Domestic Violence During COVID-19: A Silent Pandemic Essay

Definition of Family Violence in Popular Media

The article, published in Times of India’s Readers’ Blog by a user named PremiumBytes, discusses the escalating issue of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The author refers to domestic violence as a silent pandemic, highlighting its prevalence and impact. The definition of family violence in the article is explicit, defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse.

Types of Violence on the Wheel of Power and Control

The wheel of power and violence is a model that illustrates the different forms of abuse that can occur within relationships. The categories on the wheel generally include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as various forms of manipulation and control. In the article, the type of violence discussed includes both physical and emotional abuse, two of the main categories on the wheel (“The Silent Pandemic: Domestic Violence”).

Physical

Physical abuse is represented by cases where victims are physically harmed or battered by their partners. This can involve actions like hitting, kicking, choking, or other forms of physical harm.

Emotional

Emotional abuse, on the other hand, is discussed in the context of psychological manipulation and control. This type of abuse can be much more subtle, involving tactics like gaslighting, humiliation, guilt-tripping, and constant criticism to erode a person’s self-esteem and independence.

Sexual

Finally, the article also touches on the increase in sexual violence during the pandemic. Sexual violence is another crucial category on the wheel, and it involves any form of unwanted sexual activity, from harassment and intimidation to rape.

Prevalence of Family Violence

The author suggests that family violence is alarmingly common, especially during the pandemic when victims are confined to their abusers. They cite a report by the National Commission for Women, which noted a significant increase in domestic violence complaints during the lockdown in India. However, the author also points out that many cases go unreported due to fear, making it difficult to determine the true extent of the problem.

Actions Taken for the Offender and Victim

The article does not provide specific details about what was done to the offenders or the victims in reported cases. However, the author emphasizes the need for stronger law enforcement and suggests that legal action should be taken against perpetrators.

Recommended Treatment or Prevention Programs

The author recommends several prevention and treatment programs. These include setting up helplines for victims, raising awareness about domestic violence, providing safe spaces for victims, and implementing stricter laws and punishments for abusers. The author also suggests that society plays a role in prevention by not normalizing or ignoring domestic violence.

Evaluation of the Article’s Value

The value of the article is significant as it brings attention to the issue of domestic violence during the pandemic, a time when the problem has been exacerbated. From my perspective, the article effectively raises awareness about the issue and advocates for stronger measures to protect victims.

Assessment of the Outcome and Alternative Perspectives

It’s hard to tell what the outcome will be because the article is more focused on raising awareness rather than reporting on a specific incident or case. However, the author’s recommendations for stricter laws and punishments for abusers and better support for victims are positive steps towards the right outcome.

Personal Opinion

In my opinion, the article could have provided more information on the resources available to victims, such as specific helplines or organizations. Additionally, the author could have discussed more about the role of societal attitudes in perpetuating domestic violence and ways to change these attitudes. Nonetheless, the article is a compelling call to action against the silent pandemic of domestic violence.

Work Cited

“The Silent Pandemic: Domestic Violence.” Times of India Blog. 2022. Web.