Domestic violence is a severe issue, that undermines the foundations of not only a family, but also social, and national-state security of the society. However, despite all the existing causes and the constant struggle of legal organizations, the majority still believe that it certainly will not affect them. For the time being.

There are many myths and tales that surround domestic violence, thereby carefully hiding its core essence. To begin with, from early childhood generations have been consuming tons of visual information through media, where romanticization of that problem is taken for granted. Numerous TV shows, stand-ups, films of all possible genres and even songs illustrate an image of a character with a tendency to unhealthy dominance, sadism and abusive behavior. Most of the time viewers do not even recognize the fact of violence, as it is presented in the name of love and self-sacrifice. By that, a wrong type of behavior is accepted as a new norm, and a victim cannot notice a point of no return.

Religion also takes not the last place. Judaism, Christianity and Islam have traditionally supported male-dominated families. Furthermore, it is influential that "socially sanctioned violence against women has been a constant since ancient times". According to a common opinion, “when a woman becomes a victim, she falls into imaginary stereotypes that she must endure, that she must bear the cross, must forgive the aggressor”, as marriage is sacred. At the same time, the Catholic church has been criticized for opposing divorce and therefore helping victims of violence in forced marriages.

"

Nobody wants
an English lesbian to set the rules
at home.

Hegumen Veniamin,
Secretary of the Diocesan Council of the Yekaterinburg Diocese

Another aspect to be taken into account
is the social approval of domestic violence. A common Russian proverb states: Beat a woman with a hammer, and you will get a golden woman.
A cultural context and traditional values dictate the position of a woman in society. A man will treat a woman like a queen if she is submissive, but if she stands out, he can put her in her place with a slap, by that showing his masculinity and dominance.

Additionally, there are even established reasons for justification domestic violence in society, such as alcohol and drug addiction. As the matter of fact: if the culture accepts the statement “Fine, if you are drunk, then you can beat, or you can rape”, the more often it will be used as an excuse.

Social approval

Last but not least is victim-blaming in the media, which quite often goes unnoticed and unchallenged. As soon as the news headlines start to dazzle with another case of sexual assault, rape or any other form of domestic violence, instead of immediate help to a victim the focus is completely shifted: who she was out with? what she was wearing? and a myriad of other choices she had made – suggesting she was to blame for what was done to her, deflecting attention away from the perpetrators of the violence.

Victim-blaming

"

What did you
do to prevent
him from hitting you?

Regina Todorenko,
Russian TV presenter

A system of behaviour of one person, aimed at maintaining power and control over another person in the victim's domestic circle. This includes partners and ex-partners, immediate family members, other relatives and family friends.

This phase is characterized by occasional outbursts of abuse, which may be verbal or emotional.

This phase is characterized by intense release, des-tructive actions and ex-treme emotional outbursts in their most negative form.

During this phase, an abuser can become very loving, caring and showing remorse for his deed.

Why is it possible?

Each of the partners appears in the best version of themselves, and excessive attention is regarded as strong love.

During this period, an abuser says unpleasant phrases that make you believe in your own worthlessness.

An abuser forbids seeing friends, colleagues and demands more time to spend with him/her.

cases of domestic violence against women recorded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2018

reports to the police about domestic violence are registered - the rest are “lost” at different stages

victims of domestic violence in Russia - women

women are killed by their male partners

of surveyed Russians consider it necessary
to accept a law on the prevention of domestic violence

Nevertheless, despite all precedents and terrifying rising statistics, Vladimir Putin systematically pushes “traditional values”.

Instead of implementing radical preventive measures, a controversial amendment that decriminalizes some forms of domestic violence has been signed, thereby endangering thousands of human lives.