The Avon Promise project, in conjunction with the Honra Foundation, provides advice to detect and deal with those actions or behaviors that cause physical or psychological damage in a couple relationship, many of them normalized; and that may not be appropriately addressed in the midst of the pandemic.
“In their first love experiences, adolescents form initial ideas about what to expect from a relationship. It is something that will have repercussions in their adult life, for the same reason, any problem that arises at this stage will mark their development, ”he explains. Maria Jose Herreracoordinator of Honra Foundation in the Valparaíso Region.
The basis of any relationship is respect, which is why it is necessary to identify our limits and establish them. If your partner does something you don’t like or doesn’t make you feel comfortable, it’s essential to bring it up and not ignore it. It is essential to have prior agreements on what type of relationship you are going to have, what it means to start a date, considering that the objective is not to change the other, but to complement each other and accept each other as we are.
in relationships where there is violence there is an asymmetryone of the members of the couple has a role aggressive and other submissivewhere you always seek to dominate the other. Lack of respect, inappropriate language, jealousy, lack of empathy, invalidating the acts or opinions of the other, are forms of violence and we must be vigilant to detect them in time.
“You have to break with that idea of loving through control, submission, power and manipulation. It is important not to be carried away by feelings alone and to pay attention to all the signs, both the good ones and those that create distrust in the future”, adds María José Herrera.
The first thing is not to doubt what you are feeling. If you identified facts that make you feel violated, you have already taken a big step to be able to overcome this situation.
Immediately lean on a trusted family member, friend or friend; or call 1455, a guidance and help line for women victims of violence. It is a free, confidential, nationwide service that operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Provides support and advice for all women who suffer or witness physical and/or psychological abuse.
“Remember that you are not alone, even if they want you to feel it. It’s not your fault, nothing justifies the violence you experience. You are not crazy, you are not exaggerating either, wanting to live in peace is fine”, emphasizes Constanza Bórquez, Social Worker and Leader of Causes of Avon Chile.
A person who is going through episodes of violence need support networksbut to be able to give support the main thing is not to press, to be a loving figure. When women experience violence they often feel ashamed.
“It is important to reinforce that it is not his fault, but someone else’s responsibility and show him the available alternatives so that he can decide freely. If we prosecute her or force her to act in some way, the opposite effect can be generated and cause that person to move away from us”, explains Constanza Bórquez.
Continuing with Avon’s broadcast cycle to address issues related to violence against women, this thursday 30 July, next to the Amaranth NGO; They will talk about gender violence in digital spaces. The appointment is at 7:00 p.m. on the Instagram account @avoncl.