Domestic Family Violence

Domestic Family Violence

According to P.G.Allen, (1992), “Some researchers estimate indigenous pre-contact populations at more than forty five million, while others approximate twenty million. The United States government estimates it at around half a million”(p.1).  Back then indigenous societies held women scared and respected them because of their ability to give life, along with their similarity to Mother Earth. “Women had very important roles which consisted of all household decisions, maintaining relationships, and resolving disputes” (D.Chansonneuve, 2005, p.15).  Women developed skills to make clothing for harsh Arctic weather conditions, prepared food, fished with their men. “Men were planning and carrying out hunting for large game, which included caribou, polar bear, seal and whale” (D.Chansonneuve, 2005, p.15).    Men and women shared parental duties equally when raising a family. “Acts of domestic violence was rare in native societies at that time, when they did occur it would cause fear and horror because of beliefs that women had power over life and death “(P.G.Allen, 1992, p.1). Domestic violence was uncommon in native societies prior to European contact; it didn’t start to become more frequent until colonization had taken affect. 

Dating from 1257 until 1816 European populations mostly women, were brutally murdered with regards to the Papal authority inquisition (D.Chansonneuve, 2005, p.10). According to this priest whom had written “Malleus Maleficarum” non-believers in Christianity were branded as witches recommended heretics. One must keep in mind science had only just began to make any real advances, explainable illnesses or malady would be attributed to the activity of witches. “Anyone who questioned its validity of catholic beliefs did so at risk”(H.Kramer, & J.Sprenger, 2003). Nearly all the accused were women, outcasts of society, or suspicious persons such as old women, midwives, Jews, poets, and gypsies. “Estimates of death toll worldwide ranged from six hundred thousand to as high as nine million over a period of two hundred fifty years”(H.Kramer,&J.Sprenger, 2003).

One interesting fact I had come across while researching the history of Anishnaabe people with regards to domestic violence it was not only rare but they had their own self-governance in place as well(D.Chansonneuve, 2005, p.20). “The Wampum Belt illustrated principles of friendship, law, peace, security and shelter which the following five nations; Mohawk, Onondaga, Seneca, Oneida and Cayuga demonstrated. Each nation governed its own territory and had council address issues of public policies and addressed issues of common concern and managed internal and external affairs(D.Chansonneuve, 2005, p.21)”. What really stood out to me the role of women in the league, they had important roles including power to choose, de-horn a chief if he was improper to the people or unable to inspire confidence. Women belonging to that particular clan had authority to replace him by official action. The system of women choosing male chiefs ensured gender equality, creating balance in family, community and family life(D.Chansonneuve, 2005, p.10). I’m interested further to explore how they did deal with domestic violence in the colonialism time to leading to the present time. By researching further in depth be able to have a better understanding of why domestic violence is common in the present time. Understanding how things in the past were dealt with will help promote that healthy balance that Anishnaabe people had in the past, present and for future generations to learn from after we gone. Domestic violence is a social problem of concern today, its sad how many women are subjected to abusive relationships, battery, when Anishnaabe people really respected women for their gifts, their gift of life.  

Allison

References

Aboriginal Healing Foundation (Canada). (2005). Reclaiming connections: Understanding residential school trauma among Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

Kramer. H., & Sprenger.J  (2003). Malleus maleficarum.Kessinger Publishing.