This article has been written by Ms. Vijetha Saishree Palle, a 1 year student of Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA
ABSTRACT
The article delves into the pivotal issue of the societal evil of domestic violence against women in India and the physiological and psychological concerns and fact of witnessing the violence at home regularly on the child, not only as human rights consent but also as a public health problem. Focusing on the intergenerational transmission of violence, the study explores the root causes embedded in and graved in the norms. Societal pursue its cultural viewpoints and determination and division in gender roles examining the consequences in the aftermath, an impact on children will reveal the profound, psychological and sociological effects emphasising the urgent need to put force on targeted intervention and Efficient implementation. The preventative methods and the need for a multi-phased approach involve education in media and legal reforms and discuss the need for and application methods. The article concludes by stressing the collective force for the stakeholders and requires the breaking and putting a full stop to the vicious cycle of creating a society that is free of violence.
INTRODUCTION
The concept of domestic violence against women is not only a hindrance and a grave human rights concern but also a problem of public health issue that has women in the aftermath. The detrimental effects on women are the perspective of physical, sexual, mental, reproductive and emotional health, yet this issue often Is kept hidden and dismissed. The former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon emphasised, “Violence against women and girls continues unabated in every continent, country and culture”. While this social evil is not bound by the boundaries of religion or socioeconomic status, the roots of this evil run deep into the societal norms and, more importantly, the structure and the cultural viewpoint.
In the background setting of India, domestic violence, in particular, has emerged as a critical concern and constituted a significant part of the reported cases. According to a recent study of India’s National Family Health Survey, 3 conducted in the year from 2005 to 2006, Over 40% of the patients reported by women were subjected to or surrounded by the issue of physical violence by their spouse. Several surveys state that 51% of men being interviewed said they find nothing wrong About using violence against their spouse for various reasons. The prevalence of such a social evil state in the contemporary world is prominently due to the social settings in the factors linked to culture, religion and specifically the shaped gender roles and perpetual cycle and loom of aggression and submission.
While intense study and research are going on to find the causes and consequences of domestic violence in contemporary India, one aspect of dealing with this type of violence that deserves a much deeper exploration is the transmission of intergenerational violence against the spouse. The concept of the cycle of violence is a well-established global phenomenon while addressing domestic violence. The idea shows the psychological impact of witnessing inter-parental violence during childhood, as it is a factor in a lot of psychological, emotional and behavioural patterns. The paper aims to delve into the intricacies of the weather cycle of violence within the network of family contribute significantly to future violence against women in the Indian context. Understanding this transmission from one generation to another is crucial to stopping and breaking the cycle by implementing effective means and preventive measures.
That article sheds light on the mental and psychological impact of children who have witnessed incidents of domestic violence within the framework of the families. The research aims to Understand the interplay of family violence and seeing it and whether it increases the risk of behavioural problems, future involvement in intimate relations and, more importantly, conduct disorder. Understanding this intricate web of witnessing violence and psychological effects and the Subsequent perpetual violence as hindrances has underlined the urgency to break the destructive cycle of domestic violence.
We delve into the article and understand the complexities of domestic violence in contemporary India while Looking at the issue in a Holistic and comprehensive manner to contribute a more nuanced understanding of this social problem, paving the way for a very knowledgeable and informed policy-making and implementation of effective targeted interventions. We hope to provide valuable insight into the strategies that can disrupt and stop the cycle and foster a healthier, violent-free environment for future generations and upcoming children of India.
THE AFTERMATH AND IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN
The experts have critically analysed that domestic violence has a profound and far-reaching impact on the well-being and overall life of the child in India. The existing body of research highlights several aspects of the effects and the long-term consequences.
It is well established that a child who is exposed to domestic violence or in India has a very high and significant amount of psychological trauma. Witnessing parents and violence can lead to emotional and psychological distress, leading to issues and disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which is the most common among children who are a part of such family settings. These experiences have shaped the outlook of these children in difference to their understanding of trust safety relationships, and also may potentially affect their lifelong mental health throughout. Exposing children to win inside manifests a spectrum of behavioural problems, ranging from aggression with a drawl, difficulty in forming healthy relationships, and disobedience. Communication problems are often taken as an expected outcome. These problems may continue Even in their adolescence and adulthood. This contributes to the vicious cycle of violence in future relationships.
