Violence: Let’s learn not to justify it

By: Susana Cohen

 

 

Imagine an ordinary day: you wake up, start getting ready for work, and turn on the radio or TV. Once again, the headlines are filled with stories of kidnappings, disappearances, violence, and robberies. But like any other day, you hear these reports and brush them aside. As you navigate the traffic on your way to work, you encounter people visibly frustrated by the rush of the day. And so the day continues, often without registering the backdrop of violence that surrounds you.

Frequently, we become so accustomed to this daily violence that we fail to recognize the subtle instances of aggression right in front of us. This can be especially true in the context of a partner – a boyfriend, husband, concubine, or partner. It’s not always about overt violence, the kind that’s easily identifiable through physical blows, shouts, and insults. More often, it’s a subtler, more insidious violence that has been brewing in the shadows for a long time.

This type of violence can manifest as manipulation, control, and emotional abuse, gradually corroding the very essence of a healthy relationship. It’s imperative to remember that violence isn’t just about physical actions – it’s also about the power dynamics, the erosion of autonomy, and the degradation of self-worth.

Recognizing and addressing this hidden violence is a crucial step in breaking the cycle. Just as society needs to collectively reject and address larger acts of violence, we also need to tackle the intimate violence that silently corrodes lives behind closed doors.

Remember, true strength lies in acknowledging the problem and actively seeking a solution. Only by unearthing these shadows and giving voice to those suffering in silence can we hope to foster a world free from the shackles of violence.