Domestic violence and violence against women

Domestic violence is committed in today’s society against women and men, but also against children and seniors. None of this is okay, and no one should be ashamed to seek help, whether from family, friends, or specialists on this topic. What is domestic violence, how does it manifest itself, and who should you turn to in case of problems?

How domestic violence manifests itself

Domestic violence can take more forms than just a physical attack; it may involve:

• physical assault - beating, strangling, pulling hair, kicking, torture;
• sexual violence - coercion into sex, rape;
• verbal abuse - threats, blackmail;
• restriction of contact with family or friends, restricting access to finances, unreasonable control of everyday activities.

Domestic violence lasts a long time, escalates and takes place behind closed doors. The victim feels that they deserve punishment (violence) for their behavior and mistakes, and so they get caught in a vicious circle from which the only way out is for the victim to confide in someone or realize on their own that they need to make some kind of change. Fear, anxiety, and loss of self-confidence often occur. It is important not to excuse the perpetrator’s behavior, for example because they have been drinking alcohol or are tired from work. Promises that the situation will not happen again or periods when nothing is happening should not be overlooked either. 

Who to contact in case of problems

• Police of the Czech Republic;
• ROSA - center for women - provides not only counseling, but also crisis intervention and shelter accommodation for women at risk of domestic violence;
• proFem - a state nonprofit organization that helps victims of domestic and sexual violence;
• Magdalenium - helps adults, children, and seniors, offering support from psychologists, social workers, and lawyers, as well as a specialized counseling center and shelter housing;
• Helpline;
• Victim Support Helpline for Crime and Domestic Violence (White Circle of Safety) - phone 116 006, a 24/7 line offering immediate help;
• Acorus - social counseling, crisis support, and shelter housing.

Violence against women

Today, up to 95% of victims of domestic violence are women. Since 1999, the UN has declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day highlights forms of violence that, in addition to sexual violence, can also be physical, social, or economic, and are very well hidden, so in public you would not notice at all that there is a perpetrator and a victim next to you. Unfortunately, fewer than 40% of women seek help, so if you know someone in your area who could be a victim of domestic violence, offer them a helping hand. They will probably refuse, which does not mean they do not need help.

Monkey Mum helps

The Monkey Mum e-shop sponsored the Women’s Boxing Gala (Girl Power Boxing Night), which took place on 22 June 2024 on the roof of OC Harfa in Prague. The entire event supported the Rosa Foundation - center for women, which fights against violence against women and provides help to victims of domestic violence.

In brief

Domestic violence is committed today against women, men, children, and seniors. It can manifest itself not only as physical assault, but also as psychological blackmail, restricting contact with family and friends, restricting access to finances, or forcing sex, even rape. If needed, it is a good idea to contact one of the organizations that deal with domestic violence (for example ROSA, Magdalenium, proFem, or the Police of the Czech Republic) and not remain a victim for too long, as this could leave major trauma.

Up to 95% of violence is committed against women, and the UN has therefore declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which draws attention to the forms of this violence and also emphasizes that violence is always hidden and happens only at home behind closed doors.

At Monkey Mum, this topic is not indifferent to us, and on 22 June 2024 we sponsored the Women’s Boxing Gala, which supported the Rosa foundation, which cares for women who have become victims of domestic violence. 

What is your experience with domestic violence? Do you know someone who has gone through it or is going through it right now?