Violence Against Women: Causes, Impact, And Social

Violence Against Women: Causes, Impact, and Social

The issue of violence against women (VAW) encompasses a wide range of violent acts primarily or exclusively committed against women, often rooted in gender-based discrimination and societal norms. Historically, violence against women has been pervasive, with many acts condoned or legally sanctioned under various cultural and legal frameworks. This essay explores the different forms of VAW, their historical context, the social and cultural factors contributing to its prevalence, current debates surrounding policies aimed at addressing it, and the significant impact it has on contemporary society.

Understanding Violence Against Women

Violence against women includes personal acts such as rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), honor killings, dowry violence, and forced marriages. It also encompasses state-perpetrated acts such as war rape, sexual slavery, forced sterilization, and violence inflicted by law enforcement agencies (Ganga, 2014). Many of these acts are facilitated or tolerated by societal norms, stigma, and cultural beliefs that view women as subordinate or property.

One significant challenge in addressing VAW is under-reporting, stemming from societal taboos, fear of stigmatization, and legal or institutional barriers. Consequently, the historical record on the prevalence and extent of violence remains incomplete, making it difficult to fully assess its scope. Nonetheless, historical evidence reveals that violence against women was often legally sanctioned or socially accepted. For example, Roman laws permitted husbands to chastise their wives, sometimes resulting in death (Ganga, 2014). Similar permissive attitudes persisted through European common law and into earlier centuries, reflecting entrenched gender inequalities and patriarchal dominance.

Historical and Cultural Foundations

The roots of VAW are deeply embedded in cultural constructs that assign women a subordinate status, viewing them as property or as subjects of male authority. This perception has been reinforced by social norms, religious doctrines, and legal systems. The United Nations (1993) highlighted that violence against women is a manifestation of enduring unequal power relations between genders, designed to maintain male dominance and oppress women from full participation in social, economic, and political life.

Patriarchal structures have historically justified the control and violence inflicted upon women as a means of social regulation and enforcement of gender roles. These roles typically assign women to domestic and caregiving duties while men occupy positions of power and authority. The perpetuation of such roles facilitates a culture where violence against women becomes normalized, sometimes even legally sanctioned, as seen in historical practices of wife-beating, honor killings, and institutional violence.

Impact of Violence Against Women in Contemporary Society

VAW critically undermines women's health, safety, and human rights, with consequences extending beyond individual victims. Physically, survivors often suffer injuries, trauma, and in extreme cases, death. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by others (WHO, 2013). Victims of intimate partner violence face increased risks of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, miscarriage, preterm birth, and mental health disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Bennhold, 2016).

The long-term societal impacts include economic costs due to healthcare, legal, and social services, alongside diminished workforce participation and productivity. Children exposed to domestic violence are also at risk of experiencing psychological trauma, behavioral issues, and perpetuating cycles of violence in future generations. The pervasive nature of VAW thus sustains gender inequalities and impedes societal development.

The Necessity of Addressing Violence Against Women

Recognizing VAW as a critical social issue is essential for fostering gender equality and social justice. Despite increased awareness and advocacy efforts, violence persists at alarming rates globally. Challenges include ingrained cultural attitudes, inadequate legal protections, and lack of reporting mechanisms. In the United States, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), first enacted in 1994, represents a significant legislative step, providing resources for prevention, protection, and prosecution (Armstrong, Palmer, & Modi, 2014). However, its reauthorization faces political debates, with critics arguing about the scope of protections and federal intervention.

The debate underscores challenges in balancing cultural sensitivities with the imperative to uphold women's rights. Critics claim that some provisions, such as protections for undocumented or marginalized populations, threaten sovereignty or may be misused. Conversely, supporters argue that comprehensive policies are essential to protect all women, especially those most vulnerable. Despite disagreements, the consensus remains that legal frameworks must be strengthened and effectively enforced to combat VAW (Amnesty International, 2016).

Contemporary Social Theories and Explanations

Various social theories have been proposed to explain the persistence of VAW. Learning theories suggest that violence is a learned behavior, reinforced through exposure, socialization, and cultural norms. Children witnessing or experiencing violence are more likely to imitate such behaviors in adulthood (Amnesty USA, 2016). The social-ecological model emphasizes multiple levels of influence, including individual, relational, community, and societal factors, that contribute to or inhibit violence.

Substance abuse is often linked to increased rates of domestic violence, as it impairs judgment and inhibitions. The systematic acceptance or normalization of violence against women further perpetuates cycles of abuse. Psychopathological explanations posit that mental illness or personality disorders may account for violent acts, though these are not seen as primary causes. The exchange theory explains violence as a means of maintaining power or control, where perpetrators seek reward or avoid punishment (Catallo, Roche, & Guruge, 2012).

Gender Roles and Violence

Gender norms deeply influence the prevalence and perpetuation of VAW. Societies that uphold traditional gender roles—where men are dominant and women submissive—tend to have higher rates of violence against women. These roles reinforce societal acceptance, sometimes even expecting violence as a method of discipline or control. Conversely, societies promoting gender equality, respect, and shared decision-making tend to have lower incidences of VAW (Ganga, 2014).

Addressing gender-based violence requires transforming societal attitudes and actively challenging harmful stereotypes. Education, advocacy, and policy reforms must work hand in hand to redefine gender roles, promote equality, and eradicate the structural inequalities that foster violence.

Conclusion

Violence against women remains a pervasive and deeply rooted social issue with profound health, economic, and societal implications. Its historical acceptance and normalization highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legal, social, and cultural interventions. Despite ongoing debates over policies like the Violence Against Women Act, the importance of prioritizing women's rights and safety is undeniable. Achieving meaningful change requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, communities, and individuals to challenge harmful norms, strengthen legal protections, and ensure justice and safety for all women. Continued research and advocacy are vital to understanding the roots of VAW and implementing effective strategies to eliminate it.

References

• Amnesty International. (2016). Violence against women information. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/violence-against-women/
• Armstrong, A., Palmer, S., & Modi, M. (2014). The Role of Violence Against Women Act in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence: A Public Health Issue. Journal of Women's Health, 23(3), 253–259.
• Bennhold, K. (2016). On Perilous Migrant Trail, Women Often Become Prey to Sexual Abuse. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/world/europe/migrant-women-sexual-abuse.html
• Catallo, C., Roche, B., & Guruge, S. (2012). Violence against Women: An Exploration of the Physical and Mental Health Trends among Immigrant and Refugee Women in Canada. Nursing Research and Practice, 2012, 1-15.
• Ganga, M. (2014). Violence against women emerges as key campaign issue in Alaska. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com
• World Health Organization. (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence against women: prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence. WHO Press.