Regardless of one’s walk in life or in what geographic location one lives, domestic violence exists. The problem is not reserved to a particular group, such as industrialized nations or those that are developing or under-developed. Citizens of industrialized nations may face domestic violence like other countries do, but it may manifest in forms that are different from the ones witnessed in developing countries. Humanitarian organizations and feminist movements are particularly vocal when it comes to addressing domestic violence. The term “domestic violence” brings to mind the mistreatment of children, physical abuse of spouses, as well as neglect of elderly persons in family settings. Incidents include, but are not limited to, acts such as physical beatings, deprivation of basic needs, and subjection to psychological trauma.
Countries that excuse domestic violence, regardless of how inconsequential it might appear, have not yet arrived at a state of true civilization. There is nothing civilized in beating a woman just to prove that the man is the head of the household. It is unfortunate that there have been increasing reports, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, that people die daily due to domestic violence. Laws need to be examined to determine whether perpetrators of violence against family members are exempt from prosecution. If so, then family law must be scrutinized as well as the history of a culture that excuses it. Continue reading Exploratory Essay on Domestic Violence