Music and Domestic Violence
Domestic violence has recently become prevalent in music, social media and in academic literature. The issue can thus be considered epidemic due to the increased rate. Domestic violence can be defined an abusive behavior pattern in any intimate relationship that is utilized in gaining more control and power over the other partner (Edwards, 2015). This can, therefore, be sexual, emotional, economic, psychological or physical abuse that is utilized in influencing the other individual. Spouse violence is a critical issue in the society that needs to be addressed. The society, therefore, needs to adopt different strategies in ensuring that individual’s perceptions towards domestic violence are changing (Edwards, 2015). Since music is increasingly becoming a significant element in the lives of individuals today it can thus be utilized in spreading information in regard to domestic violence. This will, therefore, work to ensure that the perceptions of persons about domestic violence are changed positively in order to reduce the occurrence.
Based on several studies conducted on the impact of music towards individuals perception change in domestic violence it has been established that music helps individuals in acting out of violence (Finley, 2013). This is mainly because music is among the best communication forms in the world today. Most individuals who are involved in domestic violence are young persons who are active music listeners. This, therefore, means that through music a message can be sent to show the effects of domestic violence. This will additionally work to illustrate how it can be avoided (Finley, 2013).
In the western societies listening to, music is a frequent activity that individuals engage in (Edwards, 2015). In order to change the perception of individuals towards domestic violence music can fully accomplish this through interpretation of songs. This, therefore, means that the songs should be characterized with simple interpretation through the verses and chorus. This will, therefore, work to ensure that individuals understand the intended message in the right way and at ease. The song's verses and choruses should hold domestic violence concepts and themes (Edwards, 2015). The themes will act as the songs thesis in ensuring that the society accepts the message of the songs. Individuals are not only exposed to a variety of songs but they actually choose the activity of listening to songs in different places and events. Several songs are therefore popular despite the fact that they are antisocial on the lyrics on essential matters such as domestic violence. Music as well as lyrics holds the power to communicate to individuals as they information is processed by the brains of individuals at detailed and complex levels (Edwards, 2015).
In comparison to reading articles with domestic violence content individuals are more likely to change their perceptions while listening to music that has domestic violence concept. This is due to its musical nature which makes it desirable and more opted than other forms of communication (Finley, 2013). In the recent years, those songs that hold antisocial nature have been established to be the leading causes of domestic violence increase. This is because the concept they generate develops a different interpretation as individuals may tend to think that domestic violence is normal. These songs additionally result in the increase of other antisocial behaviors because the negative perception is softened by the lyrics and concepts held by the songs. Individuals, therefore, finds the antisocial unappealing when the music of a particular song is not pleasant. Therefore music can transform the domestic violence perception by ensuring that the objectivity of the song is well stated and that the lyrics are well footed with the trend (Finley, 2013).
Music can additionally be utilized in sending an emotional message (Allen, 2012). This implies that individual’s attitudes and behaviors can be transformed through sensitive music. Based on research music acts as a form of therapy as individuals are able to relax and gain control when they are listening to music. This mean that with the utilization of music that holds sensitive domestic violence messages individuals will gain self-control. Those that act with anger may thus be able to learn how t controls their attitudes and perception. Music helps in developing awareness of the consequences as well as the review of an event. With good music individuals will thus be able to learn about violence in a musical way rather than in the silence manner (Allen, 2012). Transforming the emotions of individuals through music is the best way of eradicating the occurrence of violence. This is because the perception determines the rate of the violence. Antisocial music should not be encouraged because it works in ensuring that individuals desire negative behaviors (Allen, 2012).
In conclusion, music plays an essential role in transforming the perceptions of individuals. Therefore it can be utilized in ensuring that individuals view domestic violence as a negative thing in order to ensure that the occurrence is reduced. Socialization is influenced greatly by music and therefore by developing domestic violence concepts and themes in music and lyrics this will work to transform individual’s perception. Music is thus necessitated to hold well stated and simplified domestic violence information in order to ensure that efficiency is achieved in perception changing.
References
Allen, M. (2012). Narrative therapy for women experiencing domestic violence: Supporting women's transitions from abuse to safety. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Edwards, J. (2015). The Oxford handbook of music therapy.
Finley, L. L. (2013). Encyclopedia of domestic violence and abuse.
