TestIs this violence? Story 6
Marlene sees her father hitting and pushing her mother against the table. She has a cut on her head but doesn’t go to the doctor because she doesn’t want anyone to ask how it happened. She implores Marlene not to tell anyone what’s going on at home because it would just make things worse.
What is your opninion?
- Perhaps Marlene’s mother provoked her husband, in which case she deserves to be hit
- Marlene should be happy that she was left alone
- Violence is never OK!
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Comments
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Violence is never OK! No one deserves to be hit. The only one responsible for the violence is the perpetrator. Psychological and physical violence in the family is wrong and illegal. Violent people often stop hurting others only when the outside world discovers what’s going on behind closed doors. If other adults intervene to protect the victim, the violence can usually be stopped.
Marlene’s mother might have a number of reasons for wanting to hide the signs of violence. Perhaps she’s afraid that her husband will hit her again, or she might be ashamed. Perhaps she thinks that it would be even more complicated or dangerous if others intervened. But many victims of violence manage with outside help to lead a better life.
They might have to leave the perpetrator or else he has to move out. He might also take part in anti-aggression training to change his behaviour and not lose his family. One thing is clear: adult men are responsible for their actions.
