Domestic Violence : Diverse Causes To Blame

Domestic abuse, also known as intimate partner abuse, describes any situation where a romantic or spouse uses dominating or violent behaviour to exert control over the other either physically, sexually, or psychologically. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, be it man or woman. Domestic abuse is not just physical violence, but can be a complex mixture of emotional and mental manipulation. Someone may find he/she is being isolated or cannot wear the things he/she likes or have desired privacy or freedom. Being hurt by an intimate partner or spouse can be a very traumatising experience in any union. As domestic violence varies so too are the causes. Some marriage counsellors and sociologists say certain underlying factors might sometimes contribute to a person’s propensity for abuse. Childhood experiences, cultural beliefs, frustration and psychological disorder are often listed.   

Childhood Experiences/Background 
It has been revealed that children who witness domestic abuse may grow up thinking physical or psychological violence are acceptable ways to solve conflict. In the same way, raising children to believe the opposite sex is inferior may result in exhibiting controlling behaviour later in life. During a divorce case in Yaounde, a husband revealed that controlling his wife, to the extent of ensuring that she handed her salary to him was just normal because that is what his father did to his mother. He added; “I am the head of the family and should control everything happening in my home.” Such a man, who saw his father beat his mother and the mother stayed in the marriage despite the abuses, will have in mind the predisposition to also be violent when he grows old. Many marriages have suffered from emotional and financial abuse because of the need to gain power and control. 

Cultural Situation 
It may seem odd but it is a fact that some cultures or traditions unknowingly encourage domestic violence. Many cultures still have deep-rooted beliefs that men are superior to women. A marriage counsellor in Buea, Penvadga Terence says holding certain belief systems about hierarchy and domination has in most situations caused some men to resort to domestic violence to gain control of their spouse or children. He also explained that in some clans in the country, beating of the wife by the husband is accepted as an integral part of marital life. Coming from a culture where the people integrate violence, no matter the form, there is no way violence will be avoided from such homes.

Insecurity, Low-self Esteem 
The marriage counsellor also explains that when people get married, it is sometimes for devised reasons among which is social, financial, spiritual or religious. No matter the reason, there is going to be evolutio...