Yurandalli

The impact of violence on the person using it can be profound and multifaceted, affecting their mental, emotional, and social well-being. Here are some keyways violence can impact those who perpetrate it:

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Psychological Effects

• Guilt and Shame: Even if someone justifies their violent actions, they may later experience guilt or shame, particularly if they harm someone close to them. This internal conflict can lead to emotional distress.

• Aggression Cycle: Perpetrating violence can reinforce aggressive behaviours, creating a cycle where the person becomes more likely to use violence in the future. This might stem from habitual use of violence to resolve conflict or a failure to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

• Mental Health Issues: Studies show that individuals who commit violent acts are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if they witness the consequences of their violence.

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Emotional Consequences

• Desensitisation to Violence: Repeated use of violence can lead to emotional numbness or desensitisation, where the person becomes less affected by the pain or suffering of others. This emotional disconnect can erode empathy, making it easier to engage in further violence.

• Internalised Anger: The root cause of violent behaviour often stems from unresolved anger, frustration, or trauma. Without addressing these underlying issues, the individual may experience chronic anger, which can harm relationships and personal well-being.

• Low Self-Esteem: Paradoxically, violence can stem from and contribute to low self-esteem. A person who uses violence may feel powerless or inadequate, using aggression as a means to assert control. Over time, this can lead to further feelings of inadequacy as violence fails to resolve deeper personal issues.

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Social and Relationship Impacts

• Social Isolation: Violence often alienates others, leading to broken relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Those who witness or are victims of the violence may distance themselves from the perpetrator, leaving them isolated.

• Legal Consequences and Stigma: Those who use violence may face legal repercussions, such as incarceration, which further separates them from society and can carry a lifelong stigma. Even without legal consequences, violent behaviour can damage a person's reputation and opportunities for personal or professional growth.

• Escalation of Conflict: Using violence often leads to retaliation or escalation of conflict. The individual may find themselves in a perpetual state of conflict, which affects their sense of safety and well-being.

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Physical Health Effects

• Injury: While the focus is often on the victim, the perpetrator of violence can also suffer physical harm. Engaging in violent confrontations increases the likelihood of injury, accidents, or even death.

• Chronic Stress: Engaging in violence, especially over time, leads to chronic stress, which can contribute to a range of health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and immune system suppression.

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Development of Long-Term Patterns

• Normalisation of Violence: Individuals who use violence may begin to see it as an acceptable or even necessary way to handle situations, particularly if they were raised in violent environments. This can lead to a lifetime pattern of aggressive behaviour.

• Impaired Problem-Solving Skills: Relying on violence prevents individuals from developing healthy problem-solving or conflict-resolution skills. This impairment can persist throughout their life, affecting both personal and professional interactions.

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