Domestic violence is a problem that is still facing various societies to this day. Despite all progress in human protection laws and the adoption of international laws that criminalize violence-based practices. We want to bring this issue to light because of its importance and gravity.

If the home is filled with violent practices instead of safety and love, this violence will affect every family member, big or small.

What is domestic violence and what are its types?

Domestic violence is defined by the United Nations as “a type of behavior that is used to gain or retain power and control over a partner. Violence is physical, psychological, economic, or in the form of threats against the other party. These are acts of intimidation, manipulation, injury, or insult to the other party. Domestic violence can affect anyone, despite their race, gender, religion, financial or educational background.” [1]
There are many forms of domestic violence, some of which we mention:

• Physical Violence: The use of various means that cause physical harm, such as beating, pushing, burning, and many other practices. The consequences of which are severe, and evident and can lead to disruption of the senses or even death. We often see this practice when a husband abuses his wife or when a mother punishes her children.
• Psychological Violence: It is widespread and is one of the forms of violence that is not visible in which the abuser does not always dare to disclose it. It includes swearing, cursing, deprivation of seeing children and family visits, threatening divorce, preventing them from exercising their daily rights, and other things. It affects the individual psychologically and morally.
• Sexual Violence: Any practice that violates the privacy of a person’s body or forces them to perform actions they do not want to achieve sexual arousal.

It is worth noting that the harasser – especially when the target is a child – may be a relative, and this is a common phenomenon. A child who is subjected to this type of domestic violence keeps it secret for fear that those around them will not believe what they say. However, the effects of exposure to this kind of harassment are highly damaging and devastating in the long term. A person can be afraid of sexual intercourse, along with the possibility of depression and other mental illnesses.

Indications of Exposure to Domestic Violence

Perhaps the boundaries between what is considered “normal” in our concepts and what is truly “normal” are blurry. So we would like to share some signs which confirm that someone has been exposed to domestic violence, including When your partner embarrasses you in front of people or mocks your decisions. Prevent you from working and suppress your various freedoms for his/her satisfaction. The presence of physical and psychological effects, such as bruises on the body or traces of burns and blood, or the abuser may appear afraid of the partner and cannot reveal their thoughts.

Effects of Domestic Violence on Women and Children

Violence is a phenomenon that affects individuals and limits them from fulfilling their obligations to society. As the individual lives in a state of depression and anxiety, we see that, especially in women. As many – or perhaps most – societies gave power to the man and entrenched the idea that he is in control and is the ultimate command in his family, have contributed to this matter.

These concepts and stereotypes have implanted – in both men and women – the belief that women are the private property of men. So he can do whatever he likes with it. This idea developed as he began to impose his sovereignty by exploiting his physical strength, so he might beat her and prevent her from working, and so on.

Children are not safe from the consequences of domestic violence either, as it will be a sensitive point for them because of its devastating effects on their lives. Some of these signs may appear in children: 

• Before School Age: The child develops habits such as involuntary urination, stuttering, signs of anxiety, and thumb sucking.
• At School Age: A child who has witnessed domestic violence blames himself. His activities may decrease, he may become more introverted, and find it difficult to make friends.
• In Adolescence: His self-esteem decreases and he engages in some dangerous activities, such as drug and alcohol abuse.
• In The Long Run: A child who has witnessed violence against his mother is ten times more likely to be violent towards his partner in the future. In comparison to someone who did not witness this type of violence in his childhood. In addition, the girl who witnessed her mother being subjected to violence is six times more likely to be a victim of domestic violence than the other children. [2]

The Trust Line Center

The Trust Line Center was established in Syria in 2007 as a mechanism to support victims of domestic violence. It is a method that has proven useful in many countries, and it is based on disclosing complete confidentiality to the callers. The team is equipped with a cadre of psychologists and legal and social experts. In addition to people trained to listen to the complaints of the callers, each case is followed up by the team to deliver it to the land of peace.

Their vision: Reducing domestic violence in Syria.
Their mission: To support victims of domestic violence in Syria.
Their story: Through their realization that “silence will not solve the problem.” Revelation is the first way to discover the pain points, and it is the beginning to reach the weaknesses in the structure of our society. They worked on an idea they believed in and how important it is for a society that is moving towards the best. [3]

Reducing Domestic Violence

This phenomenon must be put to an end and shed light on by holding awareness seminars. As for people who are subjected to violence within their families, they must report this to the competent authorities. And subjecting them to sessions to remove the negative symptoms left behind to free them from their past. In addition to working to strengthen, support, and reintegrate them into society.

The initiative affirms its role in combating domestic violence due to its serious effects that lead to the disintegration of societies. Our initiative also calls for spreading love and peace among family members, as it is the seed that establishes the individual and integrates him into society.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

Also read:

• Violence against women-has it becomes commonplace and considered an axiom?
• Violence Under The Microscope.

• Verbal Harassment.

References:

[1] UN

[2] Women’s Health

[3] Pen SY