Entertainment sector can play a critical role in raising awareness on domestic violence, says expert

 

Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan

Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan, Associate Vice President, Simon Fraser, University, shares her insights on domestic violence, the most common form of violence that impacts women globally, which is also termed as ‘Intimate Partner Violence’ (IPV), ‘Spousal Abuse’, ‘Relationship Violence’. Both men and women can be perpetrators or victims of domestic violence, which can be in the form of physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, cyber etc. Sobhana is of the opinion that education and entertainment sectors can play a critical role by generating awareness on the subject.

Impact on children  

Domestic violence has very serious negative consequences on child development, as it can cause

them a great deal of anxiety, stress and health problems, and can negatively impact their education

and careers. They are exposed to bad role modelling whereby a child learns to behave in a manner

that is neither appropriate nor positive, as a result they may not be clear on what is a positive and

healthy relationship. 

Impact on youth

Unavailability of people/experts at home or school or counselling to discuss challenges faced by

witnesses or victims of DV, could force them to remain silent, which could hurt their health,

productivity and future.

Men and trans community members 

All genders are impacted by DV. Being abusive is a type of behavior that hurts and leaves physical

and/or emotional scars for life and sometimes even for generations to come. It is not only about

power but how one chooses to use it, how one's upbringing and values makes one feel it is ok to

hurt another, the lack of consequences, stigma and a culture of silence and many other factors

perpetuate violence. 

Impact on overall fabric of the society

Husband, wife, elderly parents, children, anyone can be involved in DV. Being in a toxic and abusive

relationship impacts physical, mental, reproductive health, relationships, productivity, self-esteem,

self worth and overall quality of life, thus impacting every aspect and overall fabric of our society. 

Adverse effects on the economy

Victims may take time off work, access supports and services from various systems, including

health or justice, which adds up to high personal and societal costs. Economic costs of intimate

partner violence against women are valued at more than 5 billion annually in Canada, according

to research.

Prevalent in developed countries as well

Generally, patriarchal and dominant ways of thinking and behaving are root causes of DV, which

cuts across cultures and continents. In some cases social and cultural factors may contribute to it.

Though there may be some differences, the general pattern of behavior and factors remain the same,

an individual, sometimes both, wish to control and feel it is ok to hurt

or neglect the other. 

 

DV during pandemic

World over, during the pandemic, there has been a concerning spike in domestic violence cases,

because perpetrator got greater control and access to their partner during say lockdowns, resources

are stretched, it may even be hard to access a counsellor on a helpline due to increase in demand

and stress may be very high within households. 

Support system to help victims

Factors like age, health or other barriers can put certain individuals at a greater risk and society may

need to afford them greater protections. Though all sectors/systems can contribute positively,

however, education and entertainment sectors can play a critical role, if they choose to be both

proactive and progressive. If the education system (K-12) had a curriculum that emphasized on

respectful and healthy relationships, it will definitely impact young learners. Entertainment has a

huge impact on shaping people's thinking and expectations about many aspects of our life, including

relationships. 

How to come out of DV safely

Breakdown in communications, lack of understanding and respect for each other are among the

many similarities which form basis of all conflicts. They drift apart, instead of paddling together in

one direction and get hurt in the process. If they can communicate properly, it will help in either

working things out and staying together, or figuring out a good way to end the relationship and

remain connected. A couple can seek help from trusted relatives or friends or trained professional

mediators. Creating and resolving conflicts are all about choices. We always have a choice in

how we go about solving problems in our lives. 

Key messages

1) Everyone has the right to live a life with dignity and free from violence. 

2) Everyone has a responsibility to make our society violence free.

3) No matter how tough the problem is, remember on your own or with help, you can find a solution.

4) Be aware of resources available so that you can get help or you can help someone else.

Additional resource links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0KsQL6ctak

https://invisiblescars.in/

http://www.ncw.nic.in/helplines

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