Declining values, stress behind rising crimes within families

PUNE: Stressful lifestyle, sky-high expectations, deterioration of family values and easy exposure to internet are among reasons corroding the fabric of relationships.
Further, the strain is more visible if one has had adverse family environment while growing up. “Tense environment at home and innate criminal tendencies all contribute in pushing a person to gruesome crimes,” said experts.
While crimes against parents are not uncommon, said city-based counsellor Suchita Date, cases of parents harming their children is definitely on the rise. “Self-benefit, freedom from taking care of kids and the prospect of a better life that without children are factors that drive parents to harm, or in extreme cases kill, their offspring,” she said.
Psychologist Himani Chaphekar said people committing such crimes may be suffering from personality disorder. “Such people exhibit cruelty and lack of emotions and empathy. They may repeatedly commit crimes without thinking much about the punishment or the consequences. An adverse childhood, including exposure to drinking, gambling or wife beating scenarios, may have a role to play in their behaviour,” she said.
Chaphekar attributed the rising criminal tendencies to daily stress of a hectic lifestyle, constant competitiveness and even excessive social networking. “It’s not as if couple did not fight with each other or children denied their favourite toys earlier. The problem today is that cognitive interpretation (perception) of situations has changed,” she added.
As responsible adults, parents need to be constantly vigilant about their behaviour as children tend to replicate the values exhibited by their parents, said advocate Rama Sarode, who regularly deals with cases of family disputes. “How we behave with our parents sets the example for our children. Instilling good family values and those about equality and respectfulness need to start at a young age,” she said.