NAME OF INSITUTION: MASENO UNIVERSITY

COURSE TITLE: BACHELOR OF ARTS, CRIMINOLOGY

CAMPUS: SIRIBA CAMPUS

MODULE: ACS 108, PERSPECTIVES ON INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE

SUPERVISOR: CELINE ADIPO

GROUP 15

NAME REG NO.

SHELMITH WANGUI ACR/00106/024

PURITY MUTHEU ACR/00202/024

PETER MOKUA ACR/00013/024

PETERFRED OMONDI ACR/00174/024

AHMED BWANAMKUU ACR/00068/024

MARLYN WANJA ACR/00114/024

RAMADHAN HUSSEIN ACR/00022/024

FAIZA RASHID ACR/00168/024

ABDI JABAR ALI ACR/00202/024

VALENTINE WAMBUI ACR/00158/024

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A] VARIOUS FORMS OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
Interpersonal violence refers to the physical, emotional or psychological harm or injuries
inflicted by an individual onto another.
Interpersonal violence include a wide range of abusive behaviors that mostly occur between
individuals in a relationship. Examples of these forms include;
1. Physical violence
This is the use of physical force to harm the other person. It is a serious and prevalent form
of the intimate partner violence. It involves the intentional use of physical force against a
partner, causing or having the potential to cause physical harm, injury or fear.
Physical violence is not accidental, a person deliberately intend to use force aiming at
controlling and intimidating the partner.
It ranges from seemingly minor acts to severe assaults.
Examples;
.Slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, biting.
. Shoving, pushing, restraining.
. Throwing objects, chocking or strangling.
Effects of physical violence as a form of IPV
 Physical injuries
 Psychological trauma
 Emotional distress
 Economic hardship
 Social isolation
Factors contributing to physical violence
 Gender inequality – societal norms that perpetuate male dominance and female
subordination.
 Substance abuse – Alcohol and drug use can increase the severity of violence.
 Mental health issues – Untreated mental health conditions can contribute to abusive
behavior.
 Cultural and social norms – some culture may condone or minimize violence against
women.
 Exposure to violence – witnessing or experiencing violence during childhood can result
to physical violence.
Prevention measures
 Educational and awareness – raising awareness about IPV and challenge to the harmful
social norms.
 Legal protection – the government and the society should implement and enforce laws
against the IPV
 Community based programs – creating safe spaces and support networks for the victims.
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 Support services – providing access to shelters, hotlines and counseling for victims.
2. Emotional /psychological violence
This is a pervasive and insidious form of intimate partner violence. This type of violence
does not leave any visible signs or marks, its impact on a victim’s mental and emotional
well-being can be devastating. It is not about isolated incidents but a consistent patterns of
behaviors designed to control, manipulate and dominate the victims. It attacks the victim’s
self-esteem, sense of worth and emotional stability.
Examples
 Verbal abuse;
Insults, name calling, Criticism, mocking, belittling
Yelling, intimidation
 Controlling behaviors;
Isolation from family and friends
Excessive jealousy and possessiveness
Controlling finance and access to resources
Monitoring phone calls, texts and social media
Effects of emotional /psychological violence
 Mental health issues; Depression, anxiety, panics attacks and suicidal thoughts
 Emotional distress; Fear, shame, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness
 Physical symptoms; Headache, stomach problems, sleep disturbance
 Difficulty functioning; problem at work, school or in a daily life
 Social isolation; Withdrawal from friends and family
Prevention measures
 Education and awareness –Raising awareness about the signs and impacts of emotional
abuse
 Challenging societal norms – Addressing societal altitudes that minimize or excuse
emotional abuse
 Support services - Providing access to counselling, support groups and hotlines for
victims
 Therapy and counseling; recognizing emotional abuses as a form of domestic violence.
3. Sexual violence
Sexual violence within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV) is a deeply damaging
and often hidden form of abuse. It's crucial to understand that it's not simply about unwanted
sexual acts; it's about power, control, and the violation of a person's autonomy and bodily
integrity. Any Sexual Act without Consent: This is the core definition. Consent must be
freely given, informed, and enthusiastic. It can be withdrawn at any time. Coercion,

