Why we must talk about domestic violence before the first blow is struck

Domestic violence does not begin with a physical attack. It starts with a subtle loss of certainty, growing fear and the gradual takeover of control. Yet a persistent myth remains that unless “blood is shed”, there is no real problem.

Vladimír Borský, Head of the Expert Centre at NEWTON University, lecturer in management subjects and Chair of the organisation Neodkládej to, has been working with victims of domestic violence since 2009. In the article, he explains that domestic violence is a long-term process that often unfolds quietly and without visible signs. It is frequently disguised as care, protection or a desire to “keep things under control”, gradually developing into economic and social restriction.

Drawing on data from European and international institutions, Borský points out that every third woman and every fourteenth man has experienced some form of domestic violence. The most common form is psychological abuse and so-called coercive control, which slowly erodes the victim’s autonomy.

The article also introduces preventive and support projects involving students and experts from NEWTON University, aimed primarily at younger generations. It highlights that safety begins with timely intervention and that seeking help before violence escalates can be a crucial step in breaking the cycle.

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