A quote about Domestic violence goes like this; “Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return.”

It is estimated that approximately 3 million incidents of domestic violence are reported each year in the United States. This month being American National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is only appropriate to bring awareness about one of the less talked about crime-Domestic Violence!

What is Domestic violence?

Domestic violence or domestic abuse can be described as abusive behaviours shown by one or both partners in a marriage or relationship which includes physical abuse like hitting, kicking, pushing, beating etc. Sexual abuse, verbal abuse, economic deprivation, control or dominating behaviour also comes under domestic violence. Alcohol consumption & mental illness are also nowadays categorised under domestic violence. Domestic violence can be considered as a crime or not depending on the laws of the country.

Women & children are often in great danger in places where they would be safest, their homes. But nowadays men are also found to be victims of the same. Domestic violence hampers the mental condition of the victim in a dangerous way leading them to take drastic steps like suicide, or develop an irreversible unstable mental condition. Domestic crime is also found to be one of the least reported crimes.

Child abuse can also be considered as a type of domestic violence. This can be child (mostly females) sexual abuse by their fathers. It is found that 40-60% o adults who abuse others abuse their children at home. Violence against teens is also common. A teenager has to stay away from his/her gang of friends due to an over dominating girlfriend/boyfriend in a dating relationship. This leads to the kids running away from home, leading to violent measures like gloomy behaviour suicides, shootouts in schools etc.

Causes of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is mostly found among the less educated & less cultured folks. The factors that perpetuate domestic violence can be categorized into cultural, economic, legal & political. Cultural can include gender specific socialization, belief in superiority of the males etc. Economic type consists of economic dependence of women on men, limited access to cash or credit, or lack of employment of women. Legal relates to the various laws regarding divorce, child custody, rape, domestic abuse etc. Political may b de to under representation of women in power, domestic violence not taken seriously by the government or the limited participation of women as a political force.

Domestic violence can be curbed by bringing awareness among the people. There are many laws prevalent today that help the victims of domestic abuse. There are classes on anger management, how to overcome jealousy, over possessiveness available nowadays. If domestic abuse is due to a drinking problem, there is counselling, de-addiction centres available to help them. One another way is to develop spiritually by bringing yourself closer to God.

Nobody believes that domestic violence kills and nobody believes it is detrimental to children. This world has got to wake up & act against this evil crime.