Question

Can someone help with a discussion post, defining interpersonal violence/abuse and consent and provides strategies for prevention, how to recognize signs, how they can intervene, and how to properly obtain consent.

Answer 1

Interpersonal violence

Violence is an action which causes pain, destruction or suffering.

Interpersonal violence is also known as the intimate partner violence, relationship violence and domestic violence. Violence committed in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation is known as the interpersonal violence or domestic violence.

Examples interpersonal violence are physical, psychological, sexual, economical or emotional abusive behaviour by a partner in marriage , romance or by a room mate or a relative.

Consent and interpersonal violence

'To express willingness or to give permission' is called Consent.

Consent in an interpersonal relationship is the mutual agreement on what the partners has to give or experience each other.

Strategies for prevention of interpersonal violence:

* Interpersonal violence prevention programme through schools and colleges

* Mentoring by teachers or elders .

* Individual counselling both for the victim and abuser.

* Conducting awareness programmes on prevention of Child sexual abuse or maltreatment in schools.

* Services like hone visitation, couples therapy, Older adult recreational programmes etc are helpful strategies

*Training for health care professionals and teachers to identify the signs of abuse in children and adults.

* Strengthening the public laws related to interpersonal violence ( mandatory arrest for domestic violence, severe punishment for child sexual abuse)

* Make available the shelter homes for women, children and elderly people.

Recognise the signs of interpersonal violence:

If a person who is in a close relationship with another partner, * yells and blaming, throwing things towards you

* beating, pinching, punching, pulling hairs and bites the partner

* Carefully monitoring, where the partner go, to whom he or she is meeting.

* Keep the cash away from the partner.

Signs of abuse: Cold sores, aches, bruising, bluish discoloration , unexplained scars, weight loss are some of the signs of physical abuse in children as well as adults.

Excessive crying, easily startling, irritability, sadness(signs in children , those who are witnessing the violence)

Anxiety, withdrawn behaviour, Substance abuse, unexplained pregnancies, suicidal attempts are other signs in the victim.

How to intervene:

* Gather people , if possible/ if needed

* record it in phone, if needed

* give importance to the safety of youself and the survivor

* Contact authorities

* Don't provoke the abuser

* Offer help to the victim

How to obtain consent properly

Consent should be obtained orally or written manner. Usually in an informal relationship consent obtained orally. It should obtain every time. it is an open, on going discussion and mutual agreement between two close persons regarding certain things thatthey are going to experience together. If the partner is not saying 'yes or no' for a certain thing, it is not a consent.  

Consent should be obtained from a person who is above or at 18 ( age), conscious, willing and sober adult.