"Together We Break the Cycle of Violence" – Awareness Seminar at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Under the auspices of Prof. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, and as part of the university's efforts to promote societal awareness and reinforce a culture of rejecting violence, the Anti-Violence Against Women Unit organized an awareness seminar titled "Together We Break the Cycle of Violence" at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Attendees:
• Prof. Ehab El-Nahas: Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs.
• Prof. Abdel-Fattah Saleem: Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research Affairs.
• Prof. Nivin Abdel-Sabour: Director of the Anti-Violence Against Women Unit.
• Prof. Rasha El-Sabbagh: Director of the Quality Assurance Unit at the Faculty.
• Prof. Hanem Khater: Coordinator of the Unit at the Faculty (seminar presenter).
Seminar Highlights:
1. Hidden Forms of Violence:
• The seminar exposed subtle patterns of violence that infiltrate daily relationships, such as:
• Psychological manipulation (e.g., disguised insults or belittlement).
• Normalization of seemingly minor aggressive behaviors that escalate over time.
2. Root Causes of Victims' Silence:
• Fear of social blame: Particularly in cultures that stigmatize victims.
• Economic dependency: Limits victims' ability to leave abusive situations.
• Lack of legal/psychological support systems: Perpetuates isolation.
3. Strategies to Break the Cycle:
• Awareness campaigns: Debunk myths about "acceptable violence."
• Psychological and legal support networks: Establish dedicated helplines.
• Safe reporting environments: Encourage victims to speak up without fear.
Statements:
• Prof. Nivin Abdel-Sabour emphasized:
"Violence doesn't start with physical harm—it begins with a hurtful word repeated until it becomes 'normal.' Breaking the cycle starts with societal awareness of these behaviors."
• She noted that coordination with Prof. Rania Moataz (Assistant Secretary-General for Community Service and Environmental Development) was critical to the seminar's success.
• Student Engagement:
• Participants proposed actionable solutions, including:
• Anonymous digital reporting platforms.
• Peer-led workshops on early signs of abuse.
Critical Insights:
• The "Cycle of Violence":
• Prof. Abdel-Sabour explained that violence evolves through stages:
i. Normalization: Small aggressive acts become routine.
ii. Escalation: Patterns intensify if unchallenged.
iii. Repetition: Victims internalize abuse, hindering escape.
• Pathways to Change:
• Education: Integrate anti-violence modules into academic curricula.
• Institutional accountability: Train faculty to identify and address abuse.
Conclusion:
This seminar marks Benha University's commitment to fostering a zero-tolerance culture against violence, aligning with Egypt's vision for equitable and empowered communities. By prioritizing awareness and systemic support, the institution aims to dismantle cycles of harm—one conversation at a time.