Domestic violence

Running Head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Maria Hernandez School: Criminal Justice Capstone Topic: Domestic Violence Lecturer: Kelly Charles
Date presented:
Introduction
Domestic violence is a serious problem in society and a common cause of injury, depression and death. It can occur to anyone despite age, gender, social status and level of education. It is mostly associated with women but it is hard to know how common it occurs as most cases go unreported. According to Leone, Johnson & Cohan (2007), between two to six million women are abused by their partners globally per year. Law enforcement authorities find it hard to curb this vice especially if not reported. The people who suffer most are the children who watch those heinous acts and as parents divorce. In-depth analysis of domestic violence is therefore required to establish the causes, effects and how to help the victims cope after the act.
Background of Domestic Violence
Traditionally, wife beating was a sign of love and respect in society (Jaffe, 2006). It was a normal practice hence the authorities could not intervene when a wife was being beaten. Men were also endowed with all resources hence power over women. Domestic violence can be classified as physical, emotional, sexual, economic and psychological violence but all forms of violence have an element of control. Johnson (2008) argues that there is a relationship between gender and domestic violence. Men are muscular in nature and hence inflict greater harm to women than women do to men and hence domestic violence is considered as women’s problem (Davis, 2006). Men are supposed to provide and protect the family against enemies hence it is intimidating for a man to be abused by his wife and therefore would rather suffer silently. They don’t report the incidences hence statistics show that only a few men are battered by their wives.
Causes of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can be as a result of economic dependence, psychological disorders, drugs and alcohol abuse or due to cultural influence. Schwartz (2004) observes that women who depend on men for survival are at a risk of economic violence. Any behavior against a man’s wish is punished by denial of financial assistance. Psychological disorders are known to aggravate the occurrence of domestic violence especially when combined with drug and alcohol abuse. People who suffer from this disorder are unable to control their emotions such as anger and hence a slight provocation leads to violence (Jaffe, 2006). Some women also lack proper defense mechanisms and hence cause severe harm to their husbands when they get a chance to apprehend them due to prolonged anger (Bankroft, 2003). Culture plays a vital role in aggravating domestic violence. Wife beating was a norm meant for men to show their superiority, love and gain respect in society (Jaffe, 2006). However, some cultures have moved on and no longer victimize women. Modernity has enlightened women of their rights against such malpractices. Boys and girls were socialized into believing wife battery was normal by observing its prevalence in society hence become violent in adulthood (Straus, 1992).
Effects of Domestic Violence
There are many effects associated with domestic violence which include; death, disabilities, health and behavioral problems, sexual abuse effects and mental problems. The bureau of justice statistics (2003) showed that in the year 2000, homicides accounted for 30% women and 5%men. Most homicides occur where there are weapons and drugs abuse (Jaffe, 2006). Physical abuse results to injuries and may also lead to disabilities if the injury is severe. Children’s education is affected due to low retention, some become drug users, problems in eating, sleeping and aggression. Sexual violence results into a chain of effects. Both the victim and the perpetrator are also at a risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, abortion and miscarriage. The victim may suffer mental problems after prolonged period of violence especially if one keeps to himself/herself.
Role of Organizations in Alleviating the Vice
The government has an obligation to design and enforce laws against domestic violence through the justice system and security forces and empower women by involving them in administration so that their voices can be heard (Mills, 2003). The religious organizations are in the forefront of educating people on good morals through seminars and work shops. The society also has a great role of undoing the past. It should educate people especially the youth that wife battering is a social menace and socialize children into becoming responsible adults. Cases of violence should be everyone’s business to report to the authorities so as to weed out the vice.
The Future of Domestic Violence
The future of domestic violence lies in the ability to provide equal opportunities to men and women and remove inequalities that cause the violence. It also requires strengthening of legal protection for victims and strict penalties for offenders so that they set an example to others. Offering support to victims and reporting incidences can go a long way in eliminating the menace. Proper treatment should be sought for victims to reduce death incidences.
Conclusion
Domestic violence is a serious problem in society and a common cause of injuries in households and women are the most affected. The bureau of justice statistics reveal that among those abused, 85% are women mostly those who are poor and depend on their men for survival. The violence occurs in form of battery, sexual abuse, insulting and neglecting a spouse. Domestic violence is caused by; drug/alcohol abuse, economic dependency, socialization among others. The children who witness the act are traumatized and suffer behavioral problems in future. They also suffer when parents separate. The society should therefore come together and eliminate this vice by reporting offenders, empowering women and ensuring gender equality.
References
Bankroft, L. (2003). Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men, Berkley Trade.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief. (2003). Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001.
Davis, R. (2006). Domestic Violence: Facts and Fallacies. London: Praeger Publishers.
Jaffe, J. (2006). Domestic Violence and Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Effects. The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
Johnson, M. P. (2008). A typology of domestic violence: Intimate terrorism, violent resistance and situational couple violence. Boston: Northwestern University Press.
Leone, J., Johnson, M., Cohan, C. (2007). Victim help seeking: differences between intimate terrorism and situational couple violence. Family Relations, 56(5): 428-439.
Mills, L. (2003). Insult to Injury: Rethinking our Responses to Intimate Abuse. Princeton University Press.
Schwartz, D. (2004). Whose Face is in the Mirror? The Story of One Woman’s Journey from the Nightmare of Domestic Abuse to True Healing. Hay House.
Straus, M. (1992) Children as Witnesses to Marital Violence: A Risk Factor. Columbus: Ross Laboratories.