Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a critical public health problem that has devastating physical psychological effects on human beings across all societies and classes in the world. It destroys men women, children and families all over the earth. Women have been found to be more vulnerable to domestic abuse. They become victims of physical, mental and sexual abuse by their partners and ex partners, their families, acquaintances, lovers and even strangers. This is on account of their lower economic and social status and weakness in terms of physical strength and endurance. They also become very dependent on men due to their children and the patriarchal system of society and submit to abuse quietly.

Secretary Donna E. Shalala, DHHS has described abuse against women as “an unacknowledged epidemic in America”. (Curtsey DHHS Fact Sheet March 1994). Domestic violence has escalated into a serious health concern in western society in last twenty years. Communities across the world have identified the menace of domestic violence and are busy formulating and implementing strategies to fight it. On the flip side, the phenomenon of domestic violence has been explored and studies as an issue which effect women exclusively. But it is no longer a problem effecting women only. Spousal abuse where men and women are both victims is ravaging every sector of society – overwhelming human courts and hospitals and filling morgues. The reach of domestic violence goes beyond the limits of gender, age, class and caste. All humans should offer themselves to become a part of this deadly menace threatening to destroy human order and dignity.

Moreover, domestic violence can destroy the future of human communities by destroying their children. Children who have witnessed and endured domestic violence can themselves become abusers in their adult life. Some of them even develop a victim mentality inviting and accepting abuse all their lives. Lesbian and gay relationships have been granted legal rights in California to fight domestic violence between people who are trapped in unnatural sexual relationships. Indian law now recognizes the legal rights of partners who are into live in relationships. All humans whether men, Women or children should be made aware that they are entitled to live their lives in a safe and healthy atmosphere, and that they should conduct the business of their lives without the fear of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Domestic violence requires to be tackled very seriously as a fact of human life and a severe health hazard to human beings.

Domestic violence can destroy the abuser, the victim, their children and other family members repeatedly on various levels. The destructive effect of this form of abuse takes its toll on human health and productivity in terms of economic, social and psychological well being. Violence can also travel from generation to generation in the form of stress, anxiety and personality disorders. It is the duty of each individual to work on the community level to recognize and counter this menace in his own and other families.

Physical assault, spousal abuse, social humiliation, economic abuse, homicide, elder abuse, child battering, child abuse, partner abuse, woman battering, man battering, date violence, courtship violence, same sex violence ,sexual assault, marital rape, acquaintance rape, stranger rape are all deadly manifestations of domestic violence.