Report on Domestic Violence as an Obstacle to Sustainable Development

Introduction: Aligning with Global Goals

This report examines the issue of domestic violence through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prevalence of intimate partner violence represents a significant barrier to achieving several key global targets, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Public misunderstanding, often encapsulated by the question “Why don’t they just leave?”, perpetuates victim-blaming and undermines efforts to create safe, inclusive societies.

The Scope of the Crisis: A Challenge to SDG 3 and SDG 5

The pervasiveness of domestic abuse directly contravenes the objectives of ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3) and achieving gender equality (SDG 5). Statistical data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) highlights the scale of the issue:

• Approximately 1 in 3 women will experience intimate partner violence.
• Approximately 1 in 4 men will be victimized.
• Nearly half of all individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ will face abuse from a partner.

These figures underscore the urgent need for action to meet SDG Target 5.2, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

Complexities of Domestic Abuse and Barriers to Safety

Addressing domestic violence requires understanding its multifaceted nature and the complex barriers victims face, which impact health, safety, and economic stability (SDGs 3, 8, 16).

Forms of Abuse

Abuse extends beyond physical harm and manifests in various forms of control that strip individuals of their autonomy, directly conflicting with principles of human dignity and equality.

1. Physical Violence: Including actions that result in bruises, broken bones, or other bodily harm.
2. Emotional Abuse: Involving verbal assaults, intimidation, and psychological manipulation that severely impact mental health and well-being (SDG 3).
3. Financial Control: Restricting access to financial resources, which undermines economic independence and aligns with challenges addressed in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Factors Preventing Victims from Leaving

The decision to remain in an abusive relationship is often a calculated one for survival, rooted in severe and legitimate fears. These factors are critical to understanding the failure to provide justice and security for victims (SDG 16).

• Fear of Escalated Violence or Death: A primary deterrent, supported by NDVH data indicating that approximately 75% of domestic violence-related homicides occur when a victim attempts to leave or has recently left the abuser. This directly challenges SDG Target 16.1, which aims to reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.
• Complex Social and Economic Factors: As detailed by organizations like Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, victims are often trapped by a cycle of abuse reinforced by financial dependency, social stigma, and a lack of institutional support.

Recommendations for Achieving SDG-Aligned Progress

To advance the Sustainable Development Goals, a societal shift from judgment to support is imperative. Awareness campaigns, such as the #31DaysofAction, are crucial for public education during initiatives like Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

1. Enhance Public Education: Promote understanding of the facts and myths surrounding domestic abuse to dismantle the stigma faced by victims. This supports the creation of inclusive and peaceful societies (SDG 16).
2. Shift from Criticism to Compassion: Foster empathy and support for victims, as advocated by communications specialist Jackie Parker. This approach is fundamental to building strong, supportive communities (SDG 11).
3. Strengthen Support Systems: Increase resources and access to help for all victims, ensuring that pathways to safety are available and effective, thereby upholding the principles of justice and well-being for all (SDG 3, SDG 16).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on domestic violence directly addresses or connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article discusses the physical and emotional harm caused by domestic abuse, such as “bruises or broken bones” and “emotional and financial control,” which directly impact the health and well-being of victims.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality: Domestic violence is a form of gender-based violence. While the article notes that men and LGBTQ+ individuals are also victims, it highlights the high prevalence among women (“About 1 in 3 women…will be victimized”), connecting the issue to the broader goal of eliminating violence against women and achieving gender equality.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This goal aims to reduce all forms of violence. The article’s central theme is the prevalence of domestic violence (“An argument. A scream. A thump. Tears.”) and the associated mortality risk, which is a direct concern of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. The article is entirely focused on domestic violence, which is a primary form of violence against women in the private sphere. The call to “start answering the call to help the women and men who are in abusive relationships” directly aligns with this target.
2. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article explicitly discusses violence and the fear of death as a reason victims stay. The statistic that “about 75% of domestic violence-related killings occur when a victim leaves” directly relates to reducing violence and its associated death rates.
3. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being. The article describes abuse that is not just physical, highlighting “emotional and financial control” as methods abusers use. The call for “more empathy for those suffering” and offering “compassion instead of criticism” speaks to the severe mental and emotional toll on victims, making the promotion of mental health and well-being a relevant target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Prevalence of intimate partner violence: The article provides statistics that serve as a direct indicator for Targets 5.2 and 16.1. It states, “About 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals will be victimized at some point.” This data measures the proportion of the population subjected to violence by an intimate partner.
• Domestic violence-related homicide rates: The article mentions a key statistic related to Target 16.1: “about 75% of domestic violence-related killings occur when a victim leaves.” This points to the number of intentional homicides committed by intimate partners as a critical indicator of the severity of domestic violence.
• Prevalence of psychological and emotional abuse: For Target 3.4, the article implies the need for an indicator by describing non-physical abuse, such as “emotional and financial control.” Measuring the prevalence of such abuse would be a way to track progress in promoting mental well-being by reducing this form of harm.
• Public awareness and education: The article mentions that agencies are working to “increase awareness and educate the public about the complex nature of domestic abuse” through campaigns like #31DaysofAction. The reach and impact of such campaigns could serve as an indicator of efforts to change public perception and “break the silence.”

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sungazette.com