False

Many women and men who leave violent or abusive relationships go on to build a life free of violence and abuse. Almost all victims of domestic violence will leave at least once.

Remember that you have a right to a life free from fear, violence and abuse, help and support is available to you.

• People don't get seriously hurt by domestic violence

False

Statistics show that the leading cause of injury for women aged 15 to 44 is domestic violence. Almost half of all murders committed in the UK are domestic linked, with one woman murdered by a partner or ex-partner every three days.

Figures don't reflect the amount of mental and emotional trauma experienced by victims of domestic violence, including children who witness domestic violence or abuse in the home.