Violence and its vicious cycle

How does violence develop and is passed on?

Why are some people prone to violence? Is it something inborn or in the genes? Could it be something that develops over time?

Well, according to a study published by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in the Journal of Pediatrics, violence can be deemed a learned behaviour. Robert H. Durant, vice chair of pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine says that, ‘Even if children and adolescents are exposed to other risk factors that have traditionally been linked to youth violence and weapon carrying, adolescents are not likely to engage in violence if social learning from exposure to violence does not occur.’

So does this really mean that when a child or adolescent is exposed to or has been a victim of violence, that he or she will in turn become violent and abusive as well? As the study above indicates, it seems very likely. Certainly, it isn’t a far-fetched notion that a violent past would contribute to violent behaviour; just look at the profiles of psychopathic killers and child molesters, the likelihood that they endured physical, mental or sexual abuse in their childhood is very high.

While that might be an extreme example, the effect of violence can be seen in everyone from the average Joe to celebrities as well. Take for example, the recent high-profile case of Chris Brown’s very physical tirade against his girlfriend Rihanna. Could that have been the result of the violence he witnessed as a child? Just two years ago, Brown was quoted in interview with Giant saying, ‘My stepfather used to hit my mom. He made me terrified all the time, terrified like I had to pee on myself. I remember one night he made her nose bleed. I was crying and thinking, I’m just gonna go crazy on him one day… I hate him to this day.’

It would certainly appear that in Brown’s case, that the domestic violence he had witnessed did eventually manifest itself in the form of dating violence. While violence is often associated with men, the effects of violence can manifest itself in women too. A friend of mine, let’s call her Amy, witnessed her mother being verbally abused and constantly being put down by her father when she was a child.’

Amy grew up hating men wholeheartedly, but when she started dating, it seemed she always chose men who were insensitive, abusive or controlling. She unconsciously set herself up for pain and abuse, and only after having endured several violent relationships and ‘wasting’ several years of her life on useless men, did she finally realise that she was trapped in a vicious cycle.

Of course, there are two extremes to a violent past. The victim either comes out of it vowing to never be part of a violent situation and to never become an abusive person, or will end up becoming violent or unconsciously seeking abuse at some point in their lives. I suppose, the cycle can end if the victims receive adequate support and counseling, and upbringing may play a role too. What do you think contributes to the cycle of violence? Let us know what you think.

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