Warning signs
Violence is inseparably linked to power. The aim of the person perpetrating it is not simply to cause a woman physical or psychological suffering, but to subjugate her and break her down.
To tackle violence, it is essential to understand the patterns of control and the abuse of power that underpin it.
Some warning signs include:
A relationship moving too quickly
Playing the victim
Extreme jealousy
Possessiveness
Controlling behaviour
Isolation
Belittling
Financial control
The effects
Violence causes deep trauma and can leave a woman feeling psychologically paralyzed, reducing her ability to respond or protect herself. Some possible effects include:
Learned helplessness
Low self-esteem
Fear and terror
Suicide attempts
Depression
Physical symptoms of psychosomatic origin
Alcohol and/or drug use
Generalized anxiety
Intrusive memories
Anger and rage
Social isolation
Shame
Apathy
The effects of witnessing domestic violence
Domestic violence, whether experienced directly or indirectly, has harmful effects on children who live with it.
It can affect their physical development, leading to impaired growth, delays in psychomotor development and visual impairments.
It can also harm neurocognitive development, negatively affecting intellectual abilities, self-esteem and the capacity for empathy.
It can influence behaviour: constant fear, guilt, sadness and anger stemming from a sense of helplessness and an inability to respond may lead to anxiety, increased impulsivity, feelings of alienation and difficulty concentrating.