Violence against women: know the types and learn how to fight it

Talking about violence against women is not just about physical aggression. It’s talking about a culture that is still very rooted in our society, understanding that there are different types of violence and that it’s necessary to fight against all of them. So, check out an article so you know everything about this much discussed topic in the feminist movement.

What is violence against women?

In short, violence is any type of aggression against a woman. Whether physical or not, it is any form of abuse that can demean, offend or attack a woman. According to the UN, violence against women is an invisible pandemic.

Causes of violence against women

The most frequent causes of violence against women are related to machismo and the patriarchal structure of our society. Jealousy, the feeling of possession, the need for control and the idea that the woman must satisfy the man can be the main causes. Understanding the causes and discussing the issue is essential to deconstruct these behaviors and combat violence.

Types of violence against women

But, after all, what are the types of violence against women? According to the Maria da Penha Law, which we will go into more detail later on, there are 5 types of violence against women. Check what they are:

• Physical violence: this is perhaps the most noticeable form in society. This is when the woman is the victim of physical aggression, ranging from a grip on the arms to torture.
• Psychological violence: any act that causes psychological or emotional harm to the victim. Here, behaviors such as threats, humiliation, manipulation, isolation, embarrassment, blackmail and constant surveillance are inserted.
• Sexual violence: is the conduct of imposing that a woman attends, performs or participates in an unwanted sexual relationship. When we talk about this type of violence, the term rape is clear, but it can go much further. More subtle acts, such as preventing a woman from using contraceptive methods or forcing a partner to perform sexual acts in a marriage, are also considered sexual violence.
• Property violence: is the retention, subtraction, partial or total destruction of goods, values, documents or economic resources.
• Moral violence: is the act of slandering, defaming or insulting a woman.

As you have seen, some acts that may seem normal at first glance also fit the concept of violence against women. Therefore, we must always be aware of these behaviors on a daily basis, so that they are fought and the aggressor is punished. When tolerated, violence tends to become increasingly open and can end in femicide.

How to fight violence against women

In addition to reporting, the fight against violence against women must be done daily, and not just in extreme situations. There are several attitudes that we must take as a society and that will make a difference. Check out:

1. Discuss masculinity

The concept of traditional masculinity needs to be discussed and revised, as it is one of the causes of violence against women. Situations that seem harmless, such as saying that men don’t cry or that pink is a woman’s color, can contribute to the maintenance of a sexist society. Therefore, it is essential to review these concepts that contribute to toxic masculinity.

2. Abolish sexist expressions

One of the attitudes we can take in our routine is to abolish sexist expressions. Many of them reinforce the objectification of the female body and contribute to violence against women.

3. Do not approve of sexist jokes

Also, we must disapprove of sexist jokes. When listening to them, we need to reprimand, take a stand and explain why this joke is not acceptable or funny.

4. Listening to other women

One of the important points is to listen to other women. Many women experience domestic or work violence and have no idea it is happening. But by talking to and listening to other women, we can help them identify problem behaviors.

5. Encourage women’s leadership

One of the ways to contribute to the end of violence against women is to encourage women to be leaders. It’s a way of giving voice to the genre.

6. Wage parity

Wage parity is a way to reduce gender differences. It allows women to be masters of their own money and to have the same prominence as men in the job market.

7. Do not judge other women

This attitude is very important so that we women can fight violence. By judging other women for their clothes and ways of dancing, for example, we are contributing to an increasingly patriarchal society, which places women as an object that must be shaped so as not to escape sexist standards.

8. Never blame the victim

One of the ways to combat this violence is to forget about blaming the victim once and for all: it is never the victim’s fault! By thinking the opposite, we are legitimizing violence against women and finding justifications to assuage the aggressor’s guilt.

Although it seems easy, fighting violence against women is a process that requires daily deconstruction, breaking of standards and a lot of struggle. We’re in this together!

The Maria da Penha Law

The Maria da Penha Law establishes any domestic and intra-family violence as a crime. These crimes must be investigated and judged, without the application of pecuniary penalties to the aggressor. In addition, the law typifies domestic violence, as we explained a little further above.

The law was passed in 2006 and is named after a woman who dedicates her life to fighting domestic violence and whose husband twice tried to murder her. After many discussions, forums and articles, the law was passed and is still in effect today.

Finally, if you are going through any of the above situations, don’t be silent and consult a lawyer for guidance. If you know someone who is experiencing violence, listen, talk and guide. Take the opportunity to learn more about sexism and its consequences in society.