Domestic Violence As A Public Health Problem Essay

Domestic violence is an epidemic and the number one health concern in our country. There are more abusers and their victims compared to past years. As a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship, domestic violence is used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another one. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse and not look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. This kind of abuse affects people of all ages and sexes, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, education and employment levels. Abuse towards children and the elderly can be violent or aggressive behavior. Thus, there are many types of abuse that one can suffer; awareness of the signs of domestic violence is especially important before getting into any kind of intimate relationship.

Domestic violence, alternatively referred to as Intimate Partner Violence, is defined by the Department of Justice as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” While domestic violence is commonly thought of as only physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence can also be emotional, economic, or psychological. Domestic violence has remained constant in society throughout history, even though over time society’s response to the issue has changed. While domestic violence affects everyone regardless of race, gender, age, etc. it is estimated that approximately 90% of all victims are women. For the purpose of this paper, I will be focusing on

The term "intimate partner violence" describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner ("Intimate Partner Violence: Definitions," n.d.). Veterans who experience intimate partner violence are deprived of their autonomy, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. Awareness and identification of IPV among Veterans has been increasing over the past decade. Veterans are at greater risk for using and/or experiencing violence than their civilian counterparts, given the unique stressors posed by military life. In particular, those who have served in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan may be at even higher

Domestic violence is an ongoing epidemic affecting people around the world. Over the years, the problem of domestic violence has raised an abundance of questions: how serious is the issue, and what actions could be implemented to prevent it? In the article “Domestic Violence Has Been a Problem Throughout U.S. History”, it explains how the issue of domestic violence has been going on for decades; however, did not get address until recent years. The author, Cathy Young, points out there has been programs and shelters implemented, but the issue of domestic violence still remains a serious problem today. “Prevalence of Domestic Violence in the United States”, provides a

Domestic violence or partner violence is a serious public health problem in the military veterans with PTSD. For veterans, PTSD is strong factor that largely accounts for the relationship between

So now it is known that domestic violence is the abuse of one partner from another, and that it can happen to anyone, but what are its effects? Well, there are many, however none of them are pleasant. Domestic violence has been known to be the leading cause of numerous physical, mental, and spiritual deformities within its victims. As one continues to live in the type of unhealthy environment that domestic violence provides, there are usually various risks to one’s well being that parallels this. For one, the ongoing physical abuse that one undergoes when in this type of situation can be the barer of black eyes, sprained and broken bones, and countless bruises on the victim. More long-term physical complications may even include chronic fatigue, muscle tensions, and problems with

“The number of American troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2012 was 6,488. The number of American women who were murdered by current or ex-male partners during that time was 11,766. That’s nearly double the amount of casualties lost during war” (Vagianos). Domestic violence is an important research topic to raise awareness and conciseness because it tears thousands of family’s apart every year. The effects of domestic violence range from economic to psychological consequences. Domestic violence occurs in a wide range of situation affecting women, men, children, the elderly, gays, and lesbians. This essay will focus on South Caroline women’s domestic violence.

Violence against women is a substantial public health problem in the United States. According to data from the criminal justice system, hospital, and medical records, mental health records, social services, and surveys, thousands of women are injured or killed each year as a result of violence, many by someone they are involved with or were involved with intimately. Nearly one-third of female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner (Federal Bureau of Investigation 2001). Throughout this, many will read about intimate partner violence also called

Knowledge of domestic violence is becoming prevalent in the United States and around the world. Family violence, teen dating violence and intimate partner violence are being talked about openly more; they are also becoming known as abuse and not something that is just “ok” or “just how a person is”. Beliefs and laws are changing toward nonviolence as discussed in this report.

“Domestic violence is a type of abuse by one or both partners in marriage, friends, family, dating or cohabitation” (Aziz & Mahmoud, 2010). There are many forms of abuse from verbal and emotional to physical that often escalates over time in intensity for the victim. Data from the criminal justice system, hospital patient medical records and mental health records, police reports, surveys and social services reports of thousands of women revealed that many are injured and killed as a result of violence from someone close to them. “The US Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender” (Robertson & Murachver, 2009). Researchers and the criminal justice system have not been able to agree on a clear definition to domestic violence which can range from physical injury, stalking, verbal abuse and humiliation, denial of shelter and access to money, and intimidation through aggressive behaviors. The definition of domestic violence may vary but the results from physical injury, mental and emotional trauma, and sometimes even death can last a life time.

Moreover, In various states, a domestic disturbance is a violation of the state. The leading cause of injuries in the United States is domestic violence which is affecting society. A majority of American couples will encounter a domestic violence incident once in their lifetime while in a relationship. Statistics reveal that a third of the nation regarding women is homicide victims that are murdered by former husbands or a spouse. A percentage of self-destruction attempt concerning battered women is at the twenty-six. Research shows that women who are not married are expected twenty-five percent more to encounter a domestic disturbance.

For domestic violence, medical providers can be as much of a first responder as law enforcement or emergency medical services. The medical provider who is going to note that the victim has been seen several times for the same injury. One of medical providers’ core functions is to investigate the well-being of the patients. If a patient presents with multiple concussions in a year without a good explanation of the circumstances that caused the concussion, this would raise the red-flags for the provider. Additionally, with new governmental regulations providing incentives for providers to transition care to another provider, the whole medical record for a patient can now be in the hands of the provider. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016) At Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System, the primary care provider will receive documentation of all their patients who are admitted or seen in the emergency room. Information sharing about patients will only increase with time. If a patient is seen on one side of the country in the emergency room for a concussion, their primary care provider on the west coast can receive a report of this concussion. The awareness can be a matter of life or death for a patient.

In beginning my revision process, I started by staring at my submitted essay over and over. First thought, I should have changed the title to something along the lines of, “Domestic Violence, is there Treatment?” Second thought, Wow!! What a difference I am from the person who first began this course. I took a look back over my previous submitted writing assignments and could see my writing abilities has drastically improved, As I reviewed and reflected on the submitted essay “Domestic Violence and Treatment”, I believe, I did a complete and thorough job in delivering my subject. As I previously stated, I credit you, Mr. Perkins and this course for my improvements. I have always struggled to put my thoughts on paper in a manner that is coherent. I now feel that my ability to write and express my ideas, thoughts and knowledge have grown stronger.

Domestic abuse is a very concerning public health problem and it can happen to anyone. It can happen whether you are male, female, black, white, rich, or poor. There are many different categories of abuse, which include physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. They are all equally life changing and can leave permanent scars. These wounds could be on the outside or hidden on the inside.

Domestic violence is a prevalent issue that has enormous consequences for both the victimized individuals and their families. There are many injuries, deaths, rapes, and separation of families, and other fatalities which can all be interconnected to domestic violence. Which raises the question who are the perpetrators? why are they violent? Were they also abused? The answers to these questions may shed some insight on what goes on inside the mind of an abusive and violent individual.