Sadly, abuse has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. The rise of gender-based violence in today’s world is alarming. So much so that police forces now maintain dedicated units to investigate and prosecute gender-based violence. Cases that were once dismissed as “domestic disputes” are now treated with the seriousness they deserve—as criminal offenses.
Understanding the psyche of a man who beats women requires looking into the matter. At its core, the problem is rarely about the immediate circumstances. Men who beat women are usually products of their environments. The way a boy grows up, the examples he sees, and the messages he absorbs about women all shape how he behaves as an adult.
Many such men grew up in households that fostered disrespect toward women, instilling the false belief that women are inferior or merely possessions. These toxic perceptions, if left unchecked, can fester quietly until they erupt in violence, far from the eyes of the wider world. Men who grow up in homes free of violence toward women are far less likely to develop abusive tendencies.
It is crucial to make one thing abundantly clear: there is no justification for abusing a woman. No culture, belief system, or personal grievance can excuse acts of violence. Gender-based violence is a crime, punishable by law, and perpetrators must face corrective and punitive measures.
Strong legal, religious, and traditional boundaries are essential to curb this behavior. Society, religion, and culture all set rules to protect women—but those rules only work if we enforce them.
Studies show that 7 out of 10 men imitate the behavior of their fathers or male role models. As the saying goes, “children learn by imitation.” If boys see violence at home, they carry it into adulthood, thereby perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
Violence is not an innate “male trait”; it’s a learned behavior—and it can be unlearned. This insight highlights the critical importance of early education—both at home and in schools—to instill respect for women and teach young men that true strength lies in character, not muscle.
The phenomenon is not exclusive to men. Some women also engage in violence against men, often in situations where they perceive themselves as physically or socially dominant. While these cases are less common, they underscore a broader truth: violence is a failure of character, not merely a function of gender.
To break this cycle, we must:
- Teach young men that real strength is measured by restraint, respect, and moral courage.
- Help them manage anger, resolve conflict, and handle provocation without resorting to physical abuse.
- Raise daughters to respect themselves and their partners, and to navigate relationships with dignity.
The future is in our hands. The fight against gender-based violence starts in the home, continues in schools, and must be reinforced by society at large. By teaching young people to reject violence, we can save lives, protect families, and create a society where relationships are built on love, respect, and equality—not fear.
Remember: hitting a woman is not power—it’s weakness. Real strength is shown through patience, understanding, and love. Let’s raise a generation of strong people who know the difference.
