According to the Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998 it is: any form of abuse which includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic harassment. any other abusive or controlling behaviour where such a conduct causes harm or may cause harm to your health, safety, or well being.

Other factors which can be causes of violence include:

• The influence of one’s peers.
• Having a lack of attention or respect.
• Having low self-worth.
• Experiencing abuse or neglect.
• Witnessing violence in the home, community, or medias.
• Access to weapons.

Signs to Watch Out For

1. They use physical aggression.
2. They are unpredictable.
3. They are often jealous, suspicious, and/or angry – even if they have no reason to be.
4. They control their partner’s time.
5. They control their partner’s money.
6. They use verbal threats.
7. They isolate their partner.

Consequences include increased incidences of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide; increased risk of cardiovascular disease; and premature mortality. The health consequences of violence vary with the age and sex of the victim as well as the form of violence.

Stopping your own violent behaviour

1. Think about the people and situations that make you angry.
2. Try to prepare ahead of time and come up with a plan in case you find yourself in a situation that triggers your anger.
3. Take an honest look at yourself and your behaviour.
4. Talk to someone.

Violence has lifelong consequences. Toxic stress associated with repeated exposure to violence in early childhood can interfere with healthy brain development, and can lead to aggressive and anti-social behaviours, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour and criminal activity.

Nine policies to reduce violence that your country needs right now

1. 1) Strengthen data systems. Some forms of violence tend to be well-recorded: murders, for example.
2. 2) Ban corporal punishment.
3. 3) Positive parenting.
4. 4) Rewrite rape laws.
5. 5) Healing trauma.
6. 6) Fighting sexual violence.
7. 9) Designing out violence.