The Truth About Domestic Violence And Abusive Relationships
Domestic violence is a hidden problem in Indian society. There are various forms of domestic violence or abuse. Anyone can face domestic violence regardless of ethnicity, class, religion, age, sexuality or lifestyle.Similarly, perpetrators of domestic violence can be from all walks of life, but the trend indicates that the majority of perpetrators are men.
Abuse of one partner by another partner in a close relationship like marriage or cohabitation, is known as domestic violence. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, or economic. Emotional forms of violence are often difficult to identify as they leave no visible scars signs of these forms of violence include making the partner feel worthless and/or robbing off them of their self- esteem.
The truth about domestic violence is that it is prevalent and often even justified in patriarchal societies. Domestic violence stems from an imbalance in power and often the abusers motive is to exercise control over their partner. Most often we see the abusers taking advantage of the victims insecurities so as to exert control over them. Its not uncommon to find the abuser lashing forth vitriolic statements or resorting to physical violence in order to establish dominance and control.
A patriarchal society breeds the notion of dominance among men and patience and silent acceptance of violence among women. For example, according to UNICEFs Global Report Card on Adolescents 2012report, 57% of Indian men and 53% percent of Indian women in the 15-19 age bracket group think that wife beating is justified. Similarly in Nepal, a shocking 88% men and 80% women share this opinion.
While many people men and women - across the world deny the occurrence of physical violencein their lives or even choose to stay on in abusive relationships , there are many who come out in the open and seek legal help.The percentage of women who fall in the latter section depends on the gender empowerment the country has achieved.
Literacy, financial independence, laws empowering women and a the support of ones family and community play an important role in individual and especially female empowerment. Along with this, social support through preventive programs, education and strengthening economies through female empowerment help decrease instances of violence against women. While Shulamith Firestone, one of the greatest feminist thinkers conceptualised a post patriarchal society to end womens problems, domestic violence can be put to an end by an informed and evolved society made up of people that respect and treat each other as human beings.
Abuse of one partner by another partner in a close relationship like marriage or cohabitation, is known as domestic violence. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, or economic. Emotional forms of violence are often difficult to identify as they leave no visible scars signs of these forms of violence include making the partner feel worthless and/or robbing off them of their self- esteem.
The truth about domestic violence is that it is prevalent and often even justified in patriarchal societies. Domestic violence stems from an imbalance in power and often the abusers motive is to exercise control over their partner. Most often we see the abusers taking advantage of the victims insecurities so as to exert control over them. Its not uncommon to find the abuser lashing forth vitriolic statements or resorting to physical violence in order to establish dominance and control.
A patriarchal society breeds the notion of dominance among men and patience and silent acceptance of violence among women. For example, according to UNICEFs Global Report Card on Adolescents 2012report, 57% of Indian men and 53% percent of Indian women in the 15-19 age bracket group think that wife beating is justified. Similarly in Nepal, a shocking 88% men and 80% women share this opinion.
While many people men and women - across the world deny the occurrence of physical violencein their lives or even choose to stay on in abusive relationships , there are many who come out in the open and seek legal help.The percentage of women who fall in the latter section depends on the gender empowerment the country has achieved.
Literacy, financial independence, laws empowering women and a the support of ones family and community play an important role in individual and especially female empowerment. Along with this, social support through preventive programs, education and strengthening economies through female empowerment help decrease instances of violence against women. While Shulamith Firestone, one of the greatest feminist thinkers conceptualised a post patriarchal society to end womens problems, domestic violence can be put to an end by an informed and evolved society made up of people that respect and treat each other as human beings.
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