Violence

Introduction

 It is the use of physical force, power, threats to cause harm,

injury or suffering to others.
 It can be visible like hitting or fighting, or hidden, like unfair
systems that keep people deprived of their basic needs.
 Violence can hurt people physically, emotionally, and limit
their opportunities in life.
 Both are equally harmful and are interconnected.
Violence in Peace Psychology

 It is important to study violence as it creates cycles of harm, inequality, and

oppression that effects Peace.
 By examining the causes and impact of Violence, Peace Psychology aims to
reduce and to prevent violence, promote justice and foster peaceful
interactions.
 Studies indicate that 1 out of 3 women experience physical or sexual
violence, in the form of intimate partner (WHO, 2021).
 Over 70 countries have experience conflict related violence including Middle
East (UNDP, 2020).
 10% Researches on violence focuses on poverty, inequalities etc.
 40% internet users aged 18-29 have experienced online or cyber violence
(Pew Research Center, 2020).
Types of violence

1. Direct Violence or Personal Violence

It involves observable harm caused by individuals or groups. It
involves acts like physical assault, murder, war, domestic
violence, and hate crimes. It is often visible, intentional, and
directly effects the victims.
2. Structural Violence
Indirect form of violence embedded in the social, political, and
economic systems. It occurs when the societal structures prevent
people from meeting their basic needs, leading to suffering,
inequality, and lack of opportunity i.e. poverty, discrimations etc.
Roots of Violence

1. Psychological Factors
 Uncontrolled anger or frustration leads to aggression.
 Trauma due to neglect in childhood.
 Prejudice and Dehumanization, “seeing others less than” or “different”

2. Social and Cultural Influences.

 Social norms- aggression is acceptable to Middle east, Latin America and Southern United
States (Honor cultures).
 Inequality and Injustice- due to discrimination people resort to violence.
 Group Pressure- violent acts to fit in groups, Gang violence, bullying etc.
Economic and Environmental Conditions

 Poverty and lack of Resources

 Limited access to basic needs like food, shelter and education can create a
sense of desperation that leads to violence.
 Competition for Violence
 Scarcity of resources can lead to conflicts and violent competition between
individuals, groups, or even nations.
Political and Structural Factors

 Oppressive systems- Governments that use fear, repression, or inequality to

maintain control often create conditions for violence.
For example-
 Racial segregation in South Africa, restricted the access to education, jobs,
healthcare etc. that continue to affect them even today.
 Caste System in India where people from lower castes i.e., Dalits,
previously known as “Untouchables” considering them impure, assigned to
works such as manual labor and sanitation work.
Effects of Violence

Effects of Direct Violence

- Physical Impact- Injuries can lead to disabilities or even death.
- Mental Health Effects- PTSD, Anxiety, Stress, Depression.
- Community Disruption- Violence breeds fear and mistrust among people.
- Economic Strain- Violence results in high healthcare costs and Legal
expenses.
- Relationship Challenges- Trauma from violence effects personal
relationships leading isolations and tensions.
Cont.

 Effects of Indirect Violence

 Systematic Inequalities: Limits the access of groups to healthcare, unemployment
etc.
 Chronic Health Issues: Increased rates of diseases due to inadequate access to
healthcare and preventive measures.
 Social Marginalization: violence leads to exclusion of certain groups limiting
opportunities for social mobilities.
 Cultural Disintegration: community values decline, social bonds erode leading to
loss of cultural identity.
 Political Instability: Violence fuels protests where people seek to demand rights.
Case study: Qandeel
Baloch- Honor Killing
 Background:
Qandeel Baloch, a social media star in Pakistan,
was killed by her brother in 2016, who claimed her
behavior brought shame to the family.
 Incident:
Her brother drugged and strangled her, calling it an
"honor killing."
 Legal Impact:
The case led to a national outcry, prompting
Pakistan to tighten laws against honor killings. Her
brother was sentenced to life in prison.
 Significance:
Qandeel’s death spotlighted honor-based violence
and the need for cultural change and stronger
protections for women.
Case Study: Structural
Violence in Pakistan.
 Overview:
Rural Pakistan faces severe healthcare shortages,
with limited hospitals, doctors, and resources.
 Examples:
• Maternal Mortality: High due to lack of facilities.
• Child Malnutrition: Common without adequate
nutrition programs.
• Infectious Diseases: More prevalent with poor
healthcare access.
 Impact:
Higher death rates and chronic health issues keep
rural communities trapped in poverty. Addressing
this requires fairer healthcare investment.
NGOs working on Violence in Pakistan

•Aurat Foundation: Focuses on women’s rights and gender-based violence.

•Website: Aurat Foundation
•Madadgaar Helpline: Provides support for domestic violence and child abuse (Helpline: 1098).
•Website: Madadgaar
•Rozan: Offers counseling and education on mental health and abuse prevention.
•Website: Rozan
•Sahil: Specializes in child protection and abuse awareness (Helpline: 0800-13518).
•Website: Sahil
•Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF): Assists acid attack survivors with medical and legal aid.
•Website: ASF Pakistan
Reporting Violence in Pakistan

•Police: Call 15 for emergencies.

•Madadgaar Helpline: Call 1098 for domestic violence and abuse
support.
•Pakistan Citizen Portal: Use the app for online reporting.
•Women’s Helpline: Call 1043 for gender-based violence assistance.
•Child Protection Helpline: Call 1121 in some provinces.