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Manipulation, and Pressure. Abusers often use tactics beyond physical force to compel their
partners into unwanted sexual activity.
Examples;
Emotional blackmail
Withholding sex as a form of punishment
Forced viewing of pornography
Effects of sexual violence
 Physical Injuries: These can range from minor discomfort to severe injuries to the victims
of the act.
 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Victims may be exposed to STIs, which may
later cause complications with their health conditions
 Unwanted Pregnancy: Forced sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies, most mothers end up
either doing abortion or leave their born children on the streets
 Psychological Trauma: Severe emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and
depression as a result of the act.
 Emotional Distress: Shame, guilt, fear, and hopelessness.
 Difficulty with Intimacy: Victims may struggle with intimacy and trust in future
relationships.
Prevention measures:
 Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the signs and impact of sexual
violence.
 Promoting Consent: Emphasizing the importance of clear and enthusiastic consent.
 Challenging Harmful Attitudes: Addressing societal attitudes that minimize or excuse
sexual violence.
 Support Services: Providing access to counseling, support groups, and hotlines for
victims.
 Legal Protection: Recognizing sexual violence as a crime.
 Therapy and Counseling: Offering treatment for both victims and abusers.
4. Economic violence
It is also known as economic abuse, is a significant and often overlooked form of intimate
partner violence (IPV). It involves a pattern of controlling behaviors used by one partner to
maintain power and control over the other's access to economic resources, thereby limiting
their independence and freedom. Economic violence is a form of abuse where one partner
controls the other's ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources.
Examples;
 Controlling Access to Resources:
Restricting access to bank accounts, credit cards, or other financial instruments
 Withholding money or providing a strict "allowance."
 Preventing the victim from working or attending educational opportunities
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 Sabotaging the victim's job or career.
 Exploitation:
Forcing the victim to provide financial information or sign financial documents against their
will.
Using the victim's financial resources for the abuser's benefit without their consent.
 Building up debt in the victim's name.
 Sabotage:
* Damaging the victim's credit rating.
* Interfering with the victim's ability to maintain employment.
* Destroying the victim's property or belongings.
* forcing the victim to take out loans.
* forcing the victim to give the abuser money.
Effects of Economic Violence:
 Financial Dependence:
Victims may become trapped in abusive relationships due to a lack of financial resources.
 Emotional and Psychological Trauma:
Economic violence can lead to feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and anxiety.
 Social Isolation:
Victims may become isolated from friends and family due to the abuser's control.
B] ROLES OF EDUCATION IN PREVENTING INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE.
Education plays a crucial role in preventing and addressing various forms of interpersonal
violence. It does that by addressing the root causes and foster healthier relationships. The
roles includes;
1. Fostering Awareness and Understanding:
Education helps individuals understand the multifaceted nature of IPV, which includes not
only physical violence but also emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. It
clarifies that IPV is a pattern of behavior aimed at controlling and dominating a partner.
* Recognizing Signs and Dynamics:
Educational programs teach people to recognize the warning signs of abusive relationships,
such as possessiveness, jealousy, isolation, and manipulation. Understanding the dynamics
of power and control in abusive relationships is crucial for identifying and addressing IPV.
* Providing Information on Resources:
Education connects individuals with resources and support services, including hotlines,
shelters, and counseling.
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2. Challenging Harmful Social Norms:
* Gender Equality:
Education promotes gender equality by challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes
that perpetuate IPV.
It emphasizes that healthy relationships are based on mutual respect, equality, and consent.
* Promoting Respectful Relationships:
Educational programs teach individuals how to build and maintain healthy relationships,
emphasizing communication, conflict resolution, and boundaries.
It fosters a culture of respect and non-violence.
* Addressing the acceptability of violence:
Education helps to dismantle the social norms that allow violence to occur. By teaching that
violence is never acceptable, and by teaching healthy ways to solve conflict.
3. Empowering Individuals:
* Critical Thinking and Decision-Making:
Education enhances critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to question harmful beliefs
and make informed decisions about their relationships.
* Self-Esteem and Assertiveness:
Education can boost self-esteem and assertiveness, empowering individuals to recognize
their worth and advocate for their rights.
This is especially important for those who may be in, or vulnerable to, abusive relationships.
* Economic Empowerment:
Especially for women, education can lead to greater economic independence, which can
reduce vulnerability to IPV.

4. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE):

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C] CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN FACES IN REPORTING IPV
It's important to understand that the question "Why don't they just leave?" oversimplifies a
very complex and dangerous situation. Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most
dangerous time for a victim. Here's a deeper look at why it's so difficult to both report and
leave:
Overlapping Factors:
 Escalation of Violence:
Abusers often escalate their violence when they sense a loss of control. Leaving is a direct
challenge to that control, and can trigger extreme and potentially lethal reactions.
 Psychological Control:
Abusive relationships are characterized by a pattern of control. This can involve:
 Isolation: Cutting the victim off from support networks.
 Manipulation: Gas lighting, making the victim doubt their own reality.
 Emotional abuse: Eroding the victim's self-esteem.
This psychological control makes it incredibly difficult to make clear, rational decisions.
 Financial Dependence:
Abusers often control the finances, leaving the victim with no means to support themselves
or their children. This creates a significant barrier to leaving.
 Fear for Children:
Mothers may fear losing custody of their children, or worry about the abuser's potential to
harm them. They may believe staying is the "lesser of two evils."
 Social and Cultural Pressures:
Social stigma, cultural or religious beliefs, and family pressures can all contribute to a
victim's reluctance to leave. They may feel ashamed or believe they have failed.
 Lack of Resources:
Access to safe housing, legal assistance, and financial support is often limited. This lack of
resources can make leaving seem impossible.
 Trauma Bonding:
This is a psychological response to abuse where the victim develops a strong emotional
attachment to the abuser. This can make it incredibly difficult to break free.
 The cycle of abuse:
 The cycle of abuse, which involves periods of tension, violence, and then "honeymoon"
phases of apologies and promises, can create a sense of false hope that the abuse will
stop.

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