Effects of violence are corrosive and costly
Recently, Hollywood was hit (excuse the pun) with a public act of violence.
To some, this may seem like an insignificant incident with the recent outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war, however, this seemingly inconsequential event leads one to the unfavourable effects of violence.
Throughout history there have been so many situations which highlight these negative consequences and despite public knowledge, we are still making the same mistakes that our ancestors made. Why is this occurring?
Why have we not learnt
Have societal/technological advances adjusted our thinking so much that we can no longer see the effects of our behaviour on other people?
Martin Luther King, an American civil rights activist, once said “Nothing good ever comes from violence”.
Just by reading thi, one can see how this psychological phenomenon has unfavourable consequences.
This can also be tied to the incident that occurred at the Oscars ceremony.
To the public eye, the biggest effect will be the physical assault inflicted by Will Smith.
Though this much is true, what about the effects this has had on his family?
Or on Chris Rock’s family? What about the effects that social media has had on them?
Violence is defined as “the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy”.
The words that I would like to highlight here are physical force.
Ultimately, this refers to the use of physical tactics is this the only way that violence is inflicted?
Nowadays, people can sit behind a computer screen in the comfort of their own home and belittle and attack people using words and social media platforms. This is cyber-bullying.
The ramification of this is violent outbreaks in the home and school environment.
Several studies have highlighted the emotional disturbances this can cause: Ongoing anxiety and depression; Self-harm, insomnia;
Inability to manage stress,
Low self-esteem;
Difficulty establishing positive, longterm relationships;
Less ability to show empathy and care for others;
The development of phobias.
With the effects caused by family violence, a young person’s education will be affected. Namely by the following;
Aggressiveness towards school friends, classmates and teachers;
Difficulty concentrating as well as a decrease in school attendance;
Vulnerability to being bullied or to become a bully.
With all these, there are vulnerabilities that violence may lead to, such as:
The development of PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder);
Substance abuse disorder (alcoholism or drug addictions);
Poverty and homelessness;
The development of narcissistic personality disorder;
Suicide.
How can we protect ourselves or others against violence?
Here are a few tips;
1. Seek support
In stressful times, it is often beneficial to turn to someone who you trust. Share your situation, your emotions/feelings, actions, wants and needs.
By doing this you may receive perspectives that are different and that can aid in a different plan of action.
People can sit in their homes and belittle people using words and social media platforms
2. Make safe spaces
Identify signs of violence and avoid these situations by walking away.
Identify somewhere you feel safe and stay there until the situation has been resolved.
3. Be aware of your surroundings
When walking in areas you are not familiar with, look around, identify places which you can use in case of an emergency, and identify areas to avoid.
4. Leave situations
Do not engage with your attacker. As soon as possible remove yourself from the situation.
If it is impossible to remove yourself from this situation, pull a third party into the confrontation.
Violence is prevalent in many aspects of society.
Along with changes that take place in the world, there has been an increase in levels of violence.
No one deserves to be treated violently.
Think before you act is this the way you would like to be treated.
- Moodie is a counsellor at Masithethe Counselling Services.
- Masithethe Counselling Services (formerly LifeLine East London) has been offering confidential and free counselling to residents of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality since 1985. Contact number: 043-722-2000 or WhatsAapp 084-091-5410. Email: admin@masithethe.co.za