In this chapter, the magnitude of domestic violence was explored and analyzed. In some countries, such as Egypt and Zambia, women believe that is okay for husbands to beat their wives when they mess up something such as food preparation. In the UK, a report of domestic violence is filed every minute, and such charges account for 16 percent of all the crime in the country. Also, in the United States, more than one billion dollars is expended on medical costs due to domestic violence. According to Sieger, “domestic violence is a means of keeping women ‘in their place,’ literally confined to relationship, household, or family structures defined by patriarchal authority… violence against women is often ignored or even condoned by the state on the grounds that it is a ‘private’ matter.” In addition to this, many abused women do not even report the incidents; however many shelters have been created in several countries to provide a home for women who have suffered from domestic violence.
Domestic violence is a tragedy, for a person should feel safe in their home, not fear for their life. From battering to rape, this form of male domination is unacceptable and lessens the value of women. As individuals and persons, women should not have to succumb to the fists of her partner, and instead she should be respected. Domestic violence can also be hard to get away from, and can come in different forms, such as verbally or physically. Personally, I have been picked up and thrown across the room by a boyfriend, and verbally abused for long periods of time by him. However, I thought that I loved him, and that he would change; he didn’t. In situations such as these it is hard to see the overall picture and know that you are in a dangerous situation. This sort of abuse happens often in relationships, and it is often too late when women realize what is going on.
The extent to which domestic violence is prosecuted needs to be increased, and more shelters need to be made for women who have been hurt. In addition, women need to be shown that it is not okay for their husbands to beat them when they have done something wrong. If these measures are taken, hopefully they will cause a decrease in the amount of domestic violence that occurs each year.
Seager, J. The Penguin Atlas of Women in the World. Brighton: Myriad Editions Limited, 2009,
28-29.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
First off, i think it was brave of you to confess and openly say the experiences you have gone through. i also have experienced emotional abuse. I have on the other hand have had family members who have been through domestic violence.
ReplyDeletei can not stand how close minded men can be, if they believe that they are higher then females.
i found it interesting that you strictly only applied domestic violence towards women and not children or males. I know that women are the main target, but i think all forms of domestic violence are important, but not just the main victim.
With that said, i understand why you choose to mainly talk only of women/females in this blog.
The facts stated about how women can be treated/abused for simple things such as burnig dinner. The phrase "keep her/women/females in their place" agravates me! Esp. when the government in other counries state or feel that abuse from husbands or family members is a "private matter".