DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BY

DAVID MACHARIA

Abstract

Domestic violence is a prevalent disease in our society as depicted by well documented research and published works. This article highlights the context of domestic violence, its effects and possible causes.

Keywords: violence, controlling, psychological, behaviour, males, couples.

Domestic violence is defined as bodily, mental, sexual or even financial violence that is perpetrated by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation (Shipway 2004).it is usually characterised by varied patterns of intimidating and controlling demeanour on the victim. In many cases, it involves couples, ex-partners, household members or other relations.(Women’s Aid Federation, 1999). Needless to emphasize though, in many cases it is the woman who is the victim. Coleman (2007) posited that women were more likely to have experienced ‘intimate violence’ than men .across all four types of abuse, namely -partner abuse; family abuse; sexual assault as well as stalking. Domestic violence is a major issue in the society especially here in Kenya because of its palpable deleterious effects on the abused. Even though domestic violence can be caused by either the male or the female it can be argued it’s usually caused by the males due to their controlling nature and physical advantage.

Physical abuse is the use of physical force against the victim that results in bodily, sexual or psychological harm. It includes beating, kicking, slapping, stabbing, shooting, pushing, biting, pinching, strangling and other types of contact that result in physical injury to the victim ( World Health Organisation,1999). Physical abuse can also include behaviour such as denying the victim of medical care when needed, depriving the victim of sleep or other functions necessary to live, or forcing the victim to engage in drug/alcohol use against his/her will- U.S Department of Justice (2007) .

Sexual assault occurs when an individual purposely engages in sexual intercourse with any person without permission of such person. (Wilson et al, 1986). Forceful participation in sexual activities amounts to sexual abuse by definition. It is an act of belligerence. In addition, sexual assault can lead to serious injury and in worst case scenario death to the victim eventually

Domestic violence also includes emotional abuse characterised by ‘verbal abuse, threats of violence, ridicule, shaming, engendering fear, humiliation, and destruction of property’. (Dr Kamau Kinyenje Daily Nation Oct 19 2010 “emotional abuse in marriage” As a reality, where there is physical violence there is also emotional abuse. Regardless of the type of abuse the victim experiences, it can lead to extreme consequences. These include depression i.e.– sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy on the victim’s part, suicidal behaviour, anxiety, low self-esteem and such.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is a menace in our society, as much as it’s rampant. Fighting domestic violence perhaps requires taking the worth of every human being as valuable by each individual person. The lesser will continue to be violated and abused by the larger – both bodily and psychologically.