woman rights and domestic violence

 Hello. My name is Sena and my name is Chiharu. I am a university student in Japan, and I am currently studying mainly English language and English literature in detail.

We are deepening our discussion on women's rights and domestic violence. The reason why we decided to research this topic is because we believe that in our country, problems related to women's rights and incidents of domestic violence by men against women have been increasing in recent years. We would like to study in detail the current situation in Japan where women are still looked down upon and the psychology of those who commit violence against their loved ones.

I would like to update my blog once a week. Please read it.

1. How does domestic violence impact women’s efforts to achieve equal rights?

Women who are victims of domestic violence live in constant fear, making it difficult for them to make positive choices about their own lives. This limits their opportunities for work, education, and political participation.

BBC News. (2012, April 6). Domestic violence victims ‘lie about course’ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-17609151

BBC News. (2024, May 7).  Domestic abuse: ‘I was quite controlling, things needed to charge’ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68942471

2. Why is economic independence crucial for women trying to escape abusive relationships?

Many perpetrators of violence are in a financially dominant position and try to use money to control their partner. For example, they do not give their wives enough money to live on. A woman can become free from “economic control” by working and becoming financially independent, which is a means of protecting herself from “economic control”!

BBC News. (2025, February 22). Survivor of abuse says financial independence gives women choices. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8yx593gqno

BBC News. (2024, September 15). ‘My abuser used our joint mortgage against me’. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cged39yw3y9o

3. Why are women more likely to be victims of domestic violence, and how is this linked to gender inequality?

Many societies have a male-dominated patriarchal system, where men are justified in assuming a dominant position over women. In some cultures, women are also considered the property of men, and the use of violence to subjugate them may be acceptable.

BBC News. (2011, January 17). Patriarchal Serbia faces up to domestic violence [Video]. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-12202620

BBC News. (2020, October 6). Hathras case: Dalit women are among the most oppressed in the world. https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-54418513

4. How can advancing women’s rights improve protections for domestic violence survivors?

We believe that laws on these issues should be strengthened. For example, laws on domestic violence and spousal violence should be enacted and properly enforced.The law needs to recognize not only physical violence, but also all kinds of hidden violence, including psychological violence.

BBC News. (2017, July 26). Spain domestic violence law changes face opposition. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-40715325

BBC News. (2004, April 27). Spain launches new domestic violence law. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3661117.stm

5. What long-term effects does domestic violence have on women’s mental health and self-esteem?

Chronic Psychological Disorders

• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
  
  

• Anxiety Disorders: Including panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety.
  
  

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness due to trauma.
  
  

• Substance Abuse: Some survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

BBC News. (2019, June 7). Domestic abuse survivors at higher risk of mental illness, study finds. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48541604

BBC News. (2020, December 19). Alcohol-dependent men six times more likely to be violent partners, study finds. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50887893

6. What additional challenges do women face in the workplace after experiencing domestic violence?

Feeling that men are entitled to exercise dominance over their partners due to the stereotype that men are traditionally dominant by nature and women are submissive and passive.

Swanberg, J. E., Logan, T. K., & Macke, C. (2005). Intimate partner violence, employment, and 　　　　　the workplace: Consequences and future directions. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 6(4), 286–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838005282181

WomanACT. (2020). The impact of intimate partner violence on employment and the workplace. Woman Abuse Council of Toronto. https://womanact.ca/the-impact-of-intimate-partner-violence-on-employment/

7. How do gender stereotypes contribute to the occurrence of domestic violence?

Feeling that men are entitled to exercise dominance over their partners due to the stereotype that men are traditionally dominant by nature and women are submissive and passive.

Patch the World編集部. (2022年10月13日). 性別ステレオタイプが家庭内暴力（DV）への認識に与える影響とは？イタリアの研究から. mannen.jp. https://mannen.jp/patchtheworld/11386/

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2022年9月14日). Deconstructing toxic gender roles will prevent violence. https://www.ilcadv.org/deconstructing-toxic-gender-roles-will-prevent-violence/

8. What unique role can women leaders play in combating domestic violence?

Beyond mere improvement of the environment through institutions, the leader's own experience and empathy can be used to reach out to women victims' feelings. By talking with female counselor, female victims can enhance their self-esteem.

