“The enemy doesn’t stand a chance when the victim decides to survive.” – Rae Smith

 

How Is It Justified?

Globally, 1 in 3 women have been subjected to partner violence, and it becomes worst when women consider this violence justifiable. Early marriage is a major reason that women think it’s okay to be beaten up by their spouses, usually, spousal age differences, power inequalities, un-continued education, and a lack of female autonomy are all common features of early age marriages. These factors have been linked to an increased risk of domestic violence and affected women’s awareness of their entitlement, self-esteem, status, and their sense of empowerment.

In most African countries and some Asian countries, women believed spousal violence is justified and that can be linked to high percentages of female adolescents out of school and early marriages in these countries.

Even globally numbers are still worrying, the average number of women who believed a husband is justified in beating up his wife is still Relatively high. With the average number of female adolescents out of school being steady over the past 22 years, marriages at a young age are still taking place and resulting in more domestic violence since spousal age difference can make women more vulnerable to health risks and social Isolation by creating power dynamics. These power dynamics can increase girls’ vulnerability to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

 

According to the WDI (World Development Indicators) data some of the justified reasons for domestic violence were:

• When women argue with the husband
• When she burns the food
• When she goes out without telling him
• When she neglects the children
• When she refuses sex with him

 

 

 

 

Taking Action!

 

So, you might ask, what can be done? Well, a lot actually. To start with, empowering young women are essential. This can be done through:

• Enhance girls’ access to a high-quality education
• Empower girls with information, skills, and support networks
• Provide financial assistance and incentives to young women and their families
• Educate and rally parents and the community members

 

Education is crucial in preventing females from marrying as adolescents. In fact, the longer a girl stays in school, the less likely she is to marry and have children before she toms 18 years old. Furthermore, education ensures that girls have the skills and information they need to find work and support their families. This can aid in breaking the cycle of poverty and preventing child marriages caused by extreme poverty and/or financial gains.

 

Final Recommendations

Education, economic status, and age gap are the main factors behind early marriages and domestic violence. It’s recommended to Promote education and economic opportunities for girls & Employ behavior change communication and community mobilization techniques to change social norms regarding age and marriage.