Domestic violence is a social scourge that affects millions of people around the world, regardless of class, ethnicity or gender. It's important to bring this issue to everyone's attention and shed light on the strategies and measures that can be adopted to combat this serious problem.

It is essential to reinforce the importance of education and awareness-raising, the crucial role of support institutions and the need for stricter legislation. In addition, early intervention and community support can be key to preventing and reducing cases of domestic violence, providing a safer environment for everyone.

Living Tours recognises the importance of the issue and contributes with awareness-raising measures, such as highlighting this April's cause, unequivocally condemning all forms of violence, including domestic violence.

Definition and Types of Abuse

Domestic violence encompasses all acts of physical, verbal, psychological, economic and sexual abuse that occur within the family. These acts can be perpetrated between spouses or partners and extend to abuse against children and the elderly. The manifestations of violence can range from threats and physical aggression to sexual abuse or psychological oppression such as overly controlling behaviour. Intimidation, continuous stalking and passive abuse such as neglect are also forms of domestic violence, as is economic deprivation, which limits the victim's freedom and decision-making capacity.

Impact on society

The impact of domestic violence is profound and goes beyond the immediate victims. The psychological, physical and emotional consequences can last a lifetime, affecting the victims' well-being and mental health. In addition, children who witness or are victims of domestic violence often carry traumas that influence their future development and behaviour.

Domestic violence is not an isolated phenomenon: its consequences reverberate in various spheres of social life. When a person suffers abuse at home, it can affect their productivity at work, their mental health and even their ability to bring up their children. The trauma experienced by a victim can spill over into other areas of life, such as interpersonal relationships, academic performance and participation in the community. This problem therefore has a multiplier effect, as it affects the person not only in space and time, but also everything around them.

In this sense, domestic violence contributes to the perpetuation of cycles of abuse, affecting future generations. Children exposed to this environment can suffer lasting emotional and physical damage, which impacts on their development and well-being. It is imperative that society as a whole recognises the seriousness of this problem and mobilises to find effective solutions.

Combat strategies

To combat domestic violence, it is essential to implement effective public policies that include:

Education and Awareness: Education is a powerful tool in changing mentalities and behaviour. Educational programmes should be implemented in schools to teach children about gender equality and mutual respect. These programmes can include:

• Assuming gender equality in an integrated and transversal way throughout citizenship and democratic expression.

• Activities and discussions in schools or outside that promote empathy and respect for differences.

• Awareness-raising campaigns involving the entire school community, including teachers, students and parents.

Support for victims: Victims of domestic violence often feel isolated and at a loss. It is crucial to offer them support through:

• Reception centres that provide a safe environment and recovery services.

• Helplines available 24/7 for immediate advice and assistance.

• Access to free or subsidised legal services for legal advice and representation.

• Rehabilitation and social integration programmes to help victims rebuild their lives.

Legislation and Law Enforcement: Strong laws and effective enforcement are key to protecting victims and deterring perpetrators. This can be achieved through:

• Reviewing and strengthening existing laws to ensure that they offer adequate protection.

• Specialised training for police and justice professionals to deal with cases of domestic violence.

• Creation of specialised courts that can deal with cases with due seriousness and speed.

Community Intervention: The community plays a vital role in preventing domestic violence and supporting victims. Community intervention strategies can include:

• Training programmes for community leaders and volunteers on how to identify and respond to domestic violence.

• Community surveillance initiatives to increase security in neighbourhoods.

• Public information campaigns to encourage the reporting of cases of violence and provide information on available resources.

These strategies, when implemented together, can create a robust support network and an environment where domestic violence is unacceptable and swiftly combated, in order to protect one of the most important human rights.

The number for victims of domestic violence in Portugal is 800 202 148. This service is free, confidential and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The role of companies

Companies play an important role in raising awareness about domestic violence and can contribute in various ways:

• Awareness campaigns: Companies can develop awareness campaigns that address domestic violence, educating employees about the signs of abuse and how to seek help.

• Partnerships with Local Organisations: Companies can establish partnerships with local organisations that offer support to victims of domestic violence by providing information about these resources on their hosting sites or on their websites.

• Internal Support Policies: Companies can implement internal policies that support employees who are victims of domestic violence, providing them with access to support resources and assistance to ensure their safety.

• Promoting Healthy Relationships: Companies can promote healthy relationships between employees and customers by highlighting the importance of mutual respect and open communication and encouraging dialogue on issues related to domestic violence.

How can you help?

Individuals can play a crucial role in raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting a culture of respect and support. Here are some ways in which you can help:

• Raising awareness: Becoming informed about the issue of domestic violence, understanding its different aspects and how it affects people and communities is the first step towards being able to raise awareness among others.

• Supporting Victims: Offering support and solidarity to victims of domestic violence by listening to them, believing in them and offering practical and emotional help when needed.

• Report Abuse: Don't remain silent in the face of signs of domestic violence. If you suspect that someone is being abused, report it to the relevant authorities or to local organisations that offer support to victims of domestic violence.

• Promoting Healthy Relationships: Promoting relationships based on mutual respect, open communication and gender equality in all spheres of life, including personal relationships, the workplace and the wider community.

• Take part in campaigns and events: Taking part in awareness campaigns, events and activities organised by organisations fighting domestic violence can help raise the profile of the problem and mobilise action to combat it.

• Look for Ways to Volunteer: Contributing time and resources to organisations that offer support to victims of domestic violence, whether through volunteering, donations or advocacy, can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected.

The fight against domestic violence is a collective responsibility. It takes a joint effort by society, the government and non-governmental organisations, as well as by you, to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Only through education, support and effective enforcement can we hope to eradicate this evil from our society.

Living Tours recognises this mission as a priority and defends all the principles that make it possible the sustainability of a safe and happy life for everyone.