Cause And Effects Of Domestic Violence

Cause and Effect of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a world-wide epidemic that has been affecting our families for centuries. In many countries, around the world, domestic violence is a way of life and is not considered an important matter nor a crime. Also, most cultures consider it customary due to ancient believes that women are inferior to men. Domestic violence have a tremendous effect on an individual’s mental health and psychological development; especially, when it has been experienced from early childhood through adolescence and adulthood. Children are often the most susceptible when a violent confrontation takes place; as they become a destined target when an argument is physically manifested. Children are defenseless

There are many factors that could be the cause for a domestic violence; such as alcoholism, drug addiction, financial burdens, a failing economy system, psychological disparity, sexual deviousness and/or behaviors learned within a vicious cycle. It is known, that physical and/or sexual violence has a great impact on the overall mental health of the victims. Women present significant symptoms of anxiety, anguish, fatigue, headaches, tension and other psychosomatic symptoms. Most common, however, were symptoms of depression and deterioration in self-esteem. Of even greater concern, is thoughts and attempts of suicide, which is seen by victims as a real alternative and sometimes the only solution to their situation. Also, feelings of fatigue, irritability, insomnia and other problems have a direct impact on physical and mental

He was an alcoholic and his drinking caused him to have irrational thoughts and violent outbursts. Even though, I was not part of their household I was exposed to the behavior. Being a child, I questioned his hostility all the time, as I did not understand the reasons for it. I also noticed that nobody would talk about it and it was rapidly forgotten as if there was a sacred secrecy and/or “taboo”. I could not help but to be scared of my neighbor; and most of the time, I avoided his presence. I learned to associate him with violence, aggression, profanity and bad odor. I still remember how loud his voice was; and the way he treated his wife and kids with such disregard for their feelings. Although, indirectly, domestic violence had a profound effect on the way I interact with others and my ability to trust people. As an adult, I think about those times and realize that it was not my fault that my neighbor was an awful human being. I understand that his disparity was not caused by my presence; but by his alcohol abuse and lack of respect for others. It reminds me of one of my favorite poems; (Children Learn What They Live, by Dorothy Law Nolte.) It is very much true; we learn what we