We Must Work Together to Reduce Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an act of crime which occurs in domestic household units. It is also known as as spousal abuse or family violence. Domestic violence is not only related to physical abuse but also emotional, sexual, financial, mental and verbal threats. According to ( Human Right Watch, 1995) cited from Macionis, John J., 2008. Domestic violence is defined as bodily harm, usually accompanied by verbal threats and harassment, emotional abuse or the destruction of property as means of coercion, control, revenge, or punishment on a person with whom the abuser is in intimate relationship. Besides that, according to an article by Women’s Aid, the government defines violence as any incident of threatening behavior, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic violence can happen and may happen to any individual despite their gender, social class or status, life style, age, family background, race, ethnicity or place of living. Any individual can be a victim of domestic violence. Based on an article titled Physical Violence against Women the World Health Organization reported that 40 to 70 percent of women were murdered in the United States, Canada, Australia and Israel by their husbands or male partners.

Domestic violence can be categorized into different categories. Firstly, is physical violence. Physical violence is physical abuse whereby the abuser will hit, kick, burn, punch, slap, smack and perform any action using body or objects that will hurt and bruise the victim’s physical health. An example of physical abuse is severe burns on the body due to cigarette burns. Secondly is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is just opposite of physical abuse because the abuser will use harsh, vulgar and negative words to emotionally abuse the victim. The implication of verbal abuse such as yelling, isolation, name-calling and shaming also falls in the same category of emotional abuse. For example, shouting out vulgar words is a form of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can cause severe depression and also lack of confidence. Besides that, it can also cause decrease of self worth and independence. Thirdly is financial abuse whereby the abuser will financially torture their victims who are usually their spouse or...

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...d the news via online sources such as electronic mails (e-mail), facebook, twitter and etc. We can use these social webs to spread awareness regarding domestic violence and help public to prevent them from being a victim. The public must learn to speak up whenever they encounter domestic violence or abuse instead of keeping quiet and suffering. They should not hesitate and must be brave enough to lodge a complaint.

As a conclusion, every individual must play their part in order to stop domestic violence from occurring or getting worse. Domestic violence will not only hurt and harm human beings but also affects the country and nation. We should be more cooperative and work together to overcome domestic violence and abuse. We must show more love for each other, be more concern, understand each other feelings and the rights of being a human being. Therefore, we must live together in happiness, peace and harmony.

Works Cited Macionis, John J. 2008. Social problems, 3rd edition, Pearson Prentice hall: New Jersey.