Causes of domestic violence

Luxson Chananda
ONE of the crimes which cause sleepless nights to both the police and the public is domestic violence. Without doubt, domestic violence is one of the most dehumanising crimes which reduce victims’ lives to shreds and leaves them an emotional wreck. A number of factors contribute to the escalation of this crime to an extent where no one knows who the next victim or perpetrator is. Cases have been reported, some culprits arraigned before the courts, with others serving lengthy jail terms.

There are organisations that have committed themselves to ensuring that these cases are brought to a halt, but this has proved to be a grope in the dark as the cases continue to recur. The million-dollar question is: are we all doing our bit? This week we look at causes, effects and solutions of domestic violence.

CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Lack of resources
Gender equality
Excessive drinking
Gossip
Cross-border trading resulting in starving the other spouse sexually
Barrenness
Family planning
Poor communication skills between spouses
Use of cellphones especially whatsapp messages, text messages, etc
Infidelity
Poverty
Laziness

SOLUTIONS TO STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Civil remedy
Seeking professional counsellors
Avoiding unnecessary arguments
Starting some projects or seeking employment to reduce financial problems
Resolving domestic disputes amicably, avoiding the violent way
Criminal remedy
Report the case to police — let justice take its course

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A battered spouse suffers physical and mental problems. A battered spouse loses his/her job because of absenteeism due to illness as a result of the violence. Sometimes battered women may have to relocate to avoid violence.

How does Domestic Violence Affect Children?
The tragic reality is that anytime a parent is abused by her/his partner, the children are also affected. What hurts a parent hurts the children.
When a parent is abused, the children may feel guilty that they cannot protect her/her, or that they are the cause of the strife. They may themselves be abused, or neglected while the parent attempts to deal with the trauma.

Children get hurt when they see their parents being yelled at, pushed, or hit. Children may exhibit emotional problems, cry excessively, or be withdrawn or shy. They may have difficulty making friends or have fear of adults.

Some children may suffer from depression and excessive absences from school and they may use violence for solving problems at school and home.

Children may be at greater risk of being a runaway, being suicidal, or committing criminal acts as juveniles and adults.
Those children who are experiencing stress may show it in different ways, including difficulty in sleeping, bedwetting, behaviour problems, stomach aches, headaches and/or diarrhoea.

Children who grow up in violent homes have much higher risks of becoming drug or alcohol abusers or being involved in abusive relationships, as a batterer or a victim.

APPLICATION FOR a PROTECTION ORDER
This in an order given by the magistrates’ court against persons causing domestic violence in any of its forms which is meant to ensure that such person does not continue to commit the violence

WHERE DO I GO?
Go to the nearest court during ordinary working hours. Complete an application form which can be supported by affidavits. The abuser will be summoned to court. The summon is given to the Clerk of Court within 48 hours

EVIDENCE CONSIDERED BY THE COURT
Written evidence which may include medical evidence based on a police report.
Oral evidence by the victim, the perpetrator and any witness.

NB: A PROTECTION ORDER MAY BE GIVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF ABUSER IF THE COURT IS SATISFIED THAT THE PERSON RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE DATE OF THE HEARING
If the perpetrator is convicted of the offence, he is liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years or both fine and imprisonment.

Inserted by ZRP Press and Public Relations, Manicaland Province