Verbal violence is indeed not something new to our ears, this is one form of crime that sometimes society considers with the usual response of “just ordinary”. According to them, “the perpetrators of violence” consider it ordinary but for the victim it has a very deep meaning. Indeed, not everyone thinks so, but the fact is that a handful of people ignore the argument of “keeping quiet”, especially from the party who does it. In my opinion, verbal violence is not something that should be considered ordinary, it can happen anytime and to anyone. However, most of the people who experience verbal violence are women.
The form of verbal violence itself is like saying harsh words without touching physically, threatening, insulting, to slandering. When viewed from its form, this condition is much more dangerous and painful than physical violence. Maybe it’s just a trivial statement but again it really makes the victim uncomfortable and can even make the victim depressed and stressed.
There are several factors that allow the perpetrators, especially men, to do this. Because they grow up in a harsh environment with the term “men don’t tell stories” because men are required to be strong, and are required to be able to do anything and that has an impact on providing a psychological strategy to send men’s brains with the statement you have to be strong or the world will never accept you.
But on the other hand they are humans who have weaknesses but on the other hand the patriarchal culture that considers them always right encourages them to do so. In fact, the patriarchal culture is instilled by women themselves, sometimes women themselves provoke or make men do this. This also seems to make men the main masterminds of this but sadly women contribute indirectly to doing this.
In patriarchal culture it is explicitly revealed that women have a position as ‘property’ of men, (servants or assistants) who meet the needs of men and produce offspring. It is very clear that women do not have independence and live only depending on men. And this is what underlies verbal violence against women. It is very sad to hear these facts but that is what happens.
Verbal violence is not a trivial matter that can simply be tolerated by everyone. Stop normalizing verbal violence, let us as the next generation of the nation participate in fighting verbal violence in the following ways:
1. Increase Education (Education and Awareness) • Increased awareness:
Education is important at this time. Without education, verbal violence can occur and can be repeated. Therefore, education is the most important thing in this incident.
2. Provide Social and Professional Support • Provide Support:
Support from others can help reduce the emotional impact of verbal violence. Talk to your close friends or someone you can trust.
3. Respond Calmly and Wisely • Be Firm in Responding to this:
Tell the perpetrator that the behavior is unacceptable, for example by saying, “I am uncomfortable and offended by these words, I hope you stop and don’t repeat it again.
Of all that verbal violence is one form of crime that is still widely found in society and also has detrimental effects, causes trauma, and worse can cause depression to the worst can make the victim commit suicide. And to overcome this problem, it is important to raise awareness of its impact and encourage more positive communication. Because if not us, who else. Stop normalizing verbal violence against women.
By: Irsyad Ahmad Firdausi
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
