Abuse In A Couple: Causes, Effects And Keys To Understanding This Phenomenon
Human beings are relational beingsThat is, we can only understand ourselves in relation to others, and the main place where we learn to do so is the family. Statistics indicate that around 30-40% of families suffer some form of domestic or partner violence. Partner abuse affects more women, but men can also be victims.
When someone is a victim of abuse as a couple, it is necessary to distinguish between psychological abuse and physical abuse.
He psychological abuse It is based on intentional behaviors, executed from a position of power and aimed at devaluing, causing psychological damage, destroying self-esteem and reducing personal confidence. His condition leads to depersonalization, at the same time that it generates dependence on the person who inflicts them. The abuser uses insults, accusations, threats, destructive criticism, shouting, manipulation, silence, indifference and contempt.
The physical, in addition to all of the above, is carried out by hitting and causing any type of physical pain, either with the hands or with other objects, which can lead to the death of the person attacked.
Abuse is a process that usually lasts for many years, which part of a situation of control and devaluation by the husband towards his wife or vice versa and in which, among other things, it prevents your partner from carrying out social activities such as going out with friends or visiting your family.
The majority of aggressors do not use violence outside the family
Initially, it was believed that domestic violence involved irrational, impulsive acts, in which the aggressor did not understand the consequences of his actions. The reality is that it is not a problem of losing control of oneself, but of taking control over one’s partner and/or children.
The majority of offenders do not use violence against other people outside the family, nor do they risk attacking in situations where they foresee negative consequences for themselves. Another widespread belief is that partner abuse is restricted to the poorest and most uneducated sectors, but in reality this is not a phenomenon exclusive to the poor sectors, and As you move up the social ladder, there are more resources to hide this situation
Regarding alcohol consumption, the reality is that it is a risk factor but it has been observed that it is not the direct cause of abuse. Many alcoholics are not violent at home.
Why do some women endure abuse?
In most cases The abused woman maintains the bond with her abuser because she is economically and emotionally dependent , and due to ignorance of their rights. The fear of a fatal outcome also prevents many women from going to social services to ask for appropriate help.
To prevent gender violence, it is necessary to change attitudes through co-education, education in equal rights from childhood and adolescence, and re-education of adults. Coexistence presupposes free choice and non-ownership of people.
Men can also be victims of abuse
Intimate partner violence is immediately associated with battered women. But, although to a lesser extent, men can also be victims of violence from their partner.
Most cases of gender violence in which the man is the victim are due to psychological abuse. Men do not usually report for different reasons: lack of legal support and resources for the abused man, credibility problems or fear of ridicule.
