EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Domestic violence is among the most dominant social issues in Pakistan, as it impacts not only the females but also the children and young people who tend to be the unseen victims of violence. The dangers of exposure to DV, as victims or witnesses of parental violence, are far-reaching with respect to psychological well-being, educational acquisition, and social growth (Holt, Buckley, and Whelan, 2008). This article is aimed at arguing that the domestic violence impacts on children/youth in Pakistan are long-term and short-term, which factor into cycles of trauma, failure to attend school, ill health, and acceptance of violence within some generations (Ali & Gavino, 2008). The discussion concerning Pakistan's socio-cultural and legal contexts, and the study re-emphasizes the vulnerability of young people due to patriarchal norms, poverty, and inferior institutional support services. Methodologically, the study has relied on a qualitative review of the available literature that includes works of scholars, NGO's reports, and policy documents to discuss the psychological, educational, and health-related effects of DV on the children/youth in Pakistan. The review method will enable the synthesis of disparate evidence and the discernment of omissions in the research and policies. Overall, the paper argues that this problem is not merely a moral concern, but also a developmental concern, and that it must be addressed through multifaceted interventions that span education, health, and the law in Pakistan to protect the largest group of people in Pakistan: the youth.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Children, Pakistan, Effects.