Several medical practitioners have contributed to the research that stress associated with witnessing violence regularly disrupts the cognitive development of the child. These prominently include changes in the Brain structure in specific areas such as the hippocampus and Corpus callosum, which affect the child’s interpretation, memory and emotional regulations and actors in hindering the Academic pursuit of the child and future opportunities. Social isolation can be a significant problem. Children living in homes marked by violence may experience societal isolation often. These children, due to stigma or fear and apprehension of shame, may usually disclose their experiences to peers or even hide their issues. They do not willingly or voluntarily seek support. This may lead to social withdrawal, which can further cause loneliness and feelings of alienation in the child. It is being noticed that children exposed to violence at home may also experience direct physical harm or even unintended injuries while violent episodes occur. The violent behaviour and the environment created in the household can contribute to various issues about health, even physiologically, and impact overall well-being.
One of the most outreach to problems produced by several critics includes the concerning occurrence of the perpetuation of Optimistic violence across generations. Several research indicate that children who have witnessed mystic violence at a very vital age are more likely to become victims or perpetrators in their adulthood. Hence, understanding this vicious cycle of transmission of this occurrence is indispensable to breaking the intergenerational cycle, which requires targeted intervention and support systems. Educational disruptions leading to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the violent environment in the households are undoubtedly present. The abusive families limit the child’s future and thinking process and lower the Academy. Pursuit of performance may also take an emotional toll on the child. Several long-term consequences are leading to a child’s exposure to domestic violence, which can extend into adulthood, influencing a child’s mental and physical health and intimate relationships. Life satisfaction, breaking and stopping this vicious cycle of violence, required efficient policy-making, counselling, and providing support systems that address the needs of every child very uniquely.
PREVENTIVE METHODS
Prevention of intergenerational transmission of the social issue of domestic violence is a complicated task that requires a multifaced approach that includes various methodologies such as education, community, awareness, media and legal reforms. In this section, we aim to delve into the different dimensions of educational Initiatives and awareness programmes to foster zero tolerance of domestic violence, promoting and advocating for healthier relationships.
Education is a powerful tool in reshaping the norms established in society and the perception and attitude towards domestic violence. It acts as a catalyst for change, which is crucial in integrating comprehensive programmes in the school curriculum that educate children about communication resolution of conflict. Healthy relationships can see immaculate changes and sow the seed for change. These programmes should not primarily focus on introducing the children and making them understand the impact of the detrimental issues of violence but emphasise the importance of various concepts of empathy, respect and equality. Challenging and making the next generation understand the power imbalances of Gender, stereotypes, and traditional roles and changing the perspective of the same can contribute to creating a generation that regards violence as Unacceptable and fosters mutual understanding and respect.
Awareness. Programmes play a vital role in creating a supporting nature that rejects violence. These programmes should be designed to reach various demographic societies and go beyond the boundaries of culture, religion and community campaigns. Workshops and seminars can provide knowledge and valuable information about the signs of change in behaviour patterns, violence avenues to seek help and available resources. Reaching the grassroots level takes effort, but it would involve the members in discussion and initiate fostering a platform where there is a safe environment to communicate and share their experiences. Everyone plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of violence.
Media is undoubtedly a powerful weapon to influence public opinion, shape perceptions, and significantly change attitudes towards violence. Responsible reporting that highlights the aftermath of violence while promoting stories of victims and survivors who broke free from the cycle can be impactful to change the attitude and viewpoint of the public at large. Collaborating with advocacy groups and media out with educational institutions can create campaigns to be utilised by different platforms to spread awareness. Social Media at present can be a potent tool for reaching the younger audience while fostering discussions and debate surrounding healthy relationships and engraving social harmony.
The ongoing legal reforms, policies and advocacy have an approval role that aims to strengthen the protection of victims of domestic violence. Advocacy plays a crucial role in pushing for responsible legislation, which makes changes to prioritise the rights and safety of those in need. Legal literacy programmes within several communities and societies can inform individuals about their rights and the availability of resources, how to claim, and legal remedies. It also aims to provide information on the importance of reporting domestic violence incidents. By reducing the boundaries and barriers to accessing justice, these initiatives can create an environment where victims feel empowered, know their rights and can willingly and voluntarily seek help and where are the perpetrators held accountable with no further delay.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the profound issue is a mess of equivalence; it has far-reaching implications for women’s and children’s well-being. The exploration and discussion of the critical need to prioritise the research and targeted interventions to address the intergenerational transmission of violence. The existing study is based in India, and though it is valuable and provides insight, it has significant gaps.
The UNICEF’s study underscores the urgency of a multifaced approach, emphasising That exposure to violence in households is a significant predator for future victimisation or perpetration. Breaking the vicious cycle demands a collective initiation and efforts from national-level research initiatives to local community arrangements. Implementing intervention and support mechanisms is a paramount method to pave the way for a society free from the devasting impact of this social evil and foster an environment where women and children can thrive and have a life of dignity, respect, and safety.
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