The Problem
Violence against women can take many shapes, both physical and non-physical, and is always unacceptable. Violence against women includes any act that restricts or threatens a woman’s autonomy in her personal or professional life (Rivara et al., 2019). A direct and flagrant infringement of human rights, violence against women restricts their ability to participate fully in all aspects of society and has far-reaching social and economic repercussions for the world. This violence category includes physical damage to women, such as beatings or using machines. Furthermore, in extreme cases, the victim’s life may be taken as a direct consequence of the brutality inflicted upon them. Honor killings are physical violence against a woman when a male family member suspects her of being unchaste.
When males threaten or abuse their wives verbally, it is called verbal and psychological violence, and it can take many forms. Although the mental health impacts of psychological violence on women are subtle, they are there. To the detriment of women with serious mental illnesses like melancholy (Rivara et al., 2019). Sexual violence can take many forms, including but not limited to sexual abuse, sexual threats, forced sexual relationships, or rape. The same spouse may engage in such violent behavior on multiple occasions. Women are especially at risk of rape in regions experiencing political turmoil and high violent crime rates under this violence category. Victims of violence often suffer from mental health issues like severe depressive disorders and mental illnesses, which can increase the psychological pressure on them to the point where they try suicide. Addiction to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is just one of the many issues that can arise. Due to their prominence in society, women’s experiences have far-reaching implications for the people closest to them, including their families and communities. Domestic violence and the resulting family dysfunction can have lasting psychological and emotional effects on children. The economy suffers because violence against women prevents them from participating fully in society (Rivara et al., 2019). When women get subjected to abuse, it prevents them from fully participating in and investing in society. The health problems often from violence against women add financial stress to the home.
An intersectional analysis of the Problem
Various factors influence women’s assault. Such factors revolve around racial differences, sexuality, class, and oppression. Most women who face discrimination and assault mainly come from poor backgrounds, and some may have started the abuse when they were young (Pulverman et al., 2018). Most such women represent people with disabilities, transwomen, and women of color. Still, such women could be college students in exposed environments as they have very few regulations to control their behaviors. As a result, there is a need to check the different forms of oppression that these women go through to help them overcome such challenges.
According to Carey et al. (2018), the Problem of sexual harassment among US campus students is on the rise. Carey reports that most students have experienced sexual assault while at school. In most cases, the students face the Problem in their first year. This period is always referred to as the red zone, which shows that first-year students are highly involved in acts of sexual abuse but also alcoholism, and drug abuse which are significant contributors to sexual assault cases such as rape. This shows that researchers should emphasize the cause and results of such actions among the students to prevent further incidences. Carey also shows that most sexual assault victims have increased mental health challenges. The majority of them suffer from anxiety, depression, and attempted suicide.
According to Pulverman et al. ( 2018), when contrasted with their counterparts who have not experienced the abuse, women with a history of abuse report greater levels of sexual dysfunction. Difficulties with sexual desire as well as sexual arousal are the two types of sexual concerns that most women who have a history of abuse mention. Some of such women experienced such challenges while they were still young. As a result, they grow up feeling victimized by the community members, and they develop some form of fear which keeps them away from expressing who they are.
A solution for what should change
According to Carey et al. (2018), we can address the assault on women using various mechanisms. Most issues connect to body image, self-esteem, guilt, and shame. Raising one’s voice is the first move in finding answers to the Problem of violence against women. While violence against women is unfortunately common, it need not get tolerated. It is more important than ever to voice out against the growing tide of anti-feminist sentiment. Violence against women and girls is taboo, which gives abusers a free pass and prevents victims from seeking assistance. Fewer than forty percent of women who experience violence report it, so we must let them know we support them by making their opinions heard (Carey et al., 2018). However, familiarity with the Problem and its symptoms are helpful. The abuse of women can take many shapes. Abuse can be bodily, sexual, or psychological. It can happen in the open or behind closed doors, online or in person, and by a stranger, close friend, or family member. No matter the context, sexual violence against women and girls have devastating immediate and long-term effects and hinders their ability to fully and fairly participate in society. The victims will give off the impression that they are mentally disturbed and will try to isolate themselves from a select group of people. If a person suddenly begins to isolate themselves, it may be because they are the victim of an attack.