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Sneha Jawale. Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sneha_Jawale

BBC Stories. (2018, June 24). “I have helped women get out of domestic violence situations domestic violence”  BBC Stories [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdmQko7Hekg

9. Why do many women hesitate to report domestic violence or seek legal help? Does societal perception of women influence this?

Housewives and women raising children are often dependent on their husbands for financial support, and often find it difficult to seek support due to the fear that they will not be able to make a living if they run away.

Amelia Hil. (2019, March 6). Many women fleeing domestic abuse face poverty, report finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/06/many-women-fleeing-domestic-abuse-face-poverty-report-finds

Newbold, S. (2024b, August 20). The role of economic dependency in domestic Violence — Progressive therapeutic collective. Progressive Therapeutic Collective. https://www.progressivetherapeutic.com.au/intimate-partner-violence-femicide/the-role-of-economic-dependency-in-domestic-violence

10. What gaps exist in legal protections regarding domestic violence and women’s rights?

The traditional prejudice that one should not intervene in matters of domestic matters hinders the positive application of the law. People also assume, at their core, that the victim has something wrong.

MDiv, W. L. P. J., PhD. (2018, April 9). Why many domestic violence victims are reluctant to report. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-bad-looks-good/201804/how-social-stigma-silences-domestic-violence-victims

Dixonsociety. (2022, May 31). Why Didn’t you say Something? The Socio-Cultural Barriers to Recognizing and Fleeing Abuse. Dixon Society. https://dixonsociety.ca/why-didnt-you-say-something-the-socio-cultural-barriers-to-recognizing-and-fleeing-abuse/

11. How have women’s rights movements raised awareness about domestic violence?

For a long time, women have emphasized that this is a human rights issue that should be solved by society as a whole through a revolution in large numbers. Therefore, for a long time, there were a lot of riots about women rights all over the world.

ACLU History: Women’s rights are human rights | American Civil Liberties Union. (2011, August 24). American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/documents/aclu-history-womens-rights-are-human-rights

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. (2003, November 5). Human Rights Dialogue (1994–2005): Series 2 No. 10 (Fall 2003): Violence against Women: Articles: Refusing To Go Away: Strategies of the Women’s Rights Movement. https://es.carnegiecouncil.org/media/series/dialogue/human-rights-dialogue-1994-2005-series-2-no-10-fall-2003-violence-against-women-articles-refusing-to-go-away-strategies-of-the-womens-rights-movement

12. What barriers do women in rural or conservative communities face when seeking help for domestic violence?

Living in a small community, rumors spread easily and could make it impossible to live in that town for victims. Therefore, victims cannot need help if they are hurt by their husband.

Government of Canada, Department of Justice, Electronic Communications. (2021, December 13). The Ontario Rural Woman Abuse Study (ORWAS) final report. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/cj-jp/victim/rr00_15/p4a.html

Shrestha, R., Sapkota, D., Sarraf, R. R., Mehra, D., Ekström, A. M., & Deuba, K. (2024). Perceptions on violence against women and its impacts on mental health and response mechanisms among community-based stakeholders: a qualitative study from Nepal. BMC Women S Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03064-5

13. How does domestic violence affect women’s educational and career opportunities?

Poor concentration due to mental stress, making it difficult to perform at a high level at school or at work. Along with this, motivation to perform to the best of one's ability in academics and work is also reduced.

Klencakova, L. E., Pentaraki, M., & McManus, C. (2021). The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Young Women’s Educational Well-Being: A Systematic Review of literature. Trauma Violence & Abuse, 24(2), 1172–1187. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211052244

Chill Chapters Editorial. (2025, January 19). The Impact of Domestic violence on employment Opportunities - Chill chapters. The Insurance Universe. https://chillchapters.com/impact-of-domestic-violence-on-employment/

14. How does economic abuse in domestic violence limit women’s freedom and rights?

Perpetrators control money and limit the money women have at their disposal, forcing victims to depend on their perpetrators. Female victims are increasingly unable to escape their assailants.

White, J. P. &. M. (2024, September 12). Survivors recount trauma of partners’ economic abuse. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mndn0vdzwo

Chaudhari, S. (2025, February 22). Survivor of abuse says financial independence gives women choices. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq8yx593gqno

15. How do societal stereotypes about “weak women” prevent victims from getting help?

This stereotyping causes people to perceive women as being weak and therefore subject to violence, and to not positively try to help them. Hence, women victims are increasingly less likely to seek help.

