Safety and Security Against Violence and Injuries

What is Violence?

Violence is the use of physical and mental force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy. 

Emotional Violence: In the first story the teacher uses her power over Usha to inflict verbal or emotional violence on her. Emotional violence is when a person intentionally subjects another person to behaviour that may result in psychological trauma and emotional hurt. For example, calling someone names (labeling), bullying, verbally abusing and using foul language, etc.

Sexual Harassment: In the second story, a group of boys sexually harass the girl walking on the road, commonly known as eve-teasing. It is a form of sexual violence. Sexual violence is any sexual act or an attempt directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. Examples of sexual violence are unwanted comments of a sexual character, child sexual abuse with boys and girls, molestation and rape.

Physical Violence: In the third story, Shyam uses his power attributed by the patriarchal structures of society, over his wife and inflicts violence on her. Physical violence is any intentional act causing injury to another person. Examples may be wife-beating, corporal punishment used in schools, parents beating their children to discipline them, physical fights between siblings, etc.

In Reena’s case, her husband is often nice to her but it does not justify any act of violence. Shyam’s action is also an example of domestic violence, that is, violent or aggressive behaviour within the home. Domestic violence is not limited to physical violence but it can also involve emotional and sexual violence.

Corporal Punishment: The fourth story depicts a case of corporal punishment, which is a form of physical violence inflicted on students with an intention to cause pain as a means of disciplining. The Right to Education Act, 2009, prohibits any form of physical punishment and mental harassment to students.

Bullying: In the fifth story, the senior boys use their power to bully Rizwan and Gaurav. Bullying is a form of emotional violence, as it uses power against those with less power, causing them emotional harm, which of ten has a long lasting impact. Bullies may also resort to physical violence.

Children AT RISK of abuse and violence 

✔Low self esteem.

✔Marital discord households, financial instability, illness (persistent/terminal illness. Under these circumstances, parental attention/supervision may lack.

✔Children who are overly fearful of adults.

✔Children with parents who are ‘too busy’ for them.

✔Children without parental care - orphans, unaccompanied and separated children, street children, child labourer, children in institutions.

✔Mentally and physically differently abled children.

ALL Children are vulnerable as they are dependent on adults for their care and protection.