1.1 Defining violence and its various forms

Violence is complex, with many forms and causes. It's not just physical harm, but can be psychological, structural, or economic. Understanding these different types helps us see how violence affects individuals and society.

Recognizing violence's interconnectedness is key to prevention. From subtle microaggressions to severe physical assault, violence often escalates. By addressing root causes and risk factors, we can work towards a safer world.

Defining Violence

Key Characteristics

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• Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation
• Intentionality, the use or threat of physical force or power, and the potential for harm or negative consequences are key characteristics of violence
• Violence can be self-directed (self-harm or suicide), interpersonal (violence between individuals), or collective (violence committed by larger groups or institutions)
• Violence occurs in various contexts, such as within families (domestic violence), communities (gang violence), or societies (war or state-sponsored violence)

Categories of Violence

• The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies violence into three broad categories based on the victim-perpetrator relationship
  • Self-directed violence involves harm inflicted upon oneself (self-injury or suicide)
  • Interpersonal violence occurs between individuals and can be further divided into family/partner violence and community violence
  • Collective violence is committed by larger groups or institutions and includes social, political, and economic violence

Types of Violence

Physical and Psychological Violence

• Physical violence involves the use of physical force to cause harm, injury, or death
  • Examples include hitting, kicking, shoving, or using weapons (guns or knives)
  • Physical violence can result in visible injuries (bruises or broken bones) or internal injuries (organ damage or traumatic brain injury)
• Psychological violence, also known as emotional or mental abuse, involves the use of verbal or non-verbal communication to cause emotional distress, manipulate, or control another person
  • Examples include threats, humiliation, isolation, gaslighting, or constant criticism
  • Psychological violence can lead to long-term mental health issues (depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder)

Structural and Other Forms of Violence

• Structural violence refers to the systemic and institutional factors that create and perpetuate social inequalities, leading to harm and disadvantage for certain groups
  • Examples include poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education or healthcare, and unequal distribution of resources
  • Structural violence disproportionately affects marginalized communities (racial/ethnic minorities, low-income populations, or individuals with disabilities)
• Other forms of violence include:
  • Sexual violence, which involves non-consensual sexual acts or behaviors (rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment)
  • Economic violence, which involves the use of financial means to control or exploit others (withholding money, preventing employment, or forcing financial dependence)

Elements of Violence

Common Elements

• Intent to cause harm is a common element across all types of violence, whether the harm is physical, psychological, or social
• The use of force or power, either physical or non-physical, is another common element in violent acts
• Violence has the potential for negative consequences on the victim's well-being, including physical injury, emotional distress, or social disadvantage

Unique Aspects

• Different types of violence may have unique aspects, such as the specific methods used
  • Physical violence involves physical force (hitting or kicking)
  • Psychological violence involves verbal or non-verbal abuse (threats or humiliation)
  • Structural violence involves systemic oppression (discrimination or unequal access to resources)
• The context in which violence occurs can also vary
  • Domestic violence occurs within the family or intimate relationships
  • Community violence occurs in public spaces or between individuals who are not closely related
  • Institutional violence occurs within organizations or systems (schools, workplaces, or governments)
• Underlying motivations or risk factors for violence can differ depending on the type of violence
  • Interpersonal violence may be motivated by anger, jealousy, or a desire for control
  • Collective violence may be motivated by political, economic, or social factors (power struggles, resource scarcity, or ideological conflicts)

Continuum of Violence

Interconnectedness of Violence

• The continuum of violence refers to the idea that different forms of violence are interconnected and can escalate from less severe to more severe forms over time
• The continuum often starts with subtle forms of violence, such as microaggressions or verbal abuse, and can progress to more overt and severe forms, such as physical assault or systemic oppression
  • Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, actions or statements that convey prejudice or bias (racial slights or sexist comments)
  • Verbal abuse can escalate to physical violence if left unchecked
  • Systemic oppression can create an environment that normalizes or perpetuates interpersonal violence

Risk Factors and Prevention

• Different forms of violence can also be interconnected, with one type of violence increasing the risk for experiencing or perpetrating other types of violence
• Individuals who experience child abuse or witness domestic violence are at a higher risk of being involved in violence later in life, either as victims or perpetrators
  • Childhood trauma can lead to a cycle of violence, where victims become perpetrators themselves
  • Exposure to violence in the home can normalize violent behavior and increase the likelihood of future aggression
• Recognizing the interconnectedness of different forms of violence is important for developing comprehensive prevention strategies that address the root causes and risk factors associated with violence
  • Prevention efforts should target multiple levels (individual, relationship, community, and societal)
  • Addressing underlying issues such as poverty, inequality, and trauma can help break the cycle of violence and promote a more peaceful society