Improdova. (2025, July 3). Module 8: Stereotypes and unconscious bias - Online training materials on violence. Online Training Materials on Violence. https://training.improdova.eu/en/training-modules-for-the-police/module-8-stereotypes-and-unconscious-bias/

16. Are legal and social services adequately addressing the specific needs of women who experience domestic violence?

The current situation is that adequate support is not available. This is because many female victims are financially dependent on their male perpetrators and are unable to ask for help.

McCamley, B. F. (2022, March 10). Domestic abuse: The “forgotten” victims failed by the system. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-60509125

Bradley, J. (2025, April 28). “I’m fleeing domestic abuse - it cost me thousands because I have a job.” https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly1vke1772o

17. What psychological and legal support do domestic violence survivors need to regain independence?

I believe that it is necessary to restore the victim women's sense of self-esteem and self-affirmation through counseling and psychotherapy.  By doing so, It enables female victims to reintegrate into society and lead independent lives afterwards.

Shifting the scales: Transforming the criminal justice response to domestic abuse (accessible). (2025, April 15). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-the-criminal-justice-response-to-domestic-abuse/shifting-the-scales-transforming-the-criminal-justice-response-to-domestic-abuse-accessible?utm_source=chatgpt.com

18. Why are women’s voices often overlooked in domestic violence cases?

There is a persistent prejudice that family problems should not be out in the open for women. Social pressure from these traditional prejudices makes it difficult for females to ask for help.

MDiv, W. L. P. J., PhD. (2018b, April 9). Why many domestic violence victims are reluctant to report. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-bad-looks-good/201804/how-social-stigma-silences-domestic-violence-victims

19. How can education promote gender equality and reduce domestic violence?

Eliminating old prejudices and stereotypes about the roles of male and female through education.For example, there is a strong prejudice in Japan that men should go out to work like men and women should stay at home and do housework.

Smith, B. K. (2021, May 31). Gender stereotypes: Primary schools urged to tackle issue. https://www.bbc.com/news/education-57256075

Foster, A. (2024, October 18). London mayor urges primary schools to teach kids about misogyny. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62ryze4g2qo

20. What impact does domestic violence have on women’s political participation and leadership?

I believe that domestic violence lowers women's political participation because through abuse, women have lower self-esteem and less desire to be active in society. As a result of this, more and more victims feel lonely and distrust institutions related to this.

Guermazi, F., Tabib, F., Cherif, F., Masmoudi, R., Mnif, D., Feki, I., Baâti, I., & Masmoudi, J. (2024). Intimate partner violence in Tunisia: emotional abuse and dependency, alexithymia, and Self-Esteem in female victims. Social Sciences, 13(10), 503. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13100503

Asayesh, M. H., Hoseinzei, E., & Golpasha, E. (2021). Violence against women and its relationship with self-esteem of married women in Tehran. New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2), 59–64. https://doi.org/10.18844/prosoc.v3i2.1600

21. How can women advocate for stronger domestic violence laws through social movements?

I believe that social networking sites should be used, as they are extremely influential in today’s society. I believe that when victims share their experiences through social networking sites, they can influence public opinion and spread the practice of being open about what goes on in their homes.

Perasso, V. (2015, November 26). 100 Women 2015: Social media “fuels gender violence.” BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-34911605?ut

Mahserjian, J. (2024, October 18). The impact of technology and social media on domestic violence. Saratoga Divorce Attorneys | Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC. https://www.jeanmahserjian.com/the-impact-of-technology-and-social-media-on-domestic-violence/

22. How do traditional gender roles influence domestic violence rates and victims’ choices?

In areas where there is a tradition of women doing the housework and men going to work, women are economically dependent on men, making it difficult for them to have a voice. In Japan, for example, women's participation in society used to be low.

Wang, Z., & Sekiyama, T. (2024). The Background factors and reality of Domestic Abuse Faced by High-Income Women: an online survey in Japan. Social Sciences, 13(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13010055

Gender violence, the law, and society. (2022). In Emerald Publishing Limited eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781801171274

23. How do female survivors cope with societal stigma and shame?

Many women find a safe place to talk about their experiences by going to a trusted counselor or institution. This allows them to sort out their feelings and reduce their fears and regain lost selves. Therefore, we need to work to create such an environment.

