What is violence and neglect?

Examples of violence

The chances that you’ll experience violence are reasonably high. As a perpetrator, as a victim or as a bystander or witness of violence.

Examples of violence include:

• Insulting
• Threatening
• Stalking
• Beating
• Neglecting
• Abuse
• etc.

There are different forms of violence. People often think of violence as physical violence or sexual violence. But other forms of violence also exist such as financial violence or emotional violence.

When using violence, people use words that hurt. When using violence, people use objects such as a knife or other items. Or people kick or hit. Violence can also be passive. Ignoring someone. Paying no attention to someone. Neglecting someone.

Violence happens offline and online. For example, sending pictures of a sexual nature of someone else without his or her permission. Or online bullying.

Violence and neglect are not always intentional. The person committing violence doesn’t always intend to hurt someone.

Different forms of violence often occur together.

Stalking, grooming or sextortion? We use different words or terms to express violence. In a glossary you will find an overview of terms of different forms of violence.

Consequences of violence and neglect

• As a result of violence you feel fear, pain or sadness. People who experience violence sometimes feel alone.
• Because of violence, you cannot be yourself.
• Because of violence, you sometimes don’t have the freedom to make your own decisions.
• Violence can have a significant impact on you and on your relationship or your family. You can feel the consequences for a long time. These consequences can come back when you least expect it.
• How you experience violence and how you deal with it is different for everyone.

How often does violence occur?

Violence is very common. Family violence is the most common. It’s difficult to say how many people experience violence. Many people don’t like to talk about the violence they experience.

Violence can happen between strangers and people who know each other. Between people in a relationship, between colleagues at work or between pupils at school.

Violence can happen to anyone: minors and adults, young and old, rich and poor, people with or without a diploma.