Breaking the silence BREAKING THE PATTERN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES
By Advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-Macmillan Executive Director of MOSAIC
Understanding the nature of violence
For centuries, domestic violence, has thrived because of victims as well as witnesses keeping quiet. Yet, in a world where we have access to more modes of communication than ever before, the silence around domestic violence continues. Culture of Silence The culture of silence in families when there is abuse and violence in the home has influenced the way in which communities and the care and justice system responds and reacts to domestic violence. The deafening silence is felt and seen in the slow pace of response to domestic violence. Communities report that the police do not act when domestic violence matters are reported, and families find ways to negotiate violence to keep it within the confines of the household. These actions continue to enable the pattern of domestic violence and entrenches the inter-generational cycle of violence in South Africa and across the world. For many, domestic violence has become the norm. The UCT Children’s Institute and MOSAIC Training Services and Healing Centre recently completed a research study exploring the intersections between violence against women and children. The findings suggest one of the most significant driving factors of violence in the home is the normalized nature of abuse and violence in the family as well as the community that keeps quiet about the violence experienced.
Many families and communities think of violent behaviour as the norm - starting a conversation and educating everyone on what domestic violence is, and how it affects individuals and families, particularly women and children who are the majority of victims, is the first step in shifting the pattern of violence. Domestic violence is not only defined as physical abuse. It also involves emotional and psychological abuse, including intimidation, humiliation, control, isolation, and all other forms of abusive behaviour.
26 | Collective Action Magazine
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