Did somebody just ask if domestic violence still exists? Yes, it is trending in our society today and very disheartening that despite several laws, committees, unions and activism against domestic violence, it still occurs.

The intention of this post is to bring to the society more awareness of domestic violence. Therefore, 6 myths about domestic violence have been compiled by me. Domestic violence is not limited to these myths but it is a start.

Women are not animals. Women deserve the best as same as the opposite sex and they must not be treated like trash. In recent times, feminists have campaigned against gender inequality. Also, international organizations such as the United Nations have declared the equality of all human beings. Article 1 of the UDHR, (Universal Declaration of Human Rights), states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”

Regardless of what a woman’s offense might be, no man has the right to take laws into their hands and discipline her except in self defense.

Domestic violence happens around the world in underdeveloped, developing and developed countries. Regardless of people’s age, gender, race or religion, they can still be abusers. There are many rich people that are abusers and also abused. Therefore, we shouldn’t assume domestic violence affects only the poor. The rich woman next to you might be a victim of domestic violence.

Domestic violence shouldn’t be a family secret. It is a criminal act, asides the legal aspect, it can lead to health problems including death of any party. Abuse of any form should not be tolerated. We must learn to seek help when abused as soon as we can. Although, some victims are to afraid to speak up and some cannot even tell they are victims. We as family and friends should try our best to help those we think might be abused.

Some victims are afraid to leave abusive relationships because of the stigma it brings. We should try and understand the reasons why our loved ones are staying and try to help. For example, some victims stay back because of financial issues, we can offer financial assistance if possible. Some victims may also be offering from Stockholm syndrome, while others might not want kids to be in broken homes. There are a number of reasons victims choose to stay in toxic relationship. We have to try and help when we can, to the best of our abilities.

Responding to violence with violence should only be for self-defense. Some persons believe in the law of retaliation which says “an eye for an eye…a tooth for a tooth”. It is also a biblical term that can be found in scripture, Exodus 21: 23-25 states, “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” Leviticus 24: 19-21 affirms to this, “Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.”

However, Jesus condemned the use of retaliation and says that if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek for them.

Religion should not be the excuse for domestic violence.

Both men and women can be victims of domestic violence. One study found that 40% of domestic violence victims are men.

In our society today, most men are ashamed to be seen as victims of domestic violence. They have the weight of being a “man” among their peers that they are too ashamed to come out as a victim. I advise men to also seek help when they can.

In summary, domestic abuse still occurs, there is no excuse for it.

Kindly drop down your opinion or advice about domestic violence, we never know who we are saving.

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to share.

References

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/eye-for-an-eye-biblical-meaning-and-significance.html%3famp=1
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201510/5-facts-everyone-must-know-about-domestic%3famp
• Myths and facts about domestic violence. (n.d.) http://www.dvipiowa.org/myths-facts-about-domestic-violence/