What is Domestic
Violence? Worldwide it is estimated that
between one third and one fifth of the world's
population of women and girls are victims and survivors of
horrifying acts, such as rape, sexual assault, murder, mutilation,
physical and emotional torture. When faced with such statistics it
can be argued that domestic violence is one of the most important
public health issues confronting society today.
Five Actions Associated with Domestic
Abuse
| Physical
Abuse
|
Hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing,
pinching, biting, etc., in addition to denying a partner
medical care, dental care, or forcing alcohol and/or drug
use. |
| Sexual
Abuse
|
Attempting
to coerce any sexual contact without consent. Examples include
marital rape, attacks on sexual parts of the body, forcing sex
after physical violence has occurred, or treating one in a
sexually demeaning
manner. |
| Emotional
Abuse
|
Undermining
an individual's sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem.
Constant criticism, diminishing self-capability, name-calling,
damaging one's relationship with children or family members
even after the relationship has
ended. |
| Economic
Abuse
|
Making
an individual financially dependent by maintaining total
control over financial resources, withholding one's access to
money |
| Psychological
Abuse
|
Causing
fear by intimidation, threatening harm to self, family,
friends |
Domestic violence affects every culture, race,
and socioeconomic group around the world. It is a devastating social
and health issue, silently played out in the lives of many women who
may feel fearful or ashamed of reporting the abuse. The
vulnerability to all forms of violence is greatly increased among
women because they are less able than are men to physically protect
themselves from predators and are more likely to experience serious
health problems because of the greater prevalence and greater
potential for fatality of abuse. Other factors that may perpetuate
domestic abuse include cultural beliefs and practices of male
superiority and female suppression, gender specific roles and
expectations, gender biases, and the cultural tolerance of violence.
The
issue of violence against women at the individual or community level
is also a health concern. The inherent cultural tolerance and fear
of abuse blanketing society should be eliminated. Health care
providers must strive to eliminate the social stigma involved when
discussing the subject of abuse.
This site is © Copyright Reena
Kullar & Kim Sahota 2009, All Rights
Reserved.
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