Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the University Psychological Counseling Unit at the University of Baghdad/College of Pharmacy held an in-person awareness workshop entitled “Domestic Violence: Manifestations, Causes, and Ways to Address It,” delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Basma Zuhair Mohammed Naji, a faculty member in the Clinical Pharmacy Department.
The workshop aimed to shed light on the phenomenon of domestic violence, which threatens the stability of the family structure, and to promote the creation of a safe society and a stable family environment. It also emphasized raising participants’ awareness that violence is not a sign of strength, but rather a reflection of weakness and a failure in effective communication.
The workshop included several topics, including an introduction to the concept of domestic violence and its various forms: physical, verbal, psychological, and economic. It also highlighted its causes and underlying motives, the consequences for individuals, and its profound impact on children and society.
The workshop concluded by stressing the importance of adopting a comprehensive awareness approach and reinforcing religious and educational values within the family, alongside supporting economic empowerment to reduce living pressures. It also emphasized the need to enforce laws that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, as well as to provide psychological and legal counseling through specialized centers and support hotlines. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of breaking the silence by reporting cases of violence and cooperating with relevant authorities, calling for collective community efforts to build safe families and a violence-free society.
