Battering is a violent attack that injures
somebody. Effect is the result of something on somebody or something else. The
effect of battering women therefore means the result of violently attacking
women. The modern society has started to acknowledge the individual identity of
women. She is believed to have her aspiration, abilities and qualities as a man
does have and it is also agreed that she should have the opportunities to
develop her faculties and express them according to her own choice. Women are
important elements of our society as they are becoming not only significant
unit of the society but also influencing the course of social change in
society. Would it be right to violently attack women who happen to be important
element of our society? What happens to a society where the women are being
battered? Are there any physical, psychological and emotional effect of
battering on the woman? What are the social and educational effect of
battering? Are there any maternal and marital effect of battering women? This
practical piece intends to expose the ill effect of battering women on the
individual and society at large. It answers to the questions raised and
proffers possible solution to address the issue of battering in the
society.
Battering which is also known as domestic
violence is one of the frequent and least reported crimes in the world. Women
of every age, race, and nationality can be battered. It is done by the man a woman is married to
or even dating. Battering can come in different forms and includes recurrent
threatening and harmful behavior. Verbal and emotional abuse, control of
finances, and one's physical freedom. Battering may involve severe and frequent
beating,which may include slapping,puncShing,chocking,kicking or hitting with
objects.For a woman who has left the relationship, stalking can be part of
battering. Sadly battering.Sadly, battering can escalate to sexual assault and
can end in murder. Have you ever seen a child physically beaten, severely
sustaining injuries and bruises as a result. The physical effect of battering
is as far reaching and devastating as those seen in battered children. Battered
women suffer as they may experience physical disability,chronic health problem
and mental illness.They may eventually a poor ability to create healthy
relationships. Victims of domestic violence may experience psychological
problem such as post traumatic stress disorder. Fourty-five percent of woman abuse
results in physical injury.The psychological effect of this can be far
reaching, eighty-five percent of abused women indicate that they have
experienced some type of negative emotional effects including anger, fear,
becoming less trusting, lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame and
guilt.In order to combat these effects, twenty-five percent of these women
report having used alcohol, drug or medication.[effects of woman abuse 2000].
Physical effects of abuse include; broken bones, burns, stab wounds, loss of
hair, chronic joint or muscle pain, bites and bruises.
Maternal health effect of abuse include;
frequent pregnancies, miscarriages, infertility, chronic vaginal infection.
Psychological effect of abuse include;low self esteem, anxiety, lack of
appropriate boundary, self degradation, uncontrolled rapid anger response, frequent
crying, sleep disturbances, inability to form and maintain relationships.Violent
victimization can influence a woman's overall perception of herself.[turcotte
2011]. Domestic violence is so rampant that one out of every three women around
the world has been beaten.[Kofi Anan 2006], how sad! Children of violent marriages who witness domestic
violence end up in juvenile delinquency and adult criminality.[putnam ault 2014
and sage publication inclination 2002. the ripple effect of domestic violence
extends far into the society at large. Research reveals that domestic violence
costs more than 5 billion dollars in medical and mental health care. Each year,
an estimated 8 million of paid working days are lost to domestic violence
annually.[world health organization 2011] Domestic violence impacts negatively
on the victim, marriages, children, society at large and economy. What can be
done to stop domestic violence?
We can all take steps to stop domestic
violence especially as it is one of the under reported crimes. Educating the
community about domestic violence,its impact and how to intervene safely is one
step to stop it, this education can take place in town hall meetings, talks,
and other group session. Community members can build a coalition with the local
police to organize and support a network where domestic violence is monitored
and reported. Such support network can be boosted with modern technology. Government
should support the civil society groups through legislative laws that stand
against domestic violence. Government can build shelters for victims and their
children and rehabilitation centers for the abuser who may go through healing.
Government can also include sex and relationship education for students in
their curriculum. Let's work together to stop domestic violence, to save our
women, our children and our society.
REFERENCE :
Effects of woman abuse 2002 . Kofi Anan 2006. Johnson et al 2008. Juristat
2013. Malamoth et al 1995. Putman adult 2004. Sage publications 2002.
