Violence

Violence is an intentional infringement of the rights of another. This can happen in all sorts of ways. Many people are victims of violence because their rights to education or to housing or to work or to freedom of movement are infringed. The fear and insecurity inflicted upon people when the violent take to the streets is intolerable and unacceptable.

Violence is most graphically illustrated when the right to life is the one which is infringed, because there is no way to have that right restored. Violence, of course, is not restricted to physical expressions; it can be psychological and emotional and political as well – bullying is a form of violence. Corruption is another form of violence.

Our news bulletins frequently carry items about violence. One almost takes it for granted that some violent event will be reported. No country seems to be exempt from the pain and suffering visited upon people because of violence. In our own country there have been numerous cases of violence in recent weeks and months. By way of example one could point to reports of domestic violence, assaults on old people and shootings related to drug trafficking. Why so much violence? Why so much infringement of the rights of others?

There are undoubtedly many causes of violence. An example of these causes is greed: the desire to become rich by fair means or foul, is striking; the willingness to exploit the vulnerability of others is more prevalent than sometimes meets the eye. Another cause of violence is the desire to dominate the lives of others, be that other individuals or other groups.

The recourse to physical violence accentuates the negativity which is inherent in greed and in the spirit of domination.

Violence generates violence. How often have we seen violent acts reciprocated with more of the same; retaliation is expected. The spiral of violence can be relentless and for society in general this is a worrying trend because violence dehumanizes. The violent person demeans him/herself. By being violent the person becomes less human and the humanity of the violated person is diminished.

All would want to have a society free of violence but realistically that is unlikely to happen any time soon. That is no reason, however, not to work towards a significant reduction in the levels of violence in our society. Towards this end a spirit of solidarity with others is necessary as is also the recognition of the rights of each and every person.

From a Christian perspective violence must be questioned and shown to be incompatible with the Gospel vision for life. Violence not only does not enhance the relationships between people it severely damages them. Peace is the goal towards which the Gospel directs us. The well being of others and not their exploitation or diminishment is both our concern and our responsibility. No to violence and Yes to solidarity is the way forward.