Physical violence involves an intentional violation of a person’s bodily integrity.
Physical violence may include, for example:
- hitting
- kicking
- pushing
- strangling
- scratching
- shaking
- using a firearm or bladed weapon
- using objects to cause harm and pain
- or threatening to do any of the above.
Physical violence is often connected to other forms of violence. For example, sexual violence may include many types of physical violence.
Although physical violence is often brought up in discussions related to domestic violence and violence in a close relationship, identifying it may be difficult. The acts and consequences of physical violence may be underestimated if there are no visible traces of them. However, any form of violence is unacceptable.
Consequences of physical violence
Physical violence may cause pain, bruises, hair loss, burns, wounds, fractures and, at worst, death. In addition to injuries, experiences of violence and fear of violence may cause many kinds of physical symptoms, such as aches, stomach problems, numbness, heart palpitation and dizziness.
Psychological symptoms are also common among people who have experienced violence. These may include depression, self-destructive thoughts, feelings of despair, anxiety, nervousness, inability to take initiative, panic symptoms, reduced functional capacity and memory problems.
The perpetrator of violence may blame the other person for their violent behaviour, even though the perpetrator themselves decided to use physical violence. Violence is always the perpetrator’s choice. The victim is not responsible for any violence committed by the other person.
Contact Nollalinja for help with experiences and threats of physical violence.