A solemn oath is normally made in November each year - a vow to never remain silent about the prevalent issue of Domestic Violence (DV). It's a heavy subject that unfolds all too frequently behind closed doors. But what might surprise you is the connection between Domestic Violence and the often-overlooked realm of organising within a household. Domestic Violence, beyond the evident physical aggression, can manifest in subtle, insidious ways, infiltrating not just your space but your mind and the dynamics of maintaining a home.

The Sneaky Side of Domestic Violence

While many associate Domestic Violence with physical violence, there's a more insidious side that sneaks into the fabric of everyday life. Verbal abuse takes the form of put-downs, insults, and a continuous barrage of negative narratives about a partner. Often, one partner is burdened with the sole responsibility for housekeeping, and in today's world, where most women work, this becomes an outdated and unfair expectation.

Questioning the Status Quo

It's a modern era, and the responsibility for housework should no longer fall solely on one partner. The question arises: Why is one person often shouldering the burden of cleaning, maintaining, and organising a home? This pattern, deeply ingrained in societal expectations and conditioning, can, in some cases, be a subtle form of abuse and Domestic Violence. Termed as "lordship," it involves one partner, typically the man, shirking all responsibilities at home, leaving the other to manage the chaos. This scenario perpetuates gender stereotypes, with children growing up witnessing the unequal distribution of household duties, reinforcing the notion that women are naturally predisposed to do more in the house.

Challenging Social Norms

We find ourselves fighting against years of conditioning and societal expectations. To break free from the shackles of such ingrained norms, it's crucial to recognise that this unequal distribution of responsibilities within a household mirrors the dynamics of abuse. The term "lordship" aptly captures the unequal power dynamics that can exist within the seemingly mundane task of housekeeping.

Organising as a Solution

In addressing both Domestic Violence and the unequal distribution of household responsibilities, organising plays a crucial role. Implementing organising tips, tricks, and gadgets can significantly alleviate the burden on one individual, fostering a collaborative and equitable approach to maintaining a home. However, it's essential to recognize that no amount of organisational strategies can succeed if there is resistance or boycott from other members of the household. Organising can not solve domestic violence.

Domestic Violence, in its various forms, is more prevalent than we might think. By shedding light on the link between DV and the unequal distribution of household responsibilities, we open a dialogue that challenges entrenched norms. It's time to break free from the chains of conditioning, fostering an environment where organising becomes a collective effort, promoting harmony and equality within our homes. Together, we can dismantle the subtle forms of abuse and work towards creating households where every member contributes to the well-being of the home.