Domestic violence is violence that occurs within the family. Legal and social understanding of the concept of domestic violence varies by culture. The definition of the term “domestic violence” varies depending on the context in which it is used. It can be defined differently in medical, legal, political or social contexts. Definitions vary over time, and differ in different parts of the world.
The Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence states that: “Domestic violence” means all acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence within a family or domestic unit or between a former or current spouse or partner, whether the perpetrator shares the same residence with the victim or no
In 1993, the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women identified domestic violence as one of three contexts in which violence against women occurs, describing it as follows:
Physical, sexual and psychological violence in the family, including domestic violence, domestic violence against girls, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-maleficence and related violence.
Family violence
Family violence is a broad definition, often used to include child abuse, elder abuse, and other violent acts in family members.
Child abuse is defined by the WHO as: “Child abuse, sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect, includes all forms of physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that result in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, development, or dignity. Under this broad definition, five subtypes can be distinguished – physical abuse; sexual exploitation; neglect and negligent treatment; emotional abuse; and exploitation.
Laws exist to prevent and punish the occurrence of these crimes. There are laws regarding family sexual activity, which state that it is a criminal offense to have any kind of sexual relationship between one’s grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts or uncles.
According to the WHO, elder abuse is: “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where trust is expected that causes harm or distress to an older person”.
Abuse of parents of children (child abuse)
Child abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect of a child or children. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department for Children and Families (DCF) report child abuse as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver. Defined as resulting in harm, the possibility of harm, or the threat of harm to the child. Child abuse can occur in a child’s home, or in organizations, schools or communities with which the child interacts. There are four main categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.
Abuse of parents by children
Abuse of parents by their children is a common but under-reported and under-researched topic. Parents are often subjected to higher levels of childhood aggression than typical childhood aggressive episodes, usually in the form of verbal or physical abuse. Parents feel shame and humiliation for the problem, so they rarely ask for help and little or no help is available anyway.
Elder abuse
Elder abuse is “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where trust is expected, that causes harm or distress to an older person.” This definition has been adopted by the World Health Organization from the definition put forward by Action on Elder Abuse in the UK. Elder abuse protection laws are similar and related to dependent adult abuse protection laws.
A key element in elder abuse harm is the older person’s “expectation of trust” in their abuser. Thus, it includes harm by people the older person knows or has a relationship with, such as a spouse, partner or family member, friend or neighbor, or people on whom the older person depends for services. is Many forms of mass abuse are recognized as types of domestic violence or family violence.
Forced and child marriage
Forced and child marriages are prevalent in some regions of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, and such marriages are associated with high rates of domestic violence.
A forced marriage is a marriage where one or both parties are getting married without their freely given consent. The line between forced marriage and consensual marriage can be blurred, as the social norms of many cultures dictate that one should never go against the wishes of one’s parents/relatives regarding one’s choice of spouse; In such cultures it is not necessary for violence, threats, intimidation, etc., the person “consents” to marriage due to inherent social pressure and duty, even if he does not want it. Bride price and dowry customs, which exist in some parts of the world, can motivate people to buy and sell in marriage.
Child marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses are under 18 years of age. Child marriage has been common throughout history but is today condemned by international human rights organizations. Child marriage is often arranged between the families of the prospective groom and the bride, sometimes only when the girl is born. Child marriage can also occur in the context of marriage by abduction.