“Children exposed to violence are likely to lack empathy and perpetrate violence themselves.”
Nearly half of South African women suffer violence inflicted by an intimate partner, negatively impacting one in four children. There are intersections between violence against women and violence against children. Globally, it is increasingly recognised that violence against children and violence against women co-occur and are driven by the same factors. Boys who witness their mothers being abused or who are abused themselves are more likely to harm women and children later in life. In South Africa, social and cultural norms promote a gendered hierarchy, placing men in a superior position over women and children, which normalises violence. Evidence shows that men's use of violence and controlling behaviour towards an intimate partner often extends to physically abusing children as a means of vengeance. Additionally, women experiencing violence are more likely to use physical abuse to discipline children, perpetuating intergenerational violence. Experiencing or witnessing violence as a child has long-term implications, leading to poor mental
In response to this, TBF is taking a leading role in child abuse and prevention by supporting families affected by abuse, implementing community-based programmes by providing preventative information sessions at schools from Early Childhood Development (ECD) level to High School and in communities. TBF has also made submissions to Parliament that have resulted in changes to applicable and related legislation and policies on child protection and are an active participant in the children’s rights movements.
For the cycle of intergenerational violence to be disrupted and enable children to reach their full potential, South Africa must consider collaborative solutions. Programmes should focus on prevention and providing an effective response and support for victims. Targeting both children and adults of all genders to raise awareness and change behaviours at all levels of society, with a particular focus on boys and men while empowering girls and women. Research informs TBF's interventions, and they adapt their approaches based on empirical evidence.
An experience of abuse is life-changing, and a lack of adequate support and intervention can result in many survivors struggling to cope in later life. However, if children find themselves in a caring environment where they are treated with dignity and respect, they will grow up to enjoy healthy and positive lives as individuals and parents. “Experiencing or witnessing violence as a child has long-term implications, leading to poor mental health, behavioural problems, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviours, and HIV.”
health, behavioural problems, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviours, and HIV. Children
exposed to violence are likely to lack empathy and perpetrate violence themselves. Exposure to violence drives its intergenerational transmission, directly impacting their relationships with intimate partners and their ability to respond appropriately as parents. Violent households affect children's security, self-worth, and ability to communicate with others. Research conducted among violent men reveals that many of them have previously witnessed violence against their mothers and felt scared and powerless to protect them. It is crucial for society to intervene in a coordinated way to reduce this burden simultaneously.
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June 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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