SMishra

· 17 Nov 2021

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What Is Domestic Violence?

The existence of domestic violence has been recorded for centuries. But have you ever wondered what it actually is and what it means? And are you being exposed to any sort of domestic violence? How can you escape it or seek help from others? Well, read on to know more about domestic violence.

AN INTRODUCTION TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

Domestic violence, aka physical abuse or violence in families, is any sort of violence occurring in a family setting, either formed after marriage or as a result of cohabitation. It is one of the worst-case scenarios where people suffer from in modern times. It is recorded not only in heterosexual marriages but also in same-sex marriages. It is the act of harming children, parents or the elderly physically, mentally, verbally, sexually, emotionally, and religiously. Women are more likely to be exposed to domestic violence than men at an overwhelming rate. This is one of the major causes for women committing crimes for self-defense. This is a direct effect of the gender inequalities that prevail in society. It is also because of compulsions in marriages and child marriages. The shame is in most of countries, domestic violence is made legally acceptable in case of any infidelity.

ACTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCES:

Choking, beating, slapping, biting, punching, pulling hair, female genital mutilation, burning brides, honor killing, dowry, compulsion of Sati practises, stabbing, starving,  scratching, drowning, threatening to kill with any sort of weapons, bullying are the physical forms of domestic violences. Whenever people are mistreated in an unacceptable way, that is considered to be domestic violence. The thing is most of us are exposed to some sort of these acts but we weren't unaware of what domestic violences is. So, gaining awareness is just as important as protecting ourselves from these acts. A purple ribbon is used as a symbol to spread awareness against domestic violences.

EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCES ON VICTIMS:

●    Women in violent relationships are not given a chance to explain safe sex practises to their partners. As a result, women in such relationships are more likely to be exposed to HIV/AIDS than others. Reports show these incidents occurring consistently in countries like India, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania.

●    Victims are reported to have suffered from mental disorders like anxiety attack, fear, stress, social isolation and women suffer from depression thinking that they are the reason for provoking the violent incidents. Victims are also reported to suffer from PTSD and other severely traumatic events.

●    Individuals who were exposed to domestic violences in their childhood are less likely to lead a normal life with a healthy mental world. They suffer from anxiety, aggressiveness, psychological and developmental disorders.

HOW TO REPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCES TO THE WORLD?

If you or anyone that you know are being exposed to domestic violence, seek help from the police immediately before things go out of our hands. Save the victims immediately if you can and hand them over to the authorities concerned. If you are a mental health specialist, immediate counseling is recommended to be given to the victims. A diagnosis of their mental state is essential to be done before going into the process of counseling.

CONCLUSION:

The evil practise of domestic violence is well rooted in our history and it is a weed that has to be removed right away to ensure the well being of people and also to give a better lifestyle to our next generations. So, let's create awareness to everyone against this cruel act by every possible way to eradicate the depravity.

#womensafety #dowry #domesticviolence #violence