Women in Development and Peace – Alia Mohammed
Domestic violence is defined as any incident involving physical, bodily, or sexual violence, or economic control by a partner or family member, causing physical or psychological harm to the individual within the family, and is a serious social phenomenon that affects women.
Yemen is one of the countries suffering from high rates of domestic violence, regardless of cultural, economic, social, and class differences; many women are subjected to harm, threats, and abuse within their homes. Reports indicate that many women who experience violence are unable to speak out about their experiences or seek help and support due to social and cultural factors that prevent them from disclosing their suffering.
Samara Al-Arasi, a social activist and member of the Yemeni Women’s Union, defines domestic violence as “aggressive behavioral practices by a family member, resulting from unequal relationships between men and women, where one inflicts harm on the other, such as a husband’s violence against his wife or violence between spouses towards their children and other forms of domestic violence.”
She added: “Domestic violence includes causing harm such as physical, verbal, psychological, and sexual assault; where the stronger party exercises methods of threat, control, and domination over the weaker party, causing the woman to lose confidence in herself, feel helpless, and suffer from depression that requires medical and psychological treatment to overcome.”
Regarding the types of violence practiced against women in the family, Al-Arasi says: “The forms of domestic violence that women face vary from one family to another, as domestic violence can take many forms and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or social and economic status.”
Al-Arasi pointed out that the most common forms of domestic violence is physical abuse (such as hitting and restraining), emotional abuse such as insulting with hurtful words, belittling women or threatening them and depriving them of their rights, in addition to sexual assault, such as forcing the partner into unwanted sexual acts, as well as financial abuse especially when women are more financially dependent to support their children who also need it, while their husbands squander money on qat or drug use. Al-Arasi believes that these practices exacerbate family problems and cases of violence and abuse against women.
Factors & Causes
Social, cultural, and economic factors in Yemen are the main causes of domestic violence against women; as women are often confined to subordinate roles to men, leading to a lack of freedom and independence. Early marriage at a young age, traditions, and existing customs have significant effects and escalate domestic violence against women.
30-year-old A.A.A. lives in a family environment that glorifies traditions and customs and views women with a narrow perspective; she is subjected to continuous abuse from her family members and is deprived of education at an early age.
A.A.A.’s suffering begins early in the morning when her family members demand that she do household chores with shouting and offensive language. When she defends herself, she is regularly subjected to physical abuse, which leaves marks on her body; she says: “In our house, I have no say, and my younger brothers are the ones in charge at home. Unfortunately, my mother supports this and justifies their actions by saying that they are the men of the house and their requests should not be refused.”
A.A.A. cannot speak out about her suffering to anyone due to her brothers’ dominance in the family, and she adds: “I have thought several times about running away from home, but I don’t know where to go. No one stands by me or supports me, and society will look at me with a negative view. I won’t hide from you that I have thought several times about suicide, but I used to back out at the last moment.”
Khadija Al-Sayid, a family mediator and head of the Women and Children’s Committee in community councils, believes that domestic violence is one of the most prevalent forms of violence in Yemeni society, and many women face various forms of it. Social customs and traditions are factors that increase domestic violence in most Yemeni governorates and play a significant role in increasing cases of domestic violence, as well as reinforcing negative ideas and behaviors that increase the likelihood of violence and justify its occurrence.
Al-Sayid indicates that some members of Yemeni society rely on traditions that advocate the use of violence as a means to solve problems or correct wrong behaviors, which is evident in many families through their incorrect handling of women’s actions. Additionally, customs and traditions create an environment that deepens the gap between family members.
Gender discrimination increases the likelihood of violence; due to the unfair distribution of resources, and inequality within families; which diminishes the value of women in society, restricts their freedom, reduces their opportunities in education and work, and prevents them from participating in social and political life.
In a related context, the journalist Siham Al-Hashdi says: “Domestic violence is one of the most dangerous forms of violence against women; it poses one of the main challenges facing women in Yemen, negatively impacting their lives and the lives of their families. Ignorance of women’s rights, undervaluing women by family members, not adhering to religious teachings, and using violence in treatment, all contribute to increasing the number of victims of domestic violence in Yemeni society; causing women psychological trauma and physical injuries.” She added: “The lack of appreciation for women by their fathers, mothers, husbands, and brothers, neglecting them, failing to understand their problems, all negatively impact their behavior, making them more aggressive and lost; leading some to deviate and resort to unhealthy relationships to compensate for deprivation and to feel safe and secure, and as a result, their lives are affected and these behaviors reflect on their families in the future.”
Social and Psychological Effects
Female victims of domestic violence suffer serious effects that impact families and society, facing serious social and psychological consequences. Iman Lutf, a psychological specialist, points out the psychological effects on women resulting from continuous domestic violence, stating: “Women subjected to violence suffer serious psychological effects including low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, and mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.”
She noted that the psychological effects on women significantly affect their daily lives and their families; leading to deteriorating social and family relationships, child rearing and care, increased levels of tension and conflict within the family, and a decline in social and occupational performance.
Solutions & Treatments
Fighting domestic violence against women in Yemen requires comprehensive cooperation from the government, society, and international organizations; to provide psychological support services and assistance to female victims, raise awareness of the importance of respecting human rights and gender equality, especially in this difficult situation in Yemen.
Samara Al-Arasi emphasizes that educational programs, raising awareness, changing misconceptions about women’s roles and rights, legal counseling services, psychological support, and legal interventions that protect women’s rights and punish offenders, are all important solutions to reduce violence against women. She says: “Women are the core on which society is built, and here comes the role of the family in combating domestic violence against women, through religious and legal awareness by educating families about women’s legal rights, increasing awareness of the importance of equal sharing of responsibilities between men and women; to carry out household chores and respect life partners even in disagreements, and always inquire about their needs.”
Iman Lutf also pointed out the important solutions that can help women subjected to violence overcome psychological effects, and obtain the necessary support to build a healthy and safe life. Among the prominent solutions are: seeking psychological and social support through social centers or charitable institutions, receiving psychological treatment from specialists in psychological rehabilitation, talking to a trusted person for support and assistance, seeking legal authorities for protection, and taking necessary actions against the aggressor, and finally, reaching out to support groups for women subjected to violence; to receive support and solidarity.