Beaconhouse School System

Global Perspectives-2069
Student Name: Aisha Liaqat
Report Writing: Individual Report
Topic: “Family”

Research Question:

Does domestic mistreatment lead to

harmful consequences for both children
and women in the household?
Introduction:

Domestic mistreatment, also known as

‘domestic violence’ has numerous forms of
detriment that can take place. According to the
[Link], this refers to a repetitive system used
to acquire dominance and control in a
relationship. Domestic abuse is generally
associated with initiate connections, but it also
affects children. It can be expressed in
numerous ways such as; financial exploitation,
physical assault, psychological manipulation
(through blackmail or controlling) verbal
attacks including derogatory language and
threats. Women are frequently the victims, but
men too suffer from this mistreatment.
National study shows that 50% of women are
sexually assaulted by their partners, while
90% are emotionally abused. This
underreported offense is frequently silenced
due to factors similar as isolation, fear,
economic dependence, apathy or judgment
from society, including family members.
Physical violence ‘such as choking’, beating or
whipping can result in lasting scars or tragic
loss of life. 3.3 million children aged 3-17
faced maternal violence in the US (Carlson
1975 via [Link]). In a report released by
U.N, 87,000 women murdered in 2018
worldwide, 58% of which were due to family/
domestic violence(The Washington Post). 10
million children exposed to parental violence
in 1992, 12.6% reporting that they witnessed
domestic abuse between their parents as well
(Straus via [Link]).

In this report, I will address the specific effects

of domestic violence on women and children
as well as it’s prevalence and available
interventions. I chose this topic because it is
vast and regularly standardised in some
societies, as well as it is getting normalised
day by day but no one talks about it fully.

Causes:
If an abuser has personally experienced
physical or physiological abuse (due to
improper ‘parenting’) they might abuse others
as well, this is mentioned by [Link] that is
one of the strongest indicators that they will
abuse others too. As a result of their ‘trauma’
they become desensitised to abuse and see it
as a reasonable means of resolving conflicts.
Additionally personality disorders brought on
by trauma can increase a person’s propensity
to abuse because of their confused
functioning. It is also possible for an abuser to
have grown up with deeply embedded cultural
beliefs about gender inequality or gender
superiority, particularly when it comes to men.
This could potentially result in a desire to hold
onto dominance or power. It is emphasised by
medical professional Avia James in an article
on [Link]. Psych Central suggests
that one reason for the higher incidence of
domestic abuse is lack of access to education.
While domestic abuse can occur in any social
class, those with less education are more
likely to turn to crude forms of communication,
while those with more education tend to
engage more in civilised interactions. The data
supports this idea as rural women are more
likely than urban women to experience
domestic violence(17.9% to 22.5%)
([Link]). In addition to anger
management problems and alcoholism, low
self esteem can cause people to physically
vent their frustrations on their spouses and
kids. Discipline is another reason why children
experience domestic abuse (especially in
Asian or developing nations).

Consequences:

Abuse violates the fundamental human rights

of victims. Over time. It can cause severe
trauma to an individual, and recovery times
can differ. For them to acclimate and regain
trust can be difficult. Braces, persistent
exhaustion, uncontrollably shaking, irregular
eating and sleeping schedules, and so on are
among the physical results of domestic
violence. As a coping technique, they might
also turn to drugs and alcohol. The idea that
those who have experienced turn itno abusers
is which leads to an increase in the number of
abusers. Deaths also occur, whether through
suicide (Dr. Richard McKeon states that
victims of domestic abuse are twice as likely
to attempt suicide again). Via [Link] or the
real murder committed by the abuser (Dr
Additionally Richard says that in causes of
abuse suicide and murder are likely to occur.

The physiological well being and social

development of children who witness domestic
abuse are permanently harmed. Their entire
perspective on the world is altered, and they
may feel alone, uneasy and nervous in social
situations. Growing up in an environment
where fear and distress are the norm is a
forced experience for children. Severe trauma
can be brought on by continual physical
abuse. Kids could come to associate affection
with cruel actions. As a result of it being their
“normal” some children in addition to growing
up to be abusers themselves grow up to be
attracted to violent and abusive relationships.
Domestic abuse clearly has a detrimental
impact on children and women.

