Domestic abuse is about power and control, not ordinary relationship conflict – ARK Foundation

Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the ARK Foundation, has emphasized the critical need for a deeper understanding of domestic abuse. She cautioned that treating it as a mere disagreement between couples can hinder the provision of necessary support and protection for victims. In a discussion on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr Dwamena-Aboagye clarified that domestic abuse is not simply about ordinary relationship conflicts, but rather, it is a deliberate act by one person to exert power and control over another through a pattern of harmful and coercive behavior.

She pointed out that recognizing the distinct dynamics of abuse is crucial, as misidentifying it as common relationship disputes can lead to ineffective support and misguided advice. Dr Dwamena-Aboagye explained that an abuser is someone who intentionally employs controlling, coercive, and harmful behaviors to dominate an intimate partner, family member, or dependent.

She stressed that the roots of such behavior may stem from personal beliefs, cultural influences, or learned attitudes. Understanding these factors is vital, as cultural perceptions can influence how individuals perceive power dynamics in relationships. While acknowledging the well-meaning nature of advice encouraging submissiveness or urging men to refrain from violence, she cautioned that such guidance may not fully address the underlying issue unless it acknowledges the pattern of control in abusive relationships.