SPOUSAL VIOLENCE - A BATTLE WE MUST ALL FIGHT FOR OUR SOCIETY

 

WHAT IS SPOUSAL VIOLENCE?

Any abusive , violent, coercive, forceful or threatening act, word or behavior inflicted by one spouse on another constitutes spousal abuse or violence.

Could range from saying unkind, demeaning words to grabbing a person’s arm, to hitting, kicking, slapping, choking and murder

WHAT IS AT THE CENTER OF SPOUSAL VIOLENCE?

ABUSE IS CYCLICAL IN TWO WAYS

1. It is episodic
Abuse    gives way Remorse   gives way to Honeymoon gives way to Normalcy gives way to  Tension/Irritability   gives way to Full Blown Abuse

2. It is generational from NURTURE, a Learned Behavior

WHAT TYPES OF SPOUSAL ABUSE ARE COMMONLY SEEN AND EXPERIENCED?

PHYSICAL
Use of physical force in such a way that injures or endangers.

PSYCHOLOGICAL/EMOTIONAL/MENTAL
Usually incorporates verbal abuse, fear causing behaviour, intimidation, threats,. It must be PERSISTENT and SIGNIFICANT to qualify as an abuse
Emotional abuse aims to destroy a persons self worth and self respect. Constant, unrelenting, criticisms.
Although no physical scar, there are emotional scars. Can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, apathy.

SEXUAL ABUSE
Rape, sexual assault, forcing sex without protection, reproductive coercion- forcing one’s partner to have an abortion, forcing sex on a very ill or disabled person.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL ABUSE

Using money to control.

Rigidity with finances

Withholding money

Making spouse account for every penny

Withholding basic necessities

Preventing from working

Sabotaging victim’s job.

A-B-C OF DEALING WITH SPOUSAL ABUSE

AWARENESS

• Become better acquainted with the issues surrounding domestic violence and take it seriously.

BE SENSITIVE TO RECOGNIZE ABUSE

•       Look out for tell tale signs of domestic violence

•       Investigate any suspicious signs or stories from others but delicately, and with total sensitivity.

C = CONFRONTATION

•       Take action against the abuser - It may simply be to tell someone . NB Those who do take action are less likely to be abused again.

•       Confront the issues with the offending partner and make them fully aware of the gravity of the situation.

•       The abuser and victim need help.