Cultivate the culture of non-violence in your relationships

Respect and love are fundamental tools to resolve differences without allowing disagreements to give way to violence. The border is very thin so you must be clear about the limits so as not to cross them. In this article we help you better understand the subject.

IDENTIFY THE BORDERS: WHAT CAN BE CONSIDERED INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE?

The Pan American Health Organization defines intimate partner violence as any behavior, within an intimate relationship, that causes or may cause physical, mental or sexual harm to the members of the relationship.

Intimate partner violence is considered physical aggression (slapping, hitting, kicking or hitting), sexual violence (forced sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual coercion), emotional abuse (insults, denigration, constant humiliation or intimidation, such as destroying objects), threats to cause harm or to take the children. Controlling and domineering behaviors are also included, for example, isolating a person from family and friends, monitoring their movements, and restricting their access to financial resources, employment, education, or health care.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE?

individual factors

Some of the most important factors associated with a greater probability that a man will commit acts of violence against his partner are the following:

• Youth
• Low level of education
• Having witnessed or been a victim of violence as a child
• Harmful use of alcohol or drugs
• Personality disorders
• Acceptance of violence (seeing it as normal for a man to hit his partner)
• History of abuse inflicted on their previous partners.

Factors consistently associated with a greater likelihood of a woman experiencing intimate partner violence include the following situations:

• Low level of education
• Exposure to violence between their parents
• Having been a victim of sexual abuse as a child
• acceptance of violence
• Previous exposure to other forms of abuse

relational factors

Factors associated with risk for both female victimization and male assault include:

• Conflict or dissatisfaction in the relationship
• Male dominance in the family
• Economic difficulties
• Man with multiple sexual partners
• Educational attainment disparity, meaning that the woman has a higher level of education than her intimate partner

Community and social factors:

The following factors have been found in all studies:

• Inequitable gender social norms (especially those that associate masculinity with dominance and aggression)
• Poverty

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF PARTNER VIOLENCE?

Intimate partner violence affects women's physical and mental health in direct ways (through physical violence) and indirect ways, such as chronic health problems from prolonged stress. Having been a victim of violence is therefore a risk factor for many diseases and disorders.

FALSE BELIEFS THAT SUPPORT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Below are some of the pre-established norms in some societies that support the development of violent relationships. Take note so that you do not repeat or allow them in your relationships:

• The man has the right to impose his dominance over the woman and is considered socially superior
• The man has the right to physically punish the woman for “wrong” behavior
• Physical violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict in a relationship
• Sexual relations are a man's right in marriage
• A woman must tolerate violence to keep her family together
• There are times when a woman deserves to be beaten
• Sexual activity (including rape) is an indicator of masculinity
• Girls are responsible for controlling a man's sexual desires

CONSEQUENCES OF LIVING VIOLENCE IN THE PARTNER

Current research indicates that the influence of abuse can persist long after the violence has stopped . The more severe the abuse, the greater its impact on a woman's physical and mental health, and the consequences of different types and multiple episodes of abuse appear to be cumulative over time.

PREVENT FROM ADOLESCENCE

It is necessary to generate a preventive awareness from the beginning of early adolescence (or even before) with the aim of educating in the promotion of good treatment and healthy couple relationships . In this mission, it will be important to equip young people with the necessary social-emotional skills to face new and complex situations that they are likely to encounter. It will be key to work on:

• Generate awareness and learn to regulate your emotions
• Foster empathy and respect for others
• Promote supportive behaviors towards their peers, and egalitarian attitudes,
• Make them reflect on the consequences of certain behaviors and attitudes ( offline and online ).
• Help them properly channel the anger, anger, sadness, euphoria and frustration they will experience

If you have doubts that partner violence is yours, quickly review the Violentometer developed by the Ombudsman's Office in Venezuela. There you will see a scale of the various situations or manifestations that are considered domestic or partner violence.

COMMUNICATION AND RESPECT ARE FUNDAMENTAL!

Avoid arguing when you are upset . He hopes that calm returns and they talk without getting upset, with a willingness to solve and with the flexibility to accept and correct the mistakes made, always thinking about the best future for both of them.

And of course, demand respect, but also show it with your performances.

SEXUALITY TO UNDERSTAND!

The premise that says that problems are solved in bed does not always apply. It is important to use sexuality as a zone of peace and rapport, but do not avoid conflicts. It is always necessary to talk about it and settle the differences by reaching agreements, because otherwise you would only be "correcting the wrinkle", that is, postponing the situation that worsens with time and daily tensions.

HOW TO SOLVE IT?

If by reading this you confirm that you are experiencing a situation of violence with your partner, it is time to stop it:

• Seek help . Lean immediately on a very trusted relative, friend or friend who believes and listens to you.
• Go to the authorities in your country to seek advice and to file a complaint.
• If possible, collect all the necessary evidence that proves the assault of which you have been a victim, to present it to the authorities.
• Communicate immediately if you consider that your life or that of your family is in danger, since by law they must provide you with the necessary protection.
• Do not doubt your ideas, opinions and decisions or allow anyone to make you doubt your actions, the important thing is to get out of that situation.

Remember that you can always find the #SexCoaching sessions on our website #TuSaludIntima to address the doubts and dilemmas you have in your relationship and your intimate relationships. Also there you have the #Zenzsual products such as the cleansing foam , the intimate gel, the nutritional supplement to revive the #LibiZens desire (for them and for them) and the #VagiYoga vaginal trainer to strengthen your pelvic floor and perform your Kegel exercises .

FOUNTAIN:

• Dr. Klara Senior @doctoraklarasenior
• Dr. Sofía Herrera @tu_ginecologa
• paho.org
• theconversation.com