Why are men aggressive towards women?

Causes of violence against women are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, power relations, economic power imbalances, and the masculine idea of male dominance

I am a college going girl. I have become very disturbed by the recent increased incidences of violence, rape etc. against girls and women. Every day we hear news about some form of abuse towards fair sex. We are not safe and secure even in home also. I often become dejected and feel frustrated when I hear such things. Please tell me why males are aggressive towards women, what are the reasons for those behaviours? Suggest some ways to prevent it? - Prafulla

Male violence against women is a worldwide phenomenon. Every year, millions of women and girls suffer violence. Women have to bear the brunt of domestic, public, physical as well as emotional and mental violence against them, which affects her status in the society at the larger extent. Women are subjected to violence attacks i.e. feticide, infanticide, medical neglect, child marriages, bride burning, sexual abuse of girl child, forced marriages, rapes, prostitution, sexual harassment at home as well as work places etc. In all the above cases women is considered as aggrieved person.

Causes of Gender-Based Violence Psychologist Dr. David Lisak who is an expert on violent crime, emphasised that the main reason for violence towards the females could be power struggles and aggression in the men. A Many studies repeatedly have proven that power and anger are the primary motivations behind the sexual and other form of violence.

Psychologists have summarised the causes of violence against women as being deeply rooted in the way society is set up-cultural beliefs, power relations, economic power imbalances, and the masculine idea of male dominance.

Factors specifically associated with sexual violence: - Beliefs in family honour and sexual purity; - Ideologies of male sexual entitlement; - Weak legal sanctions for sexual violence.

Myths about sexual assault: Sex crimes are crimes of passion or desire. Is not true, every sex crime is a crime of violence, anger and power. Sexual offenders commit these crimes in order to get sex. False. Sex offenders get gratification from intimidating, humiliating and degrading their victims. Many sex offenders are married or already involved in relationships where they can freely engage in intimate relations.

People provoke sexual assaults by dressing "sexy." Only certain types of people are sexually assaulted. False. People of all ages, professions and styles of dress have become victims of sexual assaults. Recently we saw a 5 year old girl and a 85 year old lady has been raped by some offenders.

It's easy to tell who is a sex offender. False. Sex offenders come from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. A sex offender can be anyone: married, a friend, relative, acquaintance or stranger. Sex offenders may even look "wholesome" or possess "movie star" good looks, which they use to make their approach to victims easier.

Effects of violence against women: The effects of Gender-based violence can be devastating and long lasting. They pose danger to a woman's reproductive health and can scar a survivor psychologically, cognitively and interpersonally. Reports suggest that a child who has undergone or witnessed violence may become withdrawn, anxious or depressed on one hand; on the other hand, the child may become aggressive and exert control over younger siblings. Women who have suffered any kind of violence have long-lasting physical (headache, back pain, etc) and psychological symptoms (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, emotional distress and suicide attempts. But this kind of violence also affects the families and the friends of these women. There is also a high economic price in medical costs and work productivity as well as in criminal justice.

Ways to keep yourself safe from sexual assault: There are many ways that you can avoid sexual assault, and many ways that you can keep yourself and your dignity intact. - Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone. - Know your sexual intentions and limits. You have the right to say no to any unwanted sexual activity, at any point. - Carry a self-defense weapon such as pepper spray, hair spray, or an umbrella, keep it in handy. Attend some self defense classes like Karate etc.. - Don't be afraid to make waves if you feel threatened. Loudly protest, leave, or go for help. - Of nine, 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or think you may be at risk, get out of the situation as soon as possible. - Don't drink anything outside like in parties unless you're absolutely sure it has not been dosed. Date-rape drugs are everywhere very easy to mix at eye's blink time. - Call the police if you see or hear evidence of any violence. For children and parents: - Talking openly and directly about sexuality teaches children that it is okay to talk to you when they have questions. - All children should be told that it's okay to say "no" to touches that make them uncomfortable or if someone is touching them in ways that make them uncomfortable and that they should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible. - Make sure to tell your child that they will not get into trouble if they tell you this kind of secret.