When a family unit experiences domestic violence, it creates an aura of darkness which surrounds the family unit as the individuals within the unit have been directly affected by this behaviour, irrespective if it happened just once or multiple times. Domestic violence is not classified as simply physical violence, as psychological violence is also classified as a form of domestic violence. Both forms of violence are painful to endure. However, generally, survivors state that from the two the psychological violence is the hardest to overcome and process.
Domestic violence is about power and control in which the aggressor attempts to psychologically dominate the partner in order to maintain or create a dynamic within the relationship in which the partner must unwillingly comply with force or psychological tactics. Domestic Violence instils a general sense of fear in the individuals who experience it, especially if it was repetitive and pervasive. Many factors come into play, which are rooted in the individual’s culture and gender roles, which play out within the dynamic to elicit this type of behaviour. Interestingly enough it is also the same factors which determine whether someone decides to stay in the same situation or try to change the situation.
More to follow….
– Karl Grech is a counsellor. He offers counselling to both individuals and couples within Willingness. He can be contacted on karl@willingness.com.mt.