Physical violence
Physical violence is only one form of violence, even though it is usually the first one that comes to mind when talking about violence. Yet, even physical violence can be challenging to identify. If there is physical violence in your relationship, it is crucial to reach out for help and to create a safety plan. If you are using violence or afraid that you might use violence against your family members, reach out for help. If you have children, remember they have a right to live in a safe, violence-free home.
Also, threatening with violence is considered violence, and it may be considered an illegal threat, which is a crime. If an individual uses a weapon or engages in any other form of threatening behaviour that causes another person to have a reasonable fear for their personal safety or the safety of someone else, or if they fear that their property is in serious jeopardy, it constitutes an instance of an unlawful threat.
Any act that causes physical harm to another person and violates their human dignity is physical violence.
- Slapping, hitting, kicking, pushing, spitting.
- Force-feeding food, drugs or intoxicants, or preventing the taking of drugs.
- Choking, strangling, burning and using objects to injure or cause pain.
- Preventing another from leaving the room, scratching, squeezing, grabbing, ripping clothes, shaking and kicking.
- Breaking or destroying objects.
- Threatening with a weapon or blade, or with physical violence.
- Female genital mutilation (FGM) is also physical violence.
Many say, “They just exploded,” and do not admit their behaviour as violence. Physical violence is often associated with other forms of violence. For example, sexual violence can include a wide range of physical violence. Also, pets can be the target of violence, and seeing this is torturing. No physical violence is acceptable, and it is a crime.
In Spain, physical violence is classified as a criminal offense under the Spanish Penal Code (Código Penal). Article 147 explicitly addresses the crime of causing harm to another person, which encompasses various forms of physical violence. It states that anyone who causes another person any injury, whether it be physical or psychological, can be subject to legal penalties.
Moreover, Article 153 of the Penal Code specifically deals with domestic violence, emphasizing the seriousness of violence in intimate relationships. It outlines that any form of violence against a partner, whether physical or psychological, is punishable by law, reflecting an understanding of the need to protect vulnerable individuals in these contexts.
Additionally, Spain adheres to various international treaties and agreements, such as the Istanbul Convention, which aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. This further reinforces the country's commitment to addressing and penalizing physical violence.
Disciplinary violence or violent discipline is violence against children. It is physical and/or mental violence that a parent, another adult, or potentially a sibling is using towards a child to cause physical, psychological or emotional hurt or pain for the child to punish them or regulate or control their behaviour.
Even though the parent’s aim might be to “raise” and teach their children with violent discipline, it does not help to grow a conscience but grows a fear of punishments. Children might learn how to avoid certain behaviours, not because they would understand why it is forbidden but because they don’t want to get hurt.
Physical punishments will not encourage children, and they can cause serious and long-lasting damage to their core self, identity, and dignity and hence cause even more difficulties in their adulthood.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a severe form of abuse in which an adult, often a woman, induces or fabricates illnesses in a child under their care to gain attention and sympathy from medical professionals.
The Act on Child Custody and Right of Access section 1 states: “ A child shall be protected from all forms of physical and mental violence, maltreatment and exploitation. A child shall be brought up with understanding, security and affection. A child must not be subdued, corporally punished or treated offensively in any other way.
The growth of a child towards independence, responsibility and adulthood shall be supported and encouraged.
Physical violence is just one form of violence
While it may be the most commonly associated form, it can still be challenging to identify, and even the mere threat of violence should be considered a form of violence itself. It is important to understand that physical violence often coexists with other forms. For instance, sexual violence can involve various forms of physical harm. Additionally, violence towards animals, such as pets, is equally distressing and torturous to witness. It is vital to emphasise that no form of physical violence is acceptable, as it is always a crime.
