Preventing Domestic Violence Against Women and Children

Family violence is an ingrained event that needs no introduction. People or children with gender diversity or intersex are the first victims of domestic violence. The freedom to choose is still a nightmare for everyone. If a perpetrator threatens a person emotionally or physically, causing discomfort and insecurity is considered domestic violence. A perpetrator can be anyone from extended families, kinfolk, marriage, de-facto relationship and foster. The abuses can be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, social isolation and financial.

Physical violence: When a person hurts a partner/child with the sole purpose to cause pain using physical force is physical violence.

Emotional violence: Using verbal or non-verbal communication to hurt a person making them emotionally or mentally vulnerable, is emotional violence. Emotional violence is worst of all because it will lead to self-doubt and worthlessness.

Sexual violence: If a perpetrator compels the partner/child to perform a sexual act without their consent is sexual violence. It also includes inappropriate touching, sexting and coercion.

Financial violence: A person uses tactics to gain control and power over a victim by restricting them from accessing finances. Restriction may include basic needs, hygiene and medical care.

Preventive Measures:

Look out!

The first step to break the abuse from happening is sharing. The victim should share the undeserving abuse that they underwent with someone they trust. Letting them know that you are there for them to make the victim feel secure. They need to feel that people are there for them. Listen to them completely without interrupting, or forcing your advice or suggestions, or criticizing them. Let this meeting for sharing remain secret because the abuse level may increase if the perpetrator comes to know about it.

Educate the Children:

We need to set a better example for our children about the wrong perception of gender and sexual diversity. Educate the children that it’s not right to use violence to exhibit dominance. Teach them to refute the perpetrator with a stern no consent to the abuse or demands. Also, educate them about the type of violence so they can identify them when they encounter it.

Fund Women’s Organisations:

Try to bestow financial support to organisations that tend to help victims of domestic violence. It’s not easy to provide support and help to all women and children who face abuse. The government also provides help through preventive schemes. You could help the victims with your donations if you can’t be there for them.

Contact Emergency Services:

Last but not least, contact emergency services for immediate assistance and care. Their sole purpose is to help Lgbtq communities, Aboriginal women, and children who are under abuse by a perpetrator. If you are facing or you know someone facing this domestic violence, contact DV West for help. Their feminist framework and as a constant defender of domestic violence in their odyssey helped many women and children to overcome the trauma.

Exposure to violence and as a victim, a child’s behavioural aspect changes. It can go in either direction, a perpetrator or victim with no self-esteem. Everyone deserves to live a fair life and women and children are no exception.

DV West’s vision is for a society free of violence against women and children; a society where women and children are safe in their homes and in their communities and have the support and resources they need to live active and fulfilling lives.