Domestic Violence and Its Prevention Strategies
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Domestic Violence and Its Prevention Strategies
Domestic violence is intimidation, physically assaulting, sexually assaulting, or any other form of abusive behavior perpetrated willfully by one intimate partner against another, a part of a systematic power and control pattern. The form, frequency, and intensity of violence vary dramatically, but one partner consistently tries to maintain power and control over the other. The forms of violence include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. Domestic violence has become an epidemic that affects individuals regardless of gender, age, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation. Domestic violence has devastating consequences such as physical injuries, emotional and psychological trauma; a severe case may result in death.
To prevent domestic violence, it is important to understand how it is perpetrated and how it impacts its partners. The abusive partner uses intimidation, coercion, threats, economic abuse like keeping the credit cards, using emotional abuse, and using children to frustrate the other partner. One partner making major decisions without involving the other is yet another form of abuse. Domestic violence follows a cycle of abuse where first tension is built; an explosion occurs then honeymoon. When tension builds, the abuser threatens and intimidates the partner while the victim tries to reason and be calm. In the explosion phase, the abuser gets physically and sexually abusive. The victim protects him/herself by fighting back or relenting. IN the honeymoon stage, the abuser apologizes, blames external forces, or tries to justify their actions. The victim forgives and tries to help the abuser by enrolling in counseling sessions. The cycle continues until the partners find an amicable solution to the problem.
Domestic violence has devastating impacts on both the abusive and the abused partner. The abused partner would live in constant fear, feel embarrassed, withdraw from friends and relatives, develop thoughts of suicide, substance use, and lowered self-esteem. Poor physical health due to continued stress and depression. On the other hand, the abusive partner would live with a feeling of remorse, guilt, fear of incarceration, and court process. They may also experience stigmatization of being labeled a perpetrator. Mental health deteriorates due to anxiety and depression.
Prevention of domestic violence is the collective responsibility of the involved parties. It involves a series of actions, including being vigilant and aware of the warning signs, reporting cases of abuse, providing financial security, and getting into a relationship for the right purpose. The occurrence of domestic violence begins with red flags in the relationship. Such red flags include an attempt to control a partner’s finance, changing attitudes towards the partner’s family and friends, and intense jealousy.
Many victims of domestic violence fail to report cases of abuse. From the statistics, only 28% of abusive cases are reported to the police despite the numerous incidents. Most victims turn a blind eye to the violence by not wanting to get involved. Reporting incidents to the authorities would help save many lives. To combat domestic violence, team efforts and assistance from as many people as possible are necessary. Promoting financial security is another way of preventing domestic violence. The majority of the victims remain in abusive relationships because they don’t have where to go. Financial security would provide a means for the victims to exit a toxic relationship. Every partner needs to have economic independence, even when the relationship is still romantic and comfortable.
Finally, people should enter into relationships because of mutual interests and shared connections. Many victims of violence entered the relationship because of fear of being alone or to access certain materials or resources. Talking to a counselor or a therapist can help people enter the correct relationship. In conclusion, mitigating domestic violence involves getting aware of warning signs, reporting abuse incidents, establishing financial security, and entering a relationship for the right purpose. Although many people are subjected to domestic violence, it has to be terminated in whatever way.