Violence Against Women

• In Event: Roundtable: Domestic/Intimate Violence

Abstract

Violence against women remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue, perpetuated by longstanding patriarchal systems and gender norms that normalize dominance, control, and abuse in relationships. Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects young women and is often underreported due to cultural stigma, fear of retaliation, and a lack of institutional trust. Despite legal frameworks intended to protect victims, systemic failures such as weak enforcement, minimal consequences for abusers, and societal tolerance of male aggression continue to undermine justice and safety for survivors. The psychological, emotional, and physical toll of IPV is profound, often trapping victims in cycles of manipulation, dependency, and trauma that are difficult to escape. This violence is not solely a personal issue but a violation of human rights, affecting individuals and society at large. Cultural narratives that equate masculinity with aggression and dominance reinforce violent behaviors while discouraging emotional vulnerability in men and submission in women. These harmful beliefs, often ingrained from childhood, perpetuate cycles of abuse across generations. Moreover, victim-blaming attitudes and the dismissal of women's experiences within the legal system further disempower survivors and discourage them from seeking help

Author

• Cerenity Faith Chambers, Norfolk State University