Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence: Understanding, Impact, and
Solutions
English Presentation
Academic Year: 2024 – 2025
Class: Première S
Teacher: Mr. Kone
Presented by:
Aba lo Amar
Massamba Seck
Isma Diouf
Mame Diarra Gueye
Sokhna Rokhaya Seck
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Domestic Violence
Plan
Introduction
1. Types of Domestic Violence
1.1 Physical Abuse
1.2 Emotional and Psychological Abuse
1.3 Sexual Abuse
1.4 Financial Abuse
2. Causes of Domestic Violence
2.1 Social and Psychological factors
2.2 Influence of the culture
3.Consequences
3.1 On victims
3.2 On children
3.3 On society
4. Statistics and Real-Life Cases
5. Solutions and Prevention
5.1 Support Services: hotlines, shelters
5.2 Role of education, law, and family
5.3 Examples of concrete actions
Conclusion
Introduction
Domestic violence is a serious and widespread issue affecting
millions of people around the world, especially women. It refers to
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Domestic Violence
any abusive behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain
control over another partner in an intimate relationship. This
violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional,
sexual, verbal, and financial abuse.
In this presentation, we will explain the different types of
domestic violence, explore its causes and consequences, present
real statistics and cases, and propose solutions to prevent and
fight against it.
1. Types of Domestic Violence
2.1 Physical Abuse
This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, burning, or
using weapons.It represents the most visible and physically damaging
form of abuse. Such acts can result in bruises, cuts, broken bones, or
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Domestic Violence
even long-term physical disability. Often, this type of abuse is easier to
identify due to its tangible effects, but it can also instill deep emotional
trauma. Victims may live in constant fear, suffer from anxiety or
depression, and experience a significant decline in their overall well-
being. Physical abuse not only violates a person’s bodily integrity but
also strips them of their sense of safety and dignity.
2.2 Emotional and Psychological Abuse
This form of abuse damages a person’s mental and emotional well-
being. It involves persistent patterns of threats, humiliation,
isolation, insults, and controlling behavior aimed at undermining
the victim’s self-worth and independence. Unlike physical abuse, the
wounds it leaves are invisible but deeply harmful, often leading to
anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional dependency.
Victims may begin to doubt their own perceptions, feel powerless, and
withdraw from loved ones or support systems. Over time, this
psychological manipulation can have long-lasting effects, making it
difficult for individuals to recognize the abuse or seek help.
2.3 Sexual Abuse
It refers to any non-consensual sexual act or behavior.
This includes rape, forced sexual contact, sexual coercion, or
denying a partner the right to use contraception or make
decisions about their own sexual and reproductive health. Sexual
abuse is a severe violation of a person’s autonomy and bodily integrity.
It often results in profound emotional and psychological trauma,
including shame, fear, guilt, and post-traumatic stress. In many
cases, victims may feel silenced or powerless, especially when the
abuse occurs within a relationship or is committed by someone they
know. Addressing sexual abuse requires sensitivity, support, and a
strong emphasis on consent and bodily autonomy.
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Domestic Violence
2.4 Financial Abuse
This form of abuse occurs when the abuser controls the victim’s
financial resources, limiting their independence and ability to
escape the situation.
It may involve restricting access to money, preventing the victim
from working or pursuing education, stealing their income, or
forcing them to account for every expense. Financial abuse creates
a dependency that traps the victim in the relationship, making it
extremely difficult for them to seek help or rebuild their life. Over time,
it can erode the victim’s confidence and self-sufficiency, leaving them
isolated and vulnerable.
2. Causes of Domestic Violence
2.1 Social and Psychological factors
Domestic violence arises from a combination of social and
psychological factors. On a social level, financial stress,
unemployment, and social isolation can heighten tension within
households, increasing the risk of abuse. When a victim is financially
dependent on their partner or lacks access to support networks, it
becomes much harder to escape an abusive situation.
Psychologically, abusers may struggle with low self-esteem, poor
emotional regulation, or a history of trauma. A strong desire to control
others, combined with frustration or insecurity, often leads to abusive
behavior. In many cases, substance abuse further lowers inhibitions
and worsens aggression. These factors, acting together, create a
harmful dynamic that can trap victims and reinforce cycles of violence.
2.2 Influence of the culture
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Domestic Violence
Culture plays a powerful role in shaping how domestic violence is
understood and tolerated. In many societies, deep-rooted beliefs
support rigid gender roles where men are seen as dominant and
women as submissive. These norms can make controlling or violent
behavior appear acceptable within relationships. When such actions
are considered private matters or means of asserting authority, victims
are often discouraged from speaking out or seeking help.
Cultural stigma and fear of bringing shame to the family further
silence victims, especially women. In some cases, the community or
family may pressure them to stay with their abuser to “protect the
family’s honor.” This silence not only isolates victims but also allows
abuse to persist unchallenged.
3.Consequences
Domestic violence leaves lasting impacts that go far beyond physical
injuries. It affects victims directly, harms children who witness it, and
weakens the social fabric as a whole.
3.1 On Victims
Victims of domestic violence often suffer both physically and
psychologically. Injuries may range from minor bruises to life-
threatening harm, but the emotional scars can be even deeper.
Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a loss
of self-worth are common. Victims may also experience social
withdrawal, difficulty maintaining employment, and long-term health
problems due to chronic stress or neglect.
3.2 On Children
Children who grow up in violent households are deeply affected, even
if they are not directly abused. Witnessing violence can lead to
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Domestic Violence
emotional trauma, behavioral issues, and difficulty forming healthy
relationships later in life. Some may develop fear, guilt, or confusion,
while others may internalize violence as a normal way to resolve
conflict. These effects can follow them into adulthood, perpetuating a
cycle of violence across generations.
3.3 On Society
Domestic violence imposes a heavy burden on society. It increases the
demand for healthcare, legal services, and social support systems.
Workplaces may suffer from reduced productivity due to absenteeism
or mental health struggles among victims. Moreover, when domestic
violence is widespread and unaddressed, it undermines social
stability, promotes gender inequality, and hinders development.
Addressing it is not just a personal or family matter—it is a public and
societal responsibility.
4. Statistics and Real-Life Cases
Domestic violence affects millions worldwide and remains alarmingly
prevalent. According to the World Health Organization, about 30% of
women aged 15 and older have experienced physical and/or
sexual intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. In
some regions, this number rises to nearly 50%, reflecting deep-rooted
challenges. Reports also indicate that only 1 in 4 women who
experience violence seek help, often due to fear, stigma, or lack of
resources.
Real-life stories reveal the harsh reality behind these numbers. Many
survivors endure years of escalating abuse — starting with emotional
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Domestic Violence
manipulation and control, then progressing to physical violence. Some
tragically lose their lives; in fact, intimate partner violence accounts
for a significant proportion of homicides of women worldwide. These
statistics highlight the critical need for improved awareness,
accessible support systems, and strong legal measures to protect
victims and prevent further harm.
5. Solutions and Prevention
5.1 Support Services: Hotlines, Shelters
Support services are essential for helping victims escape abusive
environments. Hotlines provide immediate assistance, guidance, and a
confidential space to speak. Many are available 24/7 and connect
victims with legal aid, psychological support, or emergency services.
Shelters offer a safe refuge for those fleeing violence, giving them a
protected space to recover, access counseling, and rebuild their lives.
These services can be a lifeline for individuals who feel isolated or
powerless.
5.2 Role of Education, Law, and Family
Education plays a crucial role in preventing domestic violence by
teaching respect, equality, and healthy relationship dynamics from an
early age. Schools can help shape attitudes and challenge harmful
stereotypes.
The law must clearly criminalize all forms of domestic abuse, protect
victims, and hold abusers accountable. When the justice system is
accessible and fair, it not only punishes violence but also deters it.
Families, as the first social unit, have a deep influence. A supportive
and open family environment can encourage victims to speak up and
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seek help. Families can also break cycles of abuse by modeling
nonviolent, respectful behavior in relationships.
5.3 Examples of Concrete Actions
Establishing free and anonymous national helplines for domestic
violence victims
Opening more shelters with long-term support programs
Training police and healthcare workers to recognize and respond to
signs of abuse
Running public awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and
promote prevention
Integrating domestic violence education into school curricula
Offering legal aid and psychological counseling to victims
Supporting community initiatives that empower women and educate
men
Conclusion
Domestic violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects
individuals, families, and society as a whole. It takes many
forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and economic—and leaves
lasting scars on victims and those around them. While the
causes are complex, involving psychological, social, and cultural
factors, the solutions are within reach. Through education, legal
protection, family support, and accessible services like hotlines
and shelters, we can break the cycle of violence. Raising
awareness, listening to survivors, and taking concrete action are
all essential steps toward building a safer and more just society
for everyone.
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