“Does stress cause violence against women?”
Gender discrimination is widespread and in many countries, it begins with the birth of a girl child. Throughout their lives, women are confronted with a variety of adversaries. The most widespread but least recognized violation of human rights in the country is violence against women. The country’s constitution and all laws have rendered men and women equal, yet, the laws and procedures are not being followed. As a result, more action is needed, particularly from policymakers, to reduce and eliminate gender-based violence.
Increased financial and personal stress are significantly linked to violence against women. There is some evidence that violence against women, financial hardships, and personal stress are all connected. The link between financial stress and actual or threatened violence appears to be stronger among those who have experienced it. There is also some evidence of a link between violence, personal stress, and social support, with the likelihood of violence being higher among women who are experiencing personal stress and who do not have access to social support.
Stressors causing violence against women
External stressors such as food insufficiency and family ties, as well as socioeconomic stressors such as unemployment, have a substantial impact not just on women’s experiences of violence and perceptions of safety, but also on their general well-being. Women are feeling less safe at home as conflicts between adults at home have increased, as has the occurrence or threat of physical violence, or because other women in the household have been injured, according to research. Women’s mobility is still hampered by violence against them in public places. It restricts their ability to find work, access necessary services, and engage in recreational activities. It also has a negative impact on their health and happiness.
Financial stress
Gender-based violence is increasing in many forms in the country, according to recent news reports, surveys, and studies. Because women are disproportionately the victims of gender-based violence, the ramifications of such violence are seen across society. A variety of factors contribute to the rising tide of violence against women. Financial stress or a dip in family income, on the other hand, has been identified as a contributing factor in violence against women.
Poverty, inflation, soaring prices, and unemployment have put many families in a tough financial position, and as a result, violent events are very common. Hence, the link between violence against women and financial stress is clear.
If the family’s breadwinner has financial difficulties or is under financial hardships, women may be subjected to abuse. The ever-increasing costs of basic necessities have wreaked havoc on their family’s finances. Most households find it difficult to pay their monthly rent on time due to the steady rise in expenses. Families are frequently forced to borrow money from relatives or friends owing to non-payment of monthly rent. Due to their low financial resources, the family finds it impossible to repay such a debt.
Gender-based violence not only destroys the lives of women but also shocks innocent children who witness their mothers being physically abused. Children who grow up in families where there is domestic violence are more likely to be violent and antisocial, as well as depressed and anxious. Children who have been exposed to domestic violence are more likely to struggle in school and to perform poorly on language, motor, and cognitive tests.
Many women’s lives have been rendered miserable by economic stress and the resulting violence. In the most extreme cases of such violence, the likelihood of family disintegration is quite significant. The link between violence and poverty, which leads to economic stress, is undeniable. It is high time for society and policymakers to invest in girls’ education and empower them to support themselves and their families when and where they are required. It is a well-known fact that we will not be able to attain gender equality without economic independence. Women’s economic empowerment is vital for them to live a life free of violence.
Marital stress
Domestic violence and marital stress are common in every community in the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a big worry. To contain the outbreak, governments have resorted to lockdown measures. As a result of the pandemic, the weaker and more vulnerable members of a household have become more vulnerable to abusive partners. Social isolation and confinement to one’s house have negative impacts on one’s mental and physical health. Women have been demonstrated to be particularly vulnerable to violence. Most nations’ cultural circumstances force women to stay in abusive relationships since the woman is frequently portrayed as the symbol of family unity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has unquestionably contributed to increased marital stress and strain, as well as increased the risk of domestic violence in abusive households. The stress of maintaining a household, children, other family members, and work for working women has put women at a higher risk than ever before. According to a study, women’s perceptions of marital stress and domestic violence might be influenced by cultural variations.
Marital stress is a problem that has become rather widespread in the hectic lives of working professionals who have many tasks to complete, many insecurities that come with their occupations, and very little time for personal care. This lifestyle pattern makes it very difficult for the individual to feel relaxed. A balanced work and family life are extremely difficult to achieve due to the hectic lifestyle and wide range of responsibilities. As a result, uncertainties in one’s life and one’s duties consume the majority of one’s time. This might result in marital dissatisfaction, miscommunication, boredom, and continual conflicts, and so on.
According to studies, there has been a rise in the number of domestic violence cases reported in previous disasters. This clearly demonstrates the vulnerability and insecurity that women face around the world, as well as how that vulnerability and insecurity exacerbates during a crisis. Everything begins to disintegrate around such disasters, and there is a great deal of concern about one’s health, safety, and finances. Domestic violence emerges from existing societal and systemic concerns, and it worsens amid disaster-related stress and strain, economic downturn, displacement, and uncertainty, according to a study. Families have been forced to stay together for longer than they would normally desire due to the pandemic. Due to both social isolation and home confinement, this has exacerbated marital stress and pressure, making it easier for abusive partners to abuse their victims.
However, the relevance of these two difficulties has recently increased, owing to the fact that the support structures that had previously helped people cope with these issues have all but vanished as a result of social isolation and home confinement.
Conclusion
The fulfillment of the goals of equality, development, and peace is hampered by violence against women. Women’s human rights and fundamental freedoms are violated, harmed, or nullified when they are subjected to violence. All nations should be concerned about the long-standing failure to defend and promote fundamental rights and freedoms in the case of violence against women.
Women’s mental and physical well-being is critical to the efficient operation of any community. The majority of women’s contributions to homes are unpaid, yet the amount of work a woman does for her family is significant since it supports the smooth functioning of family units and allows everyone else to effectively work in their separate jobs. As a result, it is the responsibility of every member of society to recognize and appreciate the importance of women in their lives.