The Nature of Violence

Definition and distinction between aggression and violence

It is vital to differentiate between aggression and violence, terms that are often incorrectly used interchangeably.

Violence is specifically defined as the intentional use of physical force or power, either as a threat or fait accompli, with the clear purpose of causing harm, injury or death.

Aggression is a broader concept; it can be an emotional state, a hostile attitude or verbal conduct, and does not always involve physical contact.

A clear example is the difference between a heated debate involving shouting (verbal aggression) and the act of throwing an object at someone (violence).

Furthermore, violence cannot be "passive"; it requires an executed action, whereas aggression can manifest itself in passive ways, such as silent sabotage.

Typologies: Physical, Sexual and Psychological Violence

Violence branches into various forms, each with its own destructive dynamics.

Physical violence is the most visible and ranges from "mild" pushing and shoving to the use of lethal weapons, restrictions of movement or burns. However, the harm does not always leave marks on the skin.

Sexual violence involves any act of a sexual nature imposed without free consent, including unwanted touching or coercion to witness sexual acts.

Finally, psychological violence, often underestimated, erodes the victim's identity.

It includes tactics such as constant humiliation, social isolation, degrading insults and reality manipulation (making the victim doubt her own sanity).

Even if it does not leave bruises, this type of violence can generate devastating sequelae such as post-traumatic stress disorder or chronic depression, being as disabling as physical aggression.

Summary

It is crucial to differentiate aggression, which can be a verbal attitude or hostility, from violence. The latter is specifically defined as the intentional use of physical force or power to cause actual harm.

Physical violence is visible, but sexual violence encompasses any act imposed without consent. Both typologies have destructive dynamics ranging from the use of weapons to subtle coercion or manipulation.

Psychological violence, often underestimated, erodes identity through humiliation and isolation. Although it leaves no physical marks, it generates devastating and disabling mental sequelae and is as damaging as direct physical aggression.