Domestic Violence Social Problem

Intimate partner violence is a dangerous and frightening issue threatening women worldwide. Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, describes a cycle of abuse that involves either actual or threatened physical, sexual, psychological or emotional violence performed on someone by a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, or significant other (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Although it is not often discussed, intimate partner abuse is an incredibly common public health problem. In fact, it is one of the most common forms of violence facing women of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, in which more than four million women in the United States experience abuse from a partner each year (Office on Women’s

Domestic violence (DV) has and continues to affect millions of, women, men, children and the elderly every day. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, defines Domestic violence as, “hurtful, repeated and intentional behavior that one person uses to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship.” (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, n.d.) Abuse impacts many individuals from various backgrounds. Abuse comes in many forms, verbal, emotional, physical, sexual and, covers a wide range of tactics to establish and maintain power and control. A predominant form of DV is Intimate Partner Violence is also known as (IPV,) which affects millions of people every year, primarily women

“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.

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

Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that impacts every sector of our population. Domestic violence is 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(USDOJ,2012). Domestic violence can be physical, economic, emotional, sexual, or psychological. Physical domestic violence is an attempt to impose physical injury such as grabbing, slapping, hitting, biting, etc. Physical violence can also be withholding necessary resources to sustain health such as medication, food, sleep, or forcing alcohol or other drug use. Economic abuse is an attempt to make the victim financially dependent. Such as sustaining control over financial resources

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.

Currently in the United States, every one-in-three women and one-in-four men are abused physically by their chosen partner in their lifetime. It is estimated that twenty people per minute are physically affected by their partner; therefore, there are around ten million people every year battered by their partners (“Statistics” National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as:

Domestic violence occurs in general when a current or former intimate partners exerts dominance and control in a relationship through physical, sexual, or emotional trauma to the victims. Domestic violence exists in all cultures, ethnicities, faiths, age, group. Domestic violence can occur in many situations, like between married couples, or unmarried couples; between couples who live in rural areas or urban areas. Sometimes these victims have experienced both physical and sexual abuse that are damaging their life’s. These abuses can have

An average of 1 in 4 or 25% of women in the United States has experienced physical or sexual abuse throughout an intimate affiliation at some point in time in their life (“Domestic Violence”, 2009). Among these individuals, nearly 2,000 do not make it and die of the resulted injuries they suffer from (“Women against Abuse”, 2012). When it comes to domestic violence, anyone can be a victim; the violence does not discriminate as to who will suffer from it no matter their sex, age, race, ethnicity, or financial background. Behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other are what define this dangerous act of crime. Although no one deserves this, it is important to learn of the precautions in order to help someone you love

According to statistics found by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Every nine seconds a woman is abused by her husband or intimate partner. At least 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 9 men have been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime. Most often the abuser is one of their own family. Domestic violence is a problem that somehow affects every one of us in this room at some time and is actually the leading cause of injury to women -- more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.

Domestic violence is not immune to any community, and it affect all types of people regardless of age, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, religion, and age. Abusers implement system of dominance and control that consist of physical violence, control, and emotional abuse. The abuser behavior usually leads to psychological trauma, physical injury, and death, while the effects can last up to a lifetime, the possibility of crossing to other generations should make the domestic violence a top priority in helping victims find an out.

Domestic violence has many facets and in no two relationships will it appear the same. According to the American Psychological Association, violence is defined as “an extreme for of aggression, such as assault, rape, or murder,” (American Psychological Association, 2015). Also called intimate partner violence, domestic violence “occurs across age, ethic, gender, and economic lines, among persons with disabilities, and among both heterosexual and same-sex couples,” (American Psychological Association, 2015). Kamimura et al. state, “ Intimate partner violence is a significant health problem often resulting in acute and chronic physical and mental health problems that can lead to hospitalization, disability, and death,” (Kamimura et al., 2014).

Domestic Violence is a coercive behavior that involves a physical, psychological or sexual attack perpetrated by individuals against their partner or former partner. Examples include physical abuse, for instance, slapping, beating, and strangulation among others. Sexual assault includes threats, forceful sexual acts, and use of physical force. Psychological abuse may involve excessive jealousy, intimidation, harassment or stalking among others. In the United States, 20 people are physically abused every minute, 20,800 cases are reported daily in hotlines and majority of the victