Q4 : Why are women more vulnerable to violence and abuse?

 Any color, financial background, level of education, and gender, of course, are all susceptible to domestic abuse. There can be little doubt, however, that the rates of domestic violence against women are higher than those against men. Women are also more likely than men to suffer life-threatening injuries or pass away as a result of intimate relationship abuse.

Gender stereotypes

 The persistence of domestic violence against women is greatly influenced by gender stereotypes. Stereotypes are, regrettably, a natural byproduct of each community and are created as a result of cultural or societal norms.

Stereotypes that are not challenged result in bias, discrimination, and systematic injustices that permeate every part of society, including access to employment prospects, housing, equal pay, educational possibilities, and more. Opportunities for equality can be improved, but as long as preconceptions exist, there will always be more impediments and greater degrees of inequality.

 In many societies, women are stereotyped as being more submissive than men, particularly in the context of marriage and family. The idea that wives and other male family members, as well as male employees, bosses, and other authority people, should be obeyed by women is fostered by this stereotype. This viewpoint encourages the notion that women should be punished if they disobey or refuse to comply.

 Men are also stereotyped as being aggressive, strong, and domineering in relationships. This stereotype increases the likelihood that men (and women!) immediately assume they have the authority to decide for women, regulate their behavior, and normalize violence against them.

 It's critical to realize that stereotypes are universal. Of course, each of us can recall several men and women from our own experiences who do not conform to these clichés. However, not everyone has to fit into clichés for the stereotype to be truly ingrained in society. And regrettably, individuals impacted must deal with serious repercussions.

The Persistence of the Wage Gap

 Despite decades of advancement toward more job equality, the salary gap between men and women still exists in the 21st century as a result of centuries-old preconceptions. Working women still only received $0.84 for every dollar earned by males in 2020. Even more of a salary discrepancy exists for women of race.

 For those who have experienced domestic violence, earning less has numerous effects. A woman who makes less money than her boyfriend, for instance, can have less negotiating leverage in the home because she doesn't make as much money for the family. A woman who depends on her partner's salary and makes less money than she does will also be less likely to be able to leave an abusive relationship or want to do so.

Care-taking Responsibilities

 More often than their male counterparts, women are in charge of providing care. They are more likely to quit their employment (permanently or temporarily) to take care of their kids, elderly relatives, and disabled family members. Due to the nationwide closure of schools and daycare facilities, the pandemic did nothing except make this injustice worse.

(Anna Maria Furusawa)