Most students do not believe corporal punishment is a form of violence, a survey in schools by local gender experts highlights.

The survey was conducted and published in 2005 by the University of the West Indies' Centre for Gender Development Studies. Those surveyed were drawn from a mixture of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The findings showed that most students thought the disciplining of children (by physical means) was beneficial to children and could only be considered as violence based on the level of severity and how it was administered.

"One participant was adamant that beating is not violence as a form of punishment when the child does something wrong. In a few instances, however, there was a sentiment that parents, as well as other adults and teachers, tend to abuse their position," read the report, which was centred on the perception of gender-based violence in schools.

Many seem to think violence is an integral part of the society and can only be stopped by divine intervention. It can be tolerated, the findings highlighted, particularly in cases where it is beneficial - as in the case of disciplining children - or where it was thought to protect societal norms.

Violence against women

It was also perceived to be acceptable if violence was being done in reprisal for the killing or abuse of a close friend or family member.

One participant highlighted that "If something happened like that in the community, like you find a dead man's body over the fence, you would say nothing; you don' really know weh him do fi them kill him."

Violence against women was also deemed acceptable, especially in cases where a woman was unfaithful in an intimate relationship. This was evidenced in the reaction to pictures of abused women, the survey pointed out, which often drew laughter.

However the same rule was not applied to men who, in the young people's view, are naturally promiscuous and should not be hit by women.

"As one participant said, 'No woman no fi beat me'," the report stated.

Though the main perpetrators of violence were men, women were perceived as equally violent in the private sphere, though they tended to use less physical force, such as cursing, chopping and throwing hot water or acid on their partners.

The response of the students was spontaneous, "A sign which indicates that violence is ingrained in their psyche," said Professor Barbara Bailey of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies. According to Bailey, violence is so prevalent in many of the households, community and schools that it appears normal.

"A lot of them see it as part of human nature and it is such a dangerous point to reach. In other words, we are now seeing it as an essential part of human beings," said Bailey.

She contended that many of the perceptions are formed and reinforced by popular culture as well as poor parenting.