The Violence-Free Family: Building Block of Peaceful Civilization by H. B. Danesh, M.D

In this essay, which was the keynote address at the International Symposium on Strategies for Creating the Violence-Free Family, New York City 1994, Dr H B Danesh states:

"The view of the family as essential for the welfare of the individual and society is no longer universally and unhesitatingly accepted."

"One main concern about the family centres on the place of females in the family and the manner in which they are often unjustly and unequally treated by male family members."

"Another serious concern about the family relates to its vital role in parenting and rearing the next generation of children."

"Yet another area of concern is the frequent justification of violence and prejudice against non-family members in the name of family solidarity and "blood" relationships."

He then asks three important questions:

"Should the family as it now exists be abolished?
Can we live without the traditional family?
Is there a viable alternative to the traditional family?"

In answering these questions Dr Danesh puts forward the "main characteristics of the unity-based family as the most practical approach to creating the violence-free family."

Click here to read or download this thought provoking essay.