In our society, one of the most taboo subjects to talk about is violence and abuse. Victims are blackmailed into silence, and their attackers can emotionally control them through years of making the victim feel worthless. There is so much hush surrounding the topic that for some the thought of talking out against their attackers is more worrying than the thought of living the rest of their life in fear. There are many different forms of abuse that are most commonly understood as a way of behavior that is intended to maintain and assert control over individuals, families or house members. While most violent offenders know their victims personally, acts of violence or abuse can also be carried out by strangers. Violence and other forms of abuse are on-going events which involve in various manipulations and frequently can easily escalate over a prolonged period....
In our society, one of the most taboo subjects to talk about is violence and abuse. Victims are blackmailed into silence, and their attackers can emotionally control them through years of making the victim feel worthless. There is so much hush surrounding the topic that for some the thought of talking out against their attackers is more worrying than the thought of living the rest of their life in fear.
There are many different forms of abuse that are most commonly understood as a way of behavior that is intended to maintain and assert control over individuals, families or house members. While most violent offenders know their victims personally, acts of violence or abuse can also be carried out by strangers. Violence and other forms of abuse are on-going events which involve in various manipulations and frequently can easily escalate over a prolonged period. According to Violence Prevention initiative by the Newfoundland Labrador, Canada, there are nine main types of violence and abuse which are; physical violence; this can be punching, kicking, etc. Sexual violence which can be anything from an unwanted kiss to sexual intercourse. Emotional violence, which is making a person feel worthless and using emotional blackmail. Psychological violence which is threatening to cause harm to themselves or others should their partner chose to leave. Spiritual violence is when someone uses a person’s faith to manipulate them. Cultural violence, when you use someone’s culture to harm them. Verbal abuse, which can be shouting or screaming or writing to cause harm. Financial abuse, someone taking control of someone’s financial state without permission. Finally, neglect, when someone has a role to provide care and fails to do so.
In conclusion, in today’s society and theatre we are able to reflect what we see in real life in theatre and educate people about the good and bad of the world, in this matter we can then take it one step further and create lessons or workshops and use these to help make these lessons transferrable for those who may be at risk. By engaging with those who have been directly affected by these social issues we can reach out and help the next generation to learn from what we know now. We can help to create a society free from the bounds of gender roles, stereotyping, drug/alcohol misuse and abuse/violence. By ridding the society of these thing I feel like we will be able to appreciate what theatre is really about, education of the masses, by pulling on emotional heart strings and making people believe that there is always a safe place where hope can grow.
