In this section, we highlight some practical tips to help you deal with certain types of violence and specific contexts.
1. In a relationship A. Keys to a relationship as a couple A fair relationship between two partners that is free of violence is characterized as follows: Support: It is of fundamental importance to support each other’s personal and professional goals, respect their right to feelings, friendships, beliefs, activities, and opinions, as well as to recognize and validate their opinions, decisions, feelings, space, and time. Negotiation: Jointly find solutions to problems that are satisfactory to both parties. Be amenable to giving way without compromising on fundamental issues, and accepting responsibility. In order to negotiate, we need a certain level of self-awareness. It is important to know what we like and do not like, what we want, what interests us and what we need, so that when an agreement is reached, neither party finds itself at a disadvantage and their interests and needs are respected. Affection: This should be demonstrated physically or verbally in such a way that it is not interpreted as a threat or an obligation. Threatening conduct should be avoided; on the contrary, one’s partner should be made to feel secure in what he/she says and does. Shared responsibilities: In an equal relationship, domestic chores are divided, and family decisions and the responsibilities of child rearing are shared. Economic decisions are taken together so that the arrangements benefit both parties. Respect: It is of fundamental importance for sexual relations to be based on mutual consent, for sexual and reproductive rights to be respected, and in particular the woman’s decisions. Communication: The key to all these elements is communication and creating an environment that promotes the sincere expression of thoughts, feelings, ideas, and needs.
B. Dialogue within a relationship Communication within a relationship is always somewhat complex, as it can often be loaded with guilt, fears, resentments, or unfulfilled expectations, and reflections of other significant ties. The following principles can help improve communication and deal with conflicts.
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