Domestic Violence in Artistic Perception: Their Eyes Were Watching God

 
The theme of domestic violence, discrimination, and abuse of women is raised throughout the novel. The heroine Janie faces constant obstacles throughout her life but learns to cope with them. Domestic violence in the 1920s was not recognized as a problem; women were treated with disrespect; the society did not want to hear their voices and did not consider abuse a problem. The story’s author conveys an essential point that violence can manifest itself in many forms. It may not be directly physical; it may display in emotional pressure, financial and social restrictions. Janie’s three relationships with men tell of these different forms, none of which are acceptable. In the first marriage, the husband used the woman for his purposes as a free worker; in the second, Janie faced objectification and ignoring her needs. Finally, when the woman meets a third partner, he uses direct physical violence against her.

The history is Janie’s voice, the opinion she can finally express. The main reason for the emergence of the problem of domestic violence is also manifested: the victim’s silence and lack of support from society. “Sin and shame… it was worse than murder,” says the heroine (Hurston 170). As in the novel, modern women are also afraid to stand up for themselves and talk about their problems for fear of condemnation.

Statistics
Domestic violence statistics cannot be completely accurate, as many victims do not talk about their problem and do not go to the police or rehabilitation centers. However, the existing data is sufficient to conclude that domestic violence is a severe and common problem. More than 12 million people yearly suffer from partner violence (National Domestic Violence Hotline 1). Most often, women from 18 to 35 years old become victims of domestic violence and are abused by a husband or a partner (National Domestic Violence Hotline 1). Children also often become witnesses and victims of domestic violence. Indicative is the statistics showing the further negative impact of domestic violence experienced in childhood. Children who experienced domestic violence are 15 times more likely to face physical or sexual abuse later than the national average (National Domestic Violence Hotline 1). Statistics show that the problem of domestic violence is widespread and negatively affects the psychological state of a person in the future.

Impact on the Psychological State of Adults
People who have experienced domestic violence have a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Direct physical consequences of domestic violence include murder and incitement to suicide. In addition, physical abuse often leads to irreparable injuries. Sexual domestic violence can result in unwanted pregnancies and STDs. It can lead to deaths in the form of murders and suicides. Other health effects may also include frequent headaches, chronic fatigue, and a general decline in health (Rivara et al.1624). Violence can increase the likelihood of risky sexual behaviors.

Abused people feel they have lost control over their own lives, which provokes the development of anxiety. The chances of experiencing PTSD are several times higher for women who were victims of domestic violence (Rivara et al.1625). Although victims are more likely to suffer from mental illness, they are usually not asked about the abuse when they seek mental health care. Thus, they do not receive appropriate referrals or adequate support.

Impact on the Psychological State of Children
Children are the most vulnerable in situations of domestic violence. A child who becomes a witness of domestic violence, and often a victim, is dependent on their parents and cannot take any measures to end the disturbing situation. In addition, children often do not know who to turn to for help. Domestic abuse has multiple negative impacts on a child, even when they are not the object of violence. Children who witness parental abuse are at high risk of acquiring anxiety, depression, poor school performance, low self-esteem, fears, and eating disorders (Mwandu et al. 52). Such children may have a tendency to aggressive behavior in adolescence or, conversely, have an apathetic attitude towards the world around them. In the future, children of abusive parents may find it challenging to build family relationships, projecting violence onto their children in the absence of other behavioral models.