Domestic violence is a deeply rooted issue in our society, and understanding and resolving its complex dynamics is not easy. Karina Pérez Ortega, a forensic psychologist in the Domestic Violence Eradication Department of the Prosecutor's Office in Ecuador, offers insights into identifying victims of domestic violence, the causes of the surge in violent incidents, and in-depth perspectives on preventing them. She points to permissive parenting styles, low supervision of internet use, addiction issues, and deeply entrenched machismo (male chauvinism) as major contributors to the rise in domestic violence.
Domestic Violence: Warning Signs in Silence
While acknowledging the complexity of domestic violence, Psychologist Pérez identifies several common warning signs. These include behavioral changes, extreme fear towards a family member, physical and communicative isolation, persistent control and jealousy over one or more family members, physical injuries or self-harm, shame or avoidance when discussing related topics, and substance addiction in one family member. These signs reveal the suffering of the victim and serve as an urgent plea for attention and help from those around them.
The Importance of Psychological Analysis: Breaking the Cycle of Violence
In cases of domestic violence, psychological evaluations of both victims and perpetrators are essential for understanding the complex interactions of violence. Psychologist Pérez emphasizes, "Psychological evaluations of direct perpetrators and victims of family violence are crucial for understanding the interactions characterized by violent verbal and physical behaviors." Furthermore, these evaluations help to understand the dysfunctional relationships and the ways in which attachment, secrecy, or blame are maintained, perpetuating violent behaviors. Through such analysis, intervention strategies can be set to break the cycle of violence and re-establish healthy relationships.
Victim-Centered Approach: Support for Recovery
Regarding the approach to victims, Psychologist Pérez explains that forensic psychological evaluations are primarily conducted at the request of the Prosecutor's Office. The goal is to report on the victim's psychological state based on their statements, using scientific and recognized methodologies. When victims are emotionally overwhelmed, psychological crisis intervention and support are provided, with referrals to specialists or similar advice offered when needed. Importantly, support is provided to victims of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—who have experienced psychological or physical violence, regardless of gender.
Multidimensional Causes of the Surge in Domestic Violence
While emphasizing the need for longitudinal research results from inter-agency collaboration for a more precise answer to the surge in domestic violence cases, Psychologist Pérez points to several potential factors. Most notably, more permissive parenting styles are a significant concern. Overly lenient parental attitudes can lead to difficulties for children and adolescents in learning social norms and self-control.
Additionally, lack of supervision over internet and leisure activities increases the risk of children and adolescents being exposed to harmful content or behaviors. Various forms of addiction are also cited as major causes. Addiction to psychoactive substances, mobile phones, or gambling can impair an individual's judgment and amplify violent impulses. These problems can be exacerbated in violent community environments where spousal violence and corporal punishment are naturally perceived as forms of control or education.
Societal Efforts for Violence Prevention
To prevent domestic violence, the fundamental role of public and private institutions, especially those related to health and education, is emphasized. These institutions should be responsible for imparting to users: assertive communication patterns within families, and social skills aimed at negotiation, dialogue, and conflict mediation strategies. Psychologist Pérez adds that the importance of impulse control management for impulsive behaviors and the initiation and continuation of productive leisure activities (such as sports and arts) can be essential elements in preventing family violence. Above all, she stresses that timely requests for help from institutions when parents or responsible adults face uncontrollable situations can prevent violent behaviors or situations from occurring or worsening.
Machismo: A Deeply Rooted Cultural Factor in Domestic Violence
Psychologist Pérez points out that domestic violence is not merely an individual problem but is closely related to machismo (male chauvinism), a cultural factor deeply embedded throughout society. Patriarchy has characterized and shaped the socio-cultural, political, and interpersonal patterns of our society. Despite current paradigms and norms aimed at eradicating gender inequality and discrimination related to all forms of violence and concepts of male superiority, remnants of these are still evident in many areas.
She explains, "Patriarchy or machismo is a phenomenon that perpetuates across generations, being the main origin and maintenance of the subordination of women, unequal treatment, and the abuse of power coexisting in marital, family, and social relationships." These factors almost inevitably lead to violence. Questions regarding women's clothing, behavior, modes of participation, their voice, or their valuation in social and political environments are examples of sexist attitudes that demean women and tend to confine them to roles of domesticity and childcare.
Particularly, the persistent perception of motherhood as solely a female role and the tendency to take the absence of paternal support in child-rearing for granted make it difficult for women to fully exercise their rights. According to reports from various national institutions, statistically, victims of domestic violence in our country are overwhelmingly women who are mistreated primarily by their spouses, ex-spouses, fathers, sons, or other close male figures. In such relationships, acts that compel some form of subjugation are consistently observed.
Furthermore, the problem of the judicial system being instrumentalized cannot be overlooked, as it transfers power dynamics occurring in the intimate sphere to various courts—criminal, civil, and child and adolescent—thereby reinforcing asymmetry and further deteriorating relationships, especially when children and adolescents are involved.
Importance of Immediate Reporting Upon Discovery of Domestic Violence
Psychologist Pérez emphasizes that if a domestic violence incident is recognized, it should be immediately reported to the 911 or 137 system to ensure immediate intervention and prosecution. Most importantly, it is essential for victims to receive support and advice from close acquaintances and public and private institutions while navigating the judicial process.
Karina Pérez holds a degree in psychology with a clinical focus from the National University of Asunción (UNA) and is part of the psychological technical team of the Specialized Unit for the Eradication of Domestic Violence at the Prosecutor's Office. She holds a Master's degree in Family, Children, and Adolescent Law, and is a specialist in legal and forensic psychology, having also completed a teacher training program. From 2013 to 2018, she served as the head of the Victim Support Center.
She reiterates that common signs of domestic violence include behavioral changes, extreme fear towards a family member, physical and communicative isolation, and control and jealousy. She adds that sexist attitudes that demean women include questioning their attire, behavior, modes of participation, voice, or valuation in social and political environments.
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