Domestic Abuse Worldwide:

US is highly developed, although domestic

abuse is a common issue, the government is
working harder to address it. It’s widely
acknowledged that domestic abuse is terrible.
An estimated of 10+ million people fall victim
to these cases annually, given that between
960,000 and 3,000,000 cases are reported
and that some incidents go unreported.
Several laws have been passed such as the
Family Violence Prevention and Services act
and the violence against Women Act. Every
ten seconds a report of child abuse is made
according to [Link] in 79.7% of child
fatalities, one or both parents are involved. An
estimated 1.5 million youth or 6-7 percent of
the total, flee their homes every year in order
to avoid abuse. ([Link]).
In addition to laws like CAPTA, there are
groups like Child help, Child welfare League of
America (CWLA) APSAC, and others.
There is also domestic abuse in China, a
developed nation. The All-Women Federation
(ACWF) received 40-50,000 reports of
domestic abuse in 2010. In 1998, a study on
minors revealed that 46.1 percent of Chinese
families experienced severe violence. There
have also been cases involving children. In
2015 they established the Domestic Violence
Law. In China 26.6 percent of children have
experienced physical abuse.

In Pakistan, domestic abuse is a major public

health concern that is pervasive in society. An
estimated 5000 women are slain annually.
Laws pertaining to women rights and
protection are frequently not passed because
of religious beliefs. This was the case most
recently in July 2021 when a domestic
violence protection bill was deemed to be
“unIslamic”. Another example of pervasive
domestic violence in Pakistan in 2016 CII bill
that allowed a husband to “lightly” hit his wife if
required (Dawn news). Child abuse is also a
common occurrence, according to Sahil
(NGO)’s “Cruel Numbers” report, 1489
children were sexually abused in the first half
of 2020, with acquaintances or family
members being the abusers in 822 of these
cases. In 2018, 3832 cases of child abuse
were reported. Local NGO’s like Sahil and
Rozan exist. In Pakistan the boundary
between correcting a child’s behaviour and
abusing them is carried out in the name of
discipline. Given how frequently physical
discipline is used, the government rarely gets
involved. Women are unable to escape the
taboo of divorce and high levels of financial
dependence. Even though there are laws,
they are rarely put into practice.

Domestic violence has been proven to be

pervasive and to have undeniable detrimental
effects on women and children. What causes
conflict though is how various societies in
various nations justify it. While some see
domestic abuse as blatantly and its
dehumanising/ oppressive causes (beating,
controlling etc), and their harmful effects on
society as a whole more abusers a culture of
violence, violence of human rights etc. Other
cultures have different dynamics to play,
particularly those related to power, tradition
and religion. Religion is weaponised in
addition to the patriarchal systems of the
society. Some other nations are impoverished
and illiterate that widespread instances of
violence (i.e Venezuelan). Though domestic
abuse exists in every nation, physical
discipline has been a part of Asian culture for
centuries.

Possible courses of action:

In order to reduce the victims, suffering and

lessen adverse effects, the government can
take the following actions, creating and
enforcing constitutional laws that assist victims
of abusive households. In order to deter future
abuses and reassure victims that they will
receive justice, the law should both protect
victims and punish those who abuse them.
Domestic abuse should be treated seriously
by the law, especially in developing nations.
The government occasionally refrains from
intervening, claiming that these are family
matters. However, this is enabling a
government has a duty to protect its people.
For people who flee their abusive environment
in search of asylum, there ought to be
shelters. Financial assistance should be
provided to single mothers who fled abusive
environments with their kids, this will inspire
other mothers as well. In order for teenagers
and kids to become self-sufficient, financial aid
for their education should also be provided.
Since children are the most emotionally
vulnerable of the victims, free medical
treatment as well as therapy and counselling
should be offered to help with the victim’s
physical and mental health. In order to keep
them from becoming abusers, therapy would
make sure they don’t struggle with controlling
their anger or internalised resentment and that
they learn healthy communication skills.
Provide them hotlines to call in cade of
emergency, sone examples are 1099 (Pa.)
and 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 USA).
Ordinary citizens can assist in addition to the
government. We can creat awareness, fund
and donate to organisations that support
victims and give them financial aid, plan
demonstrations and rallies to demonstrate our
and encourage the formation of support
groups, among other things. We can also
spread awareness by informing victims of their
legal rights and highlighting the warning signs
of abusers and how they use a power and
control wheel to wrap their victims.

All of us can support victims emotionally,

believe in them, let them know that abuse is
not acceptable. Provide a space that is
judgement-free and safe for them. The very
least that anyone can do is acknowledge the
abuse and hold those responsible

Reflection:

My research question has been accomplished,

based on the evidence I have gathered, I have
concluded that domestic abuse causes great
hardship for women and children. I have also
provided a brief overview of the situation in
China, the United States, and my own country.
Along with comprehensive causes and
consequences, suggestions have also been
made for the aforementioned negative effects.

I knew domestic mistreatment existed

everywhere before the search, but I had no
idea that it was so common, in developed
modern nations like, the USA. I also had no
idea why people abused in the first place, but
after reading about the causes, like childhood
trauma I can see why some people are just
that way. But given all the trauma the victims
have endured and the fact that it will effect
then for the rest of their lives, I firmly feel that
justice should be served.

References: