Eliminating violence in the home

Aug 29, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Violence within the home is unfortunately a common occurrence in Guyana. Almost daily, the public learns about cases of Domestic and Family Based Violence across the length and breadth of Guyana. There are many factors that contribute to violence in the home, but chief amongst them is the idea that those who are ‘weaker’ must abide by the rules of those who are ‘stronger’.
Appropriately, responding to violence will take a holistic approach from national, civil society and community leaders to ensure that we are shaping not only societal beliefs but also the relevant policies and systemic changes that are needed. When addressing the prevalence of violence, many persons can begin to feel as if they cannot do anything to change it, but a lot can be achieved by starting within the home environment. The examples that parents set will play a large role in creating safe and healthy environments for children’s growth, as the home is usually the first place that children begin to learn about societal gender norms and stereotypes. In challenging beliefs, such as girls are weaker than boys, we will be able to realise a future where all genders are offered the same care and protection that they need.
Parents need to actively unlearn harmful behaviours such as responding with physical attacks when they are upset and/or verbally abusing their children and partners, and instead practice ways to be good parents. The concept of good parenting is one that is often not considered within this space as it is seen as being a way to spoil children. Good parenting or parenting for success, however, is about teaching children discipline without harming them physically or mentally through abusive acts. It is important to practice open and honest communication with children as lack of that can leave the door open for a lot of resentment to build. This has the potential to create a hostile environment where they quickly learn to keep secrets to themselves and can become vulnerable to those who are seeking to exploit their fears, insecurities and their unstable home environments.
As much as you build better relationships and environments for children however, you must also ensure that you are doing the same for yourself. Oftentimes, parents and caretakers can neglect to take time to care for themselves. This can contribute toward significant stress that in turn is placed upon the child. It must be recognised that curbing violence in the home will take significant changes in the way that familial, personal and parental relationships are usually approached, but it is very necessary in creating environments of care and understanding for children, so that they can break patterns of violence in our society.

Akola Thompson
Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK
To report or seek counselling, please call 914/227-0979/227-2023/233-3500

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