Domestic violence refers to violence or other abuse in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation often by a spouse in intimate relationship against the other spouse or by a partner, and can take place in heterosexual or same-sex relationships, or between former spouses or partners. In its broadest sense, domestic violence also involves violence against children, parents, or the elderly. It takes a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, reproductive, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to violent physical abuse such as choking, beating, female genital mutilation, and acid throwing that results in disfigurement or death.Globally, most victims of domestic violence are women, and they also tend to experience more severe forms of violence.
They are also likelier than men to use intimate partner violence in self-defense. In some countries, and in some cultures, domestic violence is often seen as justified, particularly in cases of actual or suspected infidelity on the part of the woman. Research has established that there exists a direct and significant correlation between a country’s level of gender equality and rates of domestic violence, where countries with less gender equality experience higher rates of domestic violence.
Due to social stigmas regarding male victimization, men who are victims of domestic violence face an increased likelihood of being overlooked by healthcare providers.Domestic violence often occurs when the abuser believes that abuse is an entitlement, acceptable, justified, or unlikely to be reported. It may in turn produce an inter-generational cycle of abuse in children and other family members, who may feel that such violence is acceptable or condoned. In many instances, most people do not recognize themselves as abusers or victims because they may consider their experiences as family conflicts that got out of control. This is why the awareness, perception, definition and documentation of domestic violence is important.We will be sharing more in or subsequent segments.
Meanwhile, do you experience domestic violence? Please seek help immediately. Do you know anyone caught in the throes of this vice? Do not stigmatize them or contribute to the problem. Help them get help. Life is so more beautiful when we stand for each other.
