Breaking the Chains: The Evolution of Domestic Abuse from Silence to Justice
As most of us already know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This is the time when some light is shed on this very dark topic in an effort to bring awareness and education to stop the abuse. Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence, is a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can occur within a range of relationships including married couples, cohabiting couples, or dating couples, and can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, economic standing, or sexual orientation.
Growing up in the 1960s, I don’t recall ever hearing the term “domestic abuse” nor was I aware of any incidents of this occurring in the homes of my fellow classmates. I began to wonder when did this start, how did it get its name and when were the first laws against domestic violence passed.
To no surprise, domestic violence has been going on since time began. During ancient times, domestic abuse was condoned and legally ignored across various cultures and societies. For example, ancient Roman law gave the family patriarch the right to use physical force against his wife. From the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Period, the “Rule of Thumb” allegedly permitted a man to beat his wife with a rod no thicker than his thumb. This was the societal acceptance of domestic violence in Europe during those times.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that some changes began to appear, particularly in Western societies. For instance, in 1878, the Matrimonial Causes Act made it easier for women in the UK to obtain separations from abusive husbands. However, it was the women's movement of the 1960s and 1970s that played a crucial role in drawing attention to the issue of domestic abuse. Feminist activists established the first women's shelters, and advocacy groups lobbied for legal reforms.
The specific term "domestic violence" became more commonly used by the late 1970s and early 1980s as part of a broader awareness and activism movement. Before this, terms like "wife beating" were more common but did not encompass the wider spectrum of abusive behavior.
Legal changes in the United States, specifically against domestic violence were first enacted in the 1970s. The passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994 marked a significant step in addressing domestic abuse as a serious crime and provided federal resources towards combating it.
On the global front, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1993, which provided a framework for governments to protect women from violence, including domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse remains a critical issue worldwide, with various countries at different stages of recognition and enforcement of laws against it. There is an increased focus on not only protecting victims but also on preventive measures and educating the public about the signs and dangers of domestic abuse. At the end of the day, the recognition and criminalization of domestic abuse are relatively recent developments, spurred by societal changes and the relentless work of activists. Legal and social recognition continues to evolve, reflecting broader shifts towards gender equality and human rights. There is a lot of work still to be done. For more information, please visit the National Domestic Violence Awareness Hotline (https://www.thehotline.org) or visit my website at www.brokentoboldness.com. It’s time to stop the violence!
Until next time,
Deborah Griffiths
Website - www.brokentoboldness.com
Email - brokentoboldness7@gmail.com