Family violence how can it be addressed?

Abu Musa Askar – Daraa

Domestic violence is one of the social problems facing Syrian society, and its danger extends not only to the family but to the entire community.

In recent years, the rate of domestic violence in Syrian society has increased due to the ongoing war. Children, women, and men are subjected to at least one form of violence within the family, including verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. The problem intensifies amid the difficult conditions the country is experiencing due to war, displacement, and poverty, leading to increased conflicts within individual families.

To address this issue, families can take preventive measures to reduce cases of domestic violence. These measures include continuous communication among family members, open and honest dialogue to address problems and conflicts, education and awareness about the importance of mutual respect, positive communication, and encouraging children to speak up about any issues they face within the family without fear of parental reaction. It is the duty of parents to develop a sense of fearlessness in facing challenges among their children and to provide psychological support and therapy for individuals experiencing domestic violence.

Instead of violence, families can use non-violent means to deal with problems and conflicts, utilizing tools such as dialogue, understanding, and seeking satisfactory solutions for all parties involved. Positive interaction is also a good approach, along with mutual respect among family members. Non-violence serves as a good model for constructive interaction with others, even within the family.

Community awareness campaigns are also important in reducing domestic violence by organizing educational campaigns about the effects of domestic violence and alternative methods of dealing with it. These campaigns should target all segments of society, including youth, children, and women who are considered the most vulnerable to such violence.

By adopting non-violence as a solution to the problem of domestic violence, families and the entire community can mitigate this issue and, consequently, build a healthier and more stable society.