Meaning Of Violence
Violence is a physical force used to harm someone or something. Violent actions may result in damage to property or in injury to people. Violence can even result in death.
Domestic Violence
This is the type of violence that occurs in the home. It can be between husband and wife or among siblings or from parents to children, or other persons living in the home. Domestic violence is a very serious problems in homes. There are some issues that relate to violence.
1. Violence hurts people.
2. It occurs in many families.
3. Violent behaviour is often learnt. When people grow up with violence, they begin to copy the same actions.
4. Violent behaviour often comes from people who have no regard for their victim.
5. Children and teens learn violence from adults or see it on television, home video and internet, etc.
6. The more violence people see, the more willing they are to act violently.
7. Violent behaviour can also be unlearned.
Types Of Domestic Violence
There are different types of domestic violence. These include:
i. Partner Abuse: This is the violence between marriage. The more common occurrence is violence directed by men against their wives. Some woman also abuse their husbands physically.
Possible Effects Of Partner Abuse:
Partner abuse can result in any of the following:
1. Injuries and health problems.
2. Poor family relationships.
3. Poor behaviours like excessive drinking, eating or even taking of drugs by the abused.
4. Children may suffer in different ways like, lack of care and Neglect, irregular attendance to school.
5. Suffering for parents.
6. Breakup of marriage.
7. Death of a family member.
ii. Child Abuse: Child abuse is very common in families. A child can be abused in different ways, including:
(a). Neglect: This occurs when a people fail to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or education for children. Young children should not be left alone to care for themselves.
(b). Emotional Abuse: This occurs when there is a regular pattern of verbal attacks on a child. For instance, when a parent or adult keeps using statements such as these on children, “You are not good”, or “Your are an idiot”, or “You are a fool”, or ” I wish you had never been born”. Such verb attacks give a child emotional scars that can last a lifetime.
(c). Physical Abuse: This occurs when children are deliberately beaten, wounded, bruised, cut, burnt or given any other form of physical injury. Such physical abuse often leaves an injury or scar.
(d). Sexual Abuse: This occurs when someone lures or entices a child to be part of some sexual activity. It also occurs when someone subjects a child, male or female, to fondling, incest or rape.
(e). Incest: This is sexual activity between people who are closely related. For instance, a child may be sexually abused by a parent, step-parent, a sibling, or some other person present in the home. Child abuse of any kind is dangerous and has many bad effects such as:
i. The child is left in a state of daily fear.
ii. The child may become emotionally unstable.
iii. it can breakup the family.
iv. It can lead to the death of the child.
v. If the child grows up with abuse, he/she may repeat the pattern with his/her own children or other children.
Handling Domestic Violence
All the different kinds of domestic violence are wrong. No excuse can make them right for anyone. In order to handle it, it is necessary that:
1. An abused person must find someone who will listen and provide help if possible.
2. Parents should listen to their children’s complaints.
3. Parents should not ignore the children’s complaints especially those relating to abuse.
4. Parent should know and respect the rights of their children.
5. Parents should settle their difference as soon as possible and live in peace.
6. The home should be made conducive for all family members.
7. Family members should communicate properly with each other.