In the modern era, domestic violence has truly turned into a social epidemic and cankerworm that eats deeply into the lives of those who witness it, especially the young. The majority of victims, and this is most concerning, suffer in silence while some accept their turn in a wide variety of ways. Many records indicate that men can also experience domestic abuse, even though it is extremely uncommon, even though most academics concentrate primarily on violence against women. Domestic violence is a social reality that occasionally results in the victims’ deaths as well as other unfavorable outcomes. It can have an impact on the abused person’s physical and mental health (victims of violence). Consequently, this can impede the advancement and progress of any country as well as the global community. This paper explores the causes, effects, and contemporary domestic violence based on this premise. The management of domestic violence and its causes are also covered in this essay. Recommendations were made at the end to remove this risk from society.
Keywords:
Domestic violence, physical, and psychological damage, management, unfavourable outcome, abuse.
INTRODUCTION
Domestic abuse is a problem that the public and society are concerned about globally. It is one of the main causes of death and disability and occurs in a wide variety of settings (Sethi, Habibullah, McGee, Peden, Bennett & Hyder, 2004). Domestic abuse happens everywhere in society, irrespective of a person’s age, social class, region, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. In terms of its worldwide predominance, According to WHO, which was cited by Kostov (2008) and Yusuf, Arul Gun, Oladepo, and Onlooker (2011), between 10 and 69 women globally are victims of domestic abuse, according to 48 population-based surveys, while UNFPA (2002) reported that 60% of abused women live in poverty. Within India, the NFHS3 revealed that nearly two in every five married women have experienced some form of violence by their husbands. In the USA, women experienced about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rape, and even in Ghana. The most common type of domestic violence is against women. In the. Although domestic violence in Nigeria is underreported, particularly among the elites (Moro Kola 2003; Adewale, 2009; Ashimolowo & outfall.
Adebayo, 2013; Adebayo & Kolawole, 2013) for fear of being divorced, being stigmatized, facing retaliation from the abuser, and losing financial support; however, the circumstances are the same. Pearce (1992) discovered, in particular, that wife assault is not only common in Ile Ife, the Yoruba people’s homeland, but very noticeable. Accordingly, Etuk, Nwagbara, and Achibong (2012) discovered that 344 (68.2%) of the 504 participants in their study in the Nigerian Niger Delta State had experienced domestic violence of some kind, whereas only 44 (8.8%) had not. Adebayo (2013) revealed that about 50% or two-thirds of Nigerian women are subjected to domestic violence, while Alo, odusina & Babatunde (2012) estimated the domestic violence prevalence rate in the South-West of Nigeria to be 32%. afrol News (2007) and Project Alert (2007) both reported on the same. Still, in contrast, Ashimolowo and Otufale (2012) found that most of their respondents in Ogun State, Nigeria, had never been victims of domestic abuse. However, it is evident from this documentation that violence against women is frequently associated with domestic violence. Therefore, it is frequently believed that women are the only ones who suffer from domestic abuse. and men as the ones who did it. On the other hand, over the past 25 years, studies on domestic violence have generally demonstrated that the rate of violent behaviour in relationships is similar for men and women. Moreover, the likelihood of men and women inciting violence against one another is equal. The shockingly egalitarian reality is that roughly half of all cases of domestic violence involve both partners abusing one another, while 25% involve only men abusing women and the remaining 25% involve only women abusing men (Straus, 2010). Supporting this, more than 100 studies, as listed in the Fiebert Bibliography, demonstrate that women are just as likely as men to abuse their partners. Despite what the general public believes, women do not only strike in self-defense. Straus discovered that women hit their partners first just as frequently as men, a finding that has been repeatedly validated in domestic violence research (Straus, 2010). Domestic violence is real and prevalent, but its effects and consequences are not particularly noteworthy. It frequently has disastrous short- and long-term psychological, social, and economic repercussions on families, kids, and the community at large. It is a cankerworm, therefore, and ought not to be permitted. Its eradication is crucial for the general welfare of the populace, so discussion of its causes, effects/consequences, and management is essential. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviours by one partner against another in an intimate relationship, such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation. It is also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV).