Pulverman et al. (2018) state that sexual abuse is every day for many women. Ignoring or dismissing improper behavior in any setting—online, in public, or at work—only normalizes it more. Women and young girls often feel unwanted and dangerous in public places as they continually face harassment in different forms, such as online bullying, jeering, and harmful sexual comments and jokes. They contribute to maintaining misogynistic prejudices and stereotypes. They help foster an environment where violence against women goes unpunished. As a result, we can make the world a better place for everyone by encouraging our friends to examine their actions and standing up when someone crosses the line or by asking for assistance from others if we ever feel threatened.
Men’s toxic masculinity is a significant factor in domestic abuse. There is mounting evidence that women mostly experience intimate violence from their partners when they mainly relate to men possessing opinions and behaviors that support male supremacy and inequalities among people of different genders (Carey et al., 2018). Most conceptions of masculinity value aggressiveness, power, and control over feminine traits like empathy, susceptibility, and delicacy. Everyone suffers when people in society fail to question these ideas. We should constantly examine our assumptions about what it means to be male or female and evaluate how these concepts appear in popular culture. In addition, we should encourage men and boys to adopt more feminine characteristics like caregiving, emotional expression, and other non-traditional male qualities.
It can also be helped by investing in women’s initiatives. The most important element in influencing policy change on gender-based violence is a robust and self-sufficient feminist movement. Women’s rights groups, however, are progressively being defunded, suspended, and hushed in decision-making places; these organizations are important drivers of feminist mobilization. One of the best ways to stop aggression against women before it starts is to give more money to groups that fight for women’s rights in the long run. Give to local groups working to end violence against women, aid survivors, and advance preventative measures (Carey et al., 2018). For instance, UN Women collaborates with global women’s groups to achieve goals like ending abuse against women and achieving gender parity in legal protections.
Better answers and services are also something we can demand. Lifesaving services for women and girls who have experienced abuse are essential. For survivors of gender-based abuse, this means that help is always just a phone call away, no matter the circumstances. Adapting and enhancing essential services for women and girls in various settings requires government investment in prevention efforts. Coming forward at a women’s refuge, contributing clothing or household items, or pursuing a crisis counselor are all valuable activities in this category. Effective prevention tactics and responding to the requirements of survivors require accurate data collection (Carey et al., 2018). However, governments continue to place little emphasis on gathering sex-disaggregated data and other vital gender statistics. The lack of gender-sensitive data collection is more apparent than ever in light of the recent increase in gender-based violence caused coronavirus pandemic and changes in climate patterns, among other crises. Therefore, the government must allocate resources to study abuse against women.
To put an end to violence against women, we need stricter regulations. The people who defend the rights of people and advocators of women’s rights and activists need better protection methods worldwide to stop the violence, harassment, threats, intimidation, and discrimination they face (Carey et al., 2018). To guarantee to put women’s needs are first when a crisis occurs, humanitarian and peace agreements and policies of all kinds need to have women at the table. Women in positions of power are disproportionately in danger of physical assault. Therefore, it is essential to advocate for more opportunities for women in leadership roles and robust safeguards for women in authoritative positions. Women in politics and businesses run by women should have the full backing of society.
Moreover, finally, racism, homophobia, able-bodiedism, xenophobia, scarcity, and climate change are all interconnected with aggression against women and girls. The battle against gender-based violence can be strengthened by collaborating with and recruiting members of other social and political movements.
A Call to Action
The entire society has a role in condemning women’s assault in all ways possible. We must all rise against toxic masculinity and promote a culture that recognizes the role of women in community development. Still, we must collaborate with our community leaders and advocate for laws that would adequately punish the individuals violating women’s rights, whether young or old. The legislative reforms could help women live more safely and healthily, and they will boldly speak out when such violations occur. They will feel more valuable and appreciated. Therefore, unity will help promote a conducive environment that recognizes women and protects them against abuse.
How the equity and better safety would look in my full manifesto
Equity and safety will mean that women will be safe and treated equally regardless of their status and background. They will have a free life promoting positive interactions between them and the male gender. Also, every member of society becomes accountable for their actions as there are intervention measures that will help enhance equity and safety for everyone.
References
Carey, K. B., Norris, A. L., Durney, S. E., Shepardson, R. L., & Carey, M. P. (2018). Mental health consequences of sexual assault among first-year college women. Journal of American college health, 66(6), 480-486.
Pulverman, C. S., Kilimnik, C. D., & Meston, C. M. (2018). The impact of childhood sexual abuse on women’s sexual health: A comprehensive review. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 6(2), 188-200.
Rivara, F., Adhia, A., Lyons, V., Massey, A., Mills, B., Morgan, E., … & Rowhani-Rahbar, A. (2019). The effects of violence on health. Health Affairs, 38(10), 1622-1629.
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