Myths and realities about gender violence

Statistical reality and the gender approach

Although it is true that there are men who suffer domestic violence, statistics and social reality force us to focus on violence against women.

For every male victim of domestic violence, there are at least 14 female victims.

In countries such as Spain, the official figures of women registered in gender violence registries exceed tens of thousands, without counting the enormous "black number" of those who do not report.

Violence against women is a structural and widespread problem, based on historical and social inequality that requires a specific and differentiated analysis.

The aim of this approach is not to deny other forms of violence, but to address a social scourge that seeks to equalize rights and allow women to live without fear.

Dismantling the myth of masochism and permanence

One of the most damaging myths is the belief that women stay in abusive relationships because they "like it" or "it won't be so bad." This stigma of female masochism is false.

The reality is that the victim does not leave the relationship because of the "non-perception" of violence.

As it is a subtle, tenuous and invisible abuse, the woman is not aware of the trap in which she is immersed.

In addition, factors such as learned helplessness, economic dependence and paralyzing fear play a determining role, not pleasure in suffering.

Fallacies about the profile of the aggressor

There are numerous myths that justify the aggressor and perpetuate violence. One of the most widespread is that batterers are mentally ill or insane.

Studies show that mental pathology is very low in this group (between 5% and 7%); most are fully aware of their actions.

Another common myth is to blame alcohol or drugs: these substances act as disinhibitors and can be used as an excuse, but they are never the root cause of violent behavior.

Finally, it is often believed that having suffered abuse in childhood automatically turns a man into an abuser, but statistics indicate that more than 50% of those who suffered childhood violence do not repeat these patterns, demonstrating that violence is a choice, not an inevitable destiny.

Summary

Although there are battered men, statistics show that violence against women is a massive structural problem, based on a historical inequality that requires a specific and differentiated approach.

The myth of female masochism is false; victims do not stay for pleasure, but because of the invisibility of subtle abuse, learned helplessness, fear and economic dependence that paralyze them.

Nor is it true that the aggressors are mentally ill or act out of alcohol; most are fully conscious and choose to exercise violence, this not being an inevitable destiny due to childhood traumas.