The evolving face of abuse: two centuries of changing perspectives

(Tl;Dr: Management is a lot like rape)

The invisible scars: a journey through time

Imagine a world where a manager’s abuse of his or her employees is considered a private matter, where children toil in factories without protection, and where stress and emotional trauma are dismissed as weaknesses. This was the reality just two centuries ago. Our understanding of abuse has since undergone a radical transformation, reflecting profound changes in our social, legal and cultural landscape.

The Victorian era: when silence spoke volumes

The brutality behind closed doors

In the 19th century, the concept of abuse was limited and often invisible. Domestic violence was seen as a man’s right to ‘discipline’ his wife, but was only recognized in cases of extreme cruelty. Children, seen as parental property, suffered in silence, their abuse often disguised as discipline.

The invisible victims of industrial progress

As the Industrial Revolution raged on, another form of abuse flourished in plain sight. Children as young as five worked grueling hours in dangerous conditions, their exploitation justified in the name of economic progress.

The dawn of a new century: cracks in the facade

The whispers of psychology

The early 20th century saw the rise of psychology, bringing with it a nascent understanding of emotional and psychological damage. Yet these invisible wounds were still largely ignored, merely a footnote in the definition of abuse.

A child’s right to childhood

The introduction of child labor laws marked a pivotal moment. Society began to recognize that exploitation of the vulnerable was indeed a form of abuse, paving the way for broader protections.

Mid-20th century: the personal becomes political

Breaking the silence about domestic violence

The women’s rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s destroyed the idea that domestic violence was a private matter. It invited society to face the dark reality that lies behind neat gates and forced smiles.

Redefining intimacy and consent

The recognition of marital rape as a crime in the late 20th century marked a huge shift. It recognized that abuse could occur even in the most intimate and sanctioned relationships, and challenged long-held beliefs about marital rights.

The end of the 20th century: revealing hidden horrors

The lost innocence

Like the silence around the child sexual Abuse began to break out, society was forced to face a horrific reality. This recognition led to significant changes in the law, social services and our understanding of both the vulnerability of children and predatory pedophiles.

From water cooler to courtroom

The workplace, once a domain where power dynamics went unchallenged, became a battleground for dignity. Sexual harassment laws emerged, redefining professional boundaries and holding power to account.

The 21st century: the complexity of modern abuse

The scars you can’t see

In recent years there has been a growing recognition of emotional abuse and coercive control. These invisible chains, once rejected, are now recognized as highly harmful forms of abuse.

The digital battlefield

In the age of smartphones and social media, abuse has found new boundaries. Cyberbullying and online harassment have become serious problems, blurring the line between virtual and real harm.

The system as abuser

From religious institutions to nursing homes, we are forced to confront the horrifying reality of systemic abuse. This recognition has led to a reappraisal of power structures and the potential for harm within our most trusted institutions.

The Toxic Ladder: When Management Becomes Abusive

There has been a noticeable shift: many management practices are now being scrutinized as forms of abuse. The use of fear, obligation, guilt and shame (FOGS) as tools of control and abuse in the workplace has come into the spotlight, challenging traditional views of leadership, management and power dynamics.

The path forward: empathy, awareness and action

As we stand at the crossroads of this evolving understanding, we must ask: What forms of abuse remain hidden in plain sight? How can we cultivate a society that not only recognizes harm, but also actively works to prevent it?

The journey from the Victorian era to today reveals a profound truth: our definition of abuse is not static. It evolves as our empathy grows, as our awareness expands, and as we dare to challenge the status quo.

Let us carry this lesson with us as we move forward. Let us remain vigilant and compassionate and willing to face uncomfortable truths. Because by doing this, we pave the way for a future where dignity and respect are not privileges, but rights granted to all.

Marshall, R.W., (2012). What is violence? Think Different blog post. Falling blossoms.