Jones, R., Usher, K., Rice, K., Morley, L., & Durkin, J. (2023). The shame of sexual violence towards women in rural areas. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 33(3), 728–734. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13269

Wu, Q., & Salter, M. (2025c). Women’s experiences of shame while seeking care for complex trauma: Towards shame-sensitive practice. The British Journal of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcaf101

24. What biases exist in media coverage of domestic violence and women’s rights?

Because media work is often dominated by male, when reporting on domestic violence, it is often from a male perspective. News and articles should be created from a female's (victim’s) perspective.

McPherson, R. (2023). News media reporting on Scottish cases in which women kill following domestic abuse. Journalism, 25(10), 2191–2209. https://doi.org/10.1177/14648849231207677

25. How can gender equality policies and domestic violence prevention programs support each other?

Through education, we must teach people to eliminate prejudice against gender inequality and work to reduce the causes of violence itself. It is also necessary to carry out sex education more deeply and to carry out education that will eliminate sexual violence.

The evidence for respectful relationships education. (n.d.). Our Watch. https://www.ourwatch.org.au/education/the-evidence-for-respectful-relationships-education

Makleff, S., Garduño, J., Zavala, R. I., Barindelli, F., Valades, J., Billowitz, M., Márquez, V. I. S., & Marston, C. (2019). Preventing Intimate partner violence among young people—A qualitative study examining the role of comprehensive sexuality education. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 17(2), 314–325. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-019-00389-x

26. Why is economic independence key for women escaping abusive relationships?

Because financial dependence is the cause of their inability to escape violence by their husbands. When a person is dependent on his partner for all living expenses, housing, child support, etc., it becomes difficult for him to maintain his lifestyle on his own and he is unable to escape from the house.

Lcsw, K. G. (2024, June 18). Addressing the inequalities in a system that benefits those with financial power. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/invisible-bruises/202406/income-influences-level-of-protection-from-domestic-violence

Gaining Financial Independence: Six Strategies For Victims Escaping Domestic Violence | III. (n.d.). https://www.iii.org/press-release/gaining-financial-independence-six-strategies-for-victims-escaping-domestic-violence-100914

27. What protections are lacking for domestic violence survivors in the workplace？

Many workplaces do not have specific measures in place for when perpetrators barge into the workplace. In addition, domestic violence is viewed as a private matter, and supervisors and coworkers ignore female victims.

Trades Union Congress. (2020). Support in the workplace for victims of domestic abuse. https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/support-workplace-victims-domestic-abuse

Women's Aid. (2020). Domestic abuse and the workplace: How employers can support survivors. https://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-and-the-workplace-how-employers-can-support-survivors/

28. Are women’s rights sufficiently protected in the enforcement of domestic violence laws?

No I do not think so. There have been many cases where female victims have come to the police and they have not responded appropriately and promptly, and later a major incident has occurred.

沖縄タイムス＋プラス. (2025, February 12). 邦人女性殺害で警察官5人懲戒 ハンガリー、対応誤り. 沖縄タイムス＋プラス. https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1525300

東京新聞デジタル. (2024, October 15). 日本の「女性差別」の実情、国連の委員会が市民団体から聞き取り 政府の取り組みが不十分なら改善勧告. 東京新聞デジタル. https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/360486

29. How can women unite to fight both for equal rights and against domestic violence?

Create a network where women victims, supporters, and professionals can connect, consult, and help each other. Provide a safe place for women victims who tend to be isolated to voice their concerns.

Take action: 10 ways you can help end violence against women | UN Women – Headquarters. (2024, June 28). UN Women – Headquarters. https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/take-action-10-ways-you-can-help-end-violence-against-women

Safe rooms - the Lisa Harnum Foundation. (n.d.). The Lisa Harnum Foundation. https://www.lisahf.org.au/safe-rooms

30. What role do men have in supporting women’s rights and reducing domestic violence?

I believe it is important to have understanding and empathy. I believe that when men understand these issues and empathize with the victim's position, prejudice will decrease.

Ulloa, E. C., & Hammett, J. F. (2016). The role of empathy in violent intimate relationships. Partner Abuse, 7(2), 140–156. https://doi.org/10.1891/1946-6560.7.2.140

Guthridge, M., Penovic, T., Kirkman, M., & Giummarra, M. J. (2023). The Role of Affective Empathy in Eliminating Discrimination Against Women: a Conceptual Proposition. Human Rights Review, 24(3), 433–456. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12142-023-00692-6

Written by Sena and Chiharu