Drawing from insights provided by psychologists, religious scholars, and legal experts, this article sheds light on the experiences of young girls growing up in abusive households. It highlights the deficiencies in our legal systems, as well as the cultural and religious narratives that perpetuate harmful marriages, underscoring how societal silence places the next generation at risk. The article emphasizes the importance of safeguarding mothers and their children as the first step towards breaking the cycle of abuse.
Tarana Anis, a Senior Child Psychologist at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, explains that children exposed to domestic violence often normalize chaos, viewing violence as a regular aspect of life. Many children internalize blame for their parents’ conflicts and may try to intervene or protect their mothers, leading to emotional turmoil and psychological issues as they grow older.
Children at different developmental stages in such environments may experience various mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances, impacting their academic performance and social interactions. They may exhibit behaviors like panic attacks, bed-wetting, lying, or aggression, and some may seek solace in isolation through excessive social media or gaming.
Anis notes that girls raised in abusive homes may associate love with control and abuse, mirroring their mothers’ experiences. This distorted view of relationships can damage their self-esteem and lead them to seek out similar dynamics in their own relationships. Boys, on the other hand, may initially empathize with their mothers but later emulate their fathers’ behaviors in adult relationships, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
As children mature, they may unconsciously seek out chaotic relationships, believing that trauma binds individuals together. Breaking these learned patterns requires significant emotional work. Anis stresses that addressing childhood trauma is essential for healthy future relationships, emphasizing the need for both children and parents trapped in abusive cycles to seek therapy and counseling for healing and safety.
In cases of domestic violence, Mahjabin Rabbani, Advocate of the Supreme Court, highlights legal avenues available to women for protection. Women can seek legal recourse under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 against abusive spouses. Additionally, Muslim marriage laws allow women to seek divorce if facing abuse, providing them with avenues to end harmful relationships.
Rabbani explains the legal procedures women can follow to seek divorce and protect themselves and their children from abusive situations. Women can file complaints and seek legal interventions to ensure their safety and well-being, including measures to protect them from harassment and secure custody of their children.
Efforts to enhance the enforcement of laws protecting women and children from abuse are crucial. Faruq Hasan, a development worker and policy analyst, highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of violence against women and improving the implementation of existing legal frameworks. Hasan emphasizes the need for increased training for police officers, family-friendly court systems, and child welfare centers to support victims and ensure their safety during legal proceedings.
The article underscores the significance of creating a supportive environment for victims of abuse, promoting awareness, and challenging cultural norms that perpetuate violence. It calls for a comprehensive approach involving legal, social, and religious institutions to protect women and children from abusive situations and foster a culture of respect, justice, and support for survivors.