The couple violence It continues to be one of the most complex and persistent problems in our society. Beyond the blows, there are multiple forms of aggression that many women fail to identify from the beginning.
This is stated Nahumry Toribioclinical psychologist, family and couple therapist, who works in Profamilia, at his branch of San Francisco de Macorís.
“Many times women do not recognize that they are being victims of violence. They tend to justify the behavior of the aggressor: which was due to a discussion, due to a difficult childhood or because they caused the situation, “said the therapist.
According to Toribio, this is the beginning of Cycle of Violence: denial and justification. From humiliating commentsscreams or insults in front of family members, even economic manipulations and sexual blackmailviolence can be climbing silently until you reach the physical.
The Cycle of Violence
An alarming feature is the repetitive cycle In which many victims are trapped: aggression, repentance of the aggressor, promises of change, reconciliation … and then, again, violence.
“After abuse comes the so -called ´honeymoon phase´. The aggressor asks for forgiveness, promises to change, says it was a mistake. The victim, full of guilt or hope, usually forgives … and the cycle begins again, “he described.
Another factors that prevents many women from getting out of that situation is the fear of reprisals. “Threats like ´ I am going to remove the children ‘or ´nadie will love you with three boys’ or even” you tell someone, they are killing you “and very effective to maintain control,” says the specialist.
The Violence not only impacts women, but also her children. Minors who grow in an environment of violence may present problems of learning, anxiety, withdrawal or aggressive behaviors in school.
“They can’t express their pain at home, so they replicate it where they can: at school, with other children,” Toribio warned.
Lack of support and Economic dependence
A frequent cause that prevents many women from breaking with this pattern is the Economic dependence.
“Many patients tell me that they don’t have how to keep their children, they have no job or family support, and that is why they decide to stay,” said the therapist.
In addition to this, there is the systematic isolation that the aggressor encourages: to remove the victim from their loved ones, strip her of her independence, and make her feel unable to survive.
Authorities response
Although there are channels of denunciation and legal assistance, the Institutional response Many times it is insufficient.
During the conversation, Toribio reported a case where the prosecution himself gave the victim the citation to give it to the aggressor. “How is it possible that you have to give the complaint to whoever attacks you?”
However, for the month of March, the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Rafulhe said that 17 Feminicide Documented until then in this year 2025, 14 had not filed previous complaints.
According to the official, this represents “a serious problem for the justice and protection system.”
In response to this approach, the therapist asks Strengthen public policies With educational aid and strengthening programs so that from the courtship you learn to identify the red flags in the relationship, as well as training with technical courses so that women can become independent.
“Thus we would avoid coming to violence,” said the psychologist.
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The family therapist said that it is necessary to promote the trust of the victims in police and judicial resources, which in many occasions leads them not to file complaints.
Get out of the circle is possible
Despite the complex of the panorama, there is a way out, but it is needed Psychological supportlegal and social. According to the specialist, the first step is Identify violencestop justifying it, and break the silence.
In institutions such as Profamilia, women can find low -cost psychological help, legal advice free and accompaniment to recover your autonomy.
“We don’t let any patient go because I don’t have money. We always look for how to help it,” he said.
“Must psychoeducar to our girls to identify the alert signals from the courtship. Preventing is the key. And if they are already inside the Circle of violencethat they know that they are not alone, that you can leave, “he insisted.
Similarly, Toribio recalled that many women who are today professionals, with economic stability, have also been victimsbreaking with the possible belief that circles of violence are exclusive to low strata.
“Sometimes, after childhood with emotional wounds or affective deficiencies, they end up normalizing Toxic relationships“He said.
“Self -esteem, self -esteem and knowing that you deserve a healthy relationship is fundamental. If you feel you are in a situation of violence, speak, ask for help, get out of the circle It is possible, but you don’t have to do it alone. Someone can lend you the flashlight to see the way the way, “was his final reflection.