When we talk about domestic violence, we’re talking about a wide range of behaviors such as physical aggression or assault (biting, kicking, shoving, restraining, slapping, or throwing objects) or threats of such behavior; emotional and/or sexual abuse; domineering or controlling; intimidation; stalking; economic deprivation; and submissive/covert abuse, also referred to as neglect (seimeniuk, krentz, Gish & Gill, 2010). Domestic abuse and violence do not always involve overt acts of physical aggression. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (2013), it can refer to trespassing, harassment, stalking, kidnapping, illegal imprisonment, and endangerment.
FORMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
- Tangible
- Spoken
- Sexual
- Psychological and emotional
According to police statistics from 2009 to 2011, physical abuse is the most frequently reported form of domestic violence (Police report). Any forced sexual contact without partner consent is considered sexual abuse (Domestic Violence Act Chapter 5:16). One’s sexual orientation plays a significant role in defining their identity, so it can be detrimental to the victim’s character when they experience sexual assault According to police statistics from 2009 to 2011, physical abuse is the most frequently reported form of domestic violence (Police report). Any forced sexual contact without partner consent is considered sexual abuse (Domestic Violence Act Chapter 5:16). One’s sexual orientation plays a significant role in defining their identity, so it can be detrimental to the victim’s character when they experience sexual assault. Based on this evidence, it is reasonable to conclude that culturally specific factors that do not explicitly encourage victims to discuss or report such matters of spousal intimacy may be the reason why sexual assault is less common. Victims of domestic abuse may experience subtle forms of suffering, such as helplessness, depression, low self-worth, and low self-esteem; these have been categorized as defamation of character and as such.
Domestic Violence Act 5:16 specifically excludes legal intervention. Financial abuse, which includes controlling all household expenses and bills or withholding money from the victim, is one of the other types of domestic violence. When someone abuses someone socially by isolating them from friends, family, and support services are frequently mentioned in interviews. Domestic violence includes harassment and stalking because they create an imbalance of power and have negative effects on the victim (Domestic Violence Act Chapter 5:16).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A point-in-time, non-invasive, unduplicated record of all the people who seek out domestic violence services in a single 24-hour period is made available by the Domestic Violence Counts survey. Counting the number of people who contact domestic violence programs in search of help is the aim of the survey, which was created in 2006 by a group of experts in the field. Since it is unlikely that a victim will seek services at more than one domestic violence program in 24 hours, the “snapshot” methodology yields an unduplicated count. A victim of domestic abuse is not likely to go from one primary purpose program to another in a single day, nor can they be sheltered in two programs at the same time. Programs cover large geographic areas and are frequently located far apart.
The non-intrusive Domestic Violence Counts survey considers the seriousness of domestic abuse as well as the importance of protecting victim safety and privacy. The report is an aggregate count of victims seeking services across the country (and state) as well as an aggregate count of services offered by programs.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
“Consequences of violence against women”
The consequences of violence against women are severe in terms of physical complaints and symptoms, mental illness, and injuries. Physical violence is linked to several mental and emotional disorders and has been shown to have a direct impact on trauma-related injuries, various medical conditions, and stress-related psychological outcomes Injuries: Most women who are the victims of violence against women do not suffer physical harm and do not need medical attention because the majority of these cases involve less severe forms of the crime (Stets and Straus, 1990). 36 percent of rape victims and 42 percent of victims of physical assault reported injuries, and between 28 and 31 percent of them sought medical attention, according to the National Violence Against Women survey. The most frequent injuries are cuts and knife wounds (9 to 15 percent); broken bones and dislocated joints (6 to 11 percent); and scratches, bruises, and welts (roughly 72 percent of rape victims and 76 percent of physical assault victims who are injured). Substance abuse by the perpetrator is a strong indicator of injury risk (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000). But it doesn’t seem like injuries are the most common health-related consequence of violence against women.
Physical complaint symptom: Compared to non-abused women, abused women typically have worse health and more symptoms (Attala, 1994; McCauley et al., 1995). Gastrointestinal problems, chronic pain, exhaustion or low energy, dizziness, appetite loss, eating disorders, gynaecologic and urologic disorders, and low energy are among the symptoms frequently linked to physical violence11. Abuse of drugs and alcohol, as well as other unhealthy habits, are also consequences of physical assault.12 There are several physical violence risks for both pregnant women who have experienced abuse and their fetuses.12 Pregnant women who have experienced abuse face various risks, including those for their fetuses (Battista, 1996). Furthermore, the consequences of violence against women on health behaviours, like substance abuse and smoking, may also affect the course of pregnancies (Martin et al., 1996).
Method:
To investigate domestic violence against women, as well as some related factors (quantitative) and experiences of such violence (qualitative), this study was conducted as mixed research using cross-sectional descriptive and phenomenological qualitative methods simultaneously in Semnan. Using the Domestic Violence Questionnaire, a quantitative study involving cluster sampling from married women residing in Semnan from March 2021 to March 2022 was carried out based on the areas covered by health centers. The collected data were then subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Nine women who had been referred to the counselling unit of the Semnan Health Centre due to domestic violence between March 2021 and March 2022 were chosen for a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach and purposive sampling until data saturation and in-depth and semi-structured interviews were held. The seven-step Colaizzi method was used to analyse the conducted interviews.
Suggestions
Education: You can learn about the violations of both men’s and women’s rights, as well as how to put an end to domestic abuse, through educational training. Among other things, it will enable you to determine how to assist a man or woman who has been abused.
- Another factor that has been found to hurt efforts to prevent domestic violence is low literacy. This is because those with less education typically produce less economically and, as a result, have less family bargaining power. As such, one of the most effective strategies to end violence against people of all genders may be high-quality education.
- Observe the low: You should be aware that many nations have legal measures in place to prevent domestic violence. Just because you are the head of your family or partnership does not automatically give you permission to abuse or commit acts of domestic violence. Putting the abuser through rehabilitation programs and imposing penalties like fines and community service are a few typical measures. These steps, if properly executed, will significantly contribute to the prevention of domestic violence.
- Tolerance: There isn’t a perfect person on the planet. Both partners need to show maturity and learn to accept each other’s flaws for a relationship to last. One of the most effective ways to stop domestic abuse is to be tolerant. Violence in a home is rare when there is tolerance. Children, housekeepers, and other household members should all be treated with tolerance.
- Observe religious teachings: Love, peace, kindness, faithfulness, and other virtues are praised in all major religions. You can significantly reduce the likelihood of domestic violence in your relationship by following these religious teachings. Almost all world religions provide information on who can experience abuse and how to stop it, which is undoubtedly helpful in the fight against domestic violence.
According to Christian doctrine, sparing the rod means spoiling the child. However, this should not be seen as specifically encouraging domestic abuse of children. When children make mistakes, they should receive reasonable punishment rather than harsh treatment, as is occasionally the case.
Conclusion
It is impossible to overstate the importance of talking about domestic violence in the modern era, including its causes, effects, and management. Based on this significance, the researcher concludes that having a conversation like this is akin to taking corrective action that can stop the threat of domestic violence in homes and among all genders. This is because the evil known as “Domestic Violence” is a modern-day demon that might have far greater and more profound effects on real life than what has been discussed in this paper.
The paper makes a strong case for the need to examine the relationship between the factors that contribute to a specific type of domestic violence to effectively reduce this threat. This is because if these variables are reduced, violence in various forms will be less likely to affect individuals, our society, and families—especially those in Nigeria. In turn, this will raise the degree of marital satisfaction that couples typically experience.
Citation:
3. https://www.allreserchjournal.com
UPASANA JOSHI
ASIAN LAW COLLEGE (AFFILIATED CCSU, MEERUT)