Why equality prevents violence
Why equality prevents violence
In a nutshell:
- Power imbalances increase the risk of violence
- Women, LGBTIQ people, people with disabilities and those with a history of migration or flight are at greater risk
- Equality provides protection as it reduces dependencies, eliminates discriminatory norms and promotes respectful interactions
How does violence start?
Gender-based, sexual and domestic violence rarely starts with physical abuse. It involves speech and behaviour and is part of many people’s daily life – in the public and private sphere.
How violence manifests itself in everyday life:
- Sexist remarks
- Leering
- Demeaning comments about appearance, abilities, intelligence
- Constantly calling to check up on a partner
These types of behaviour may seem harmless, but they are expressions of a lack of respect, discriminatory attitudes and unequal power relations [1-7, 9, 11]. And they can possibly pave the way for more serious aggression.
Anyone can experience violence – but some are more at risk than others
Violence occurs at all levels of society. People violate boundaries in couples, within the family, at the workplace, in schools, in care homes, online and in public spaces, but incidents often go unreported and remain hidden.
Even though essentially anyone can experience violence, certain groups of people face a much higher risk:
- Almost one in four women has experienced domestic violence at some time in their life [8]
- One in four LGBTIQ people reported having suffered physical or sexual violence at least once in the past five years [9]
- Women with disabilities, women with a history of migration or flight and women of colour are at increased risk for sexual and domestic violence [5, 10-12]
- People requiring care and assistance are particularly vulnerable to violence [13]
Power imbalances: a risk and breeding ground for violence
Responsibility for violence always lies with the perpetrator, as they decide how to act. But there may be various contributory factors: stress, excessive pressures, personal experience of violence, alcohol and drug use. Also important in couples is how often arguments occur and how conflicts are handled. A crucial factor, however, is the uneven balance of power.
Power imbalances affect situations involving violence in two different ways:
- Firstly: they increase the risk of violence and make it more difficult for victims to defend themselves. Whenever people are dependent on others – emotionally, financially, as coparents or because of legal uncertainties – they are particularly vulnerable, making it more difficult for them to defend or protect themselves against violence. Often, they are afraid of adverse consequences: losing their job, losing their residence rights, no longer seeing their children or suffering even more serious violence. They also fear that their voice will count for less and they won’t be believed.
- Secondly, violence isn’t recognised as such or taken seriously. Gender-based, sexual and domestic violence flourishes in a society where it’s ignored, played down or tolerated [1-5] – particularly those forms of violence which are less visible than bruises. For example, typical reactions may be: “But that’s normal in a relationship”, “You’re exaggerating again”, “That’s just what men are like”. Sometimes victims don’t immediately realise that what they’re experiencing is violence and isn’t acceptable.
Equality makes a difference
When people have the same rights, opportunities and possibilities for action, there are fewer power imbalances, discriminatory norms and dependencies. This helps to prevent violence and puts those affected in a stronger position.
So, equality lived on a daily basis can help to combat violence. This includes treating one another with respect, as equals. But it also involves recognising violence of any kind and not looking away when someone is humiliated or insulted, harassed or threatened [10]. For those affected, being taken seriously and given support is also vital.
What can you do?
For people who experience violence, for those who witness it, and for those who have themselves violated boundaries and engaged in violence, numerous support and counselling services are available.
