Domestic violence happens in several ways and intimate partner violence (IVP) is one of them.
Intimate partner violence is a silent assassin, lurking in the shadows of love and relationships. It’s the whispered threats in the dead of night, the grasping hands that leave bruises and the suffocating control that drains the life from its victims. Yet it’s often disguised as love, masked by charming smiles and sweet nothings. The truth is intimate partner violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men, leaving emotional scars that can last a lifetime. It’s time to shatter the silence, to rip off the mask of deceit and to expose the truth about the most toxic of loves.
65% of women in Uganda report experiencing at least one type of intimate partner violence which includes physical, emotional and sexual violence. 19.8% of men experience some form of IVP. The majority of IPV cases in Uganda go unreported due to factors like fear, shame and lack of awareness about the Domestic Violence Act.
The domestic Violence Act of 2010 criminalizes domestic violence, but enforcement remains a challenge due to limited knowledge among law enforcement, lack of funding and corruption.
- Intimate partner violence can be executed through physical means, such as hitting, slapping, pushing or restraining. Abusers may also use objects or weapons to inflict harm leaving visible injuries or scars. Physical violence can escalate overtime becoming more frequent or severe and may be used to punish the victim. This definitely negatively impacts on children’s well-being and development due to the trauma they experience overtime.
- Emotional and psychological abuses are also common ways IVP is executed. Abusers may use verbal put downs, name-calling or constant criticism to erode the victim’s self-esteem and confidence. They may also use gas lighting tactics, denying previous agreements or conversations or make the victim question their own sanity. This can be just as damaging as physical violence, leaving victims feeling anxious and depressed. A case in point is Samson’s relationship with Delilah. He withholds information from her and she manipulates and betrays him. (Judges 13-16)
- IVP can also be executed through sexual violence, involving forced or coerced sexual acts, sexual humiliation or exploitation. Abusers may use sexual violence to assert power and control over the victim, leaving them feeling violated, ashamed or fearful. Sexual violence can also involve reproductive coercion such as controlling access to birth control or forcing pregnancy which has a negative impact on reproductive health and sexual function.
- Financial abuse is a lesser-known way IPV is executed, involving control over the victim’s financial resources such as withholding money, ruining credit or making financial decisions without consultation. Abusers may also use economic manipulation to limit the victim’s access to education, employment or other opportunities making it difficult for them to leave the relationship. This negatively impacts mental health and well-being of the victim.
- Lastly, digital abuse is a growing way IPV is executed, involving the use of technology to harass, monitor or control the victim. Abusers may use social media, text messages or email to send threatening messages, track the victim’s location or monitor their online activities. Digital abuse can be particularly challenging to escape, as abusers can access victims from anywhere at any time which may lead to emotional trauma, anxiety and depression.
Intimate partner violence is a persuasive and insidious issue that affects individuals, families and communities worldwide. Breaking the silence and shame surrounding IPV is crucial to creating a culture of support and accountability. By acknowledging the complexity of IVP, providing resources and services for victims, promoting healthy relationships and communication, we can work towards a future where all individuals can experience safe, respectful and loving relationships.
Remember, intimate partner violence is never acceptable, and everyone deserves to live free from abuse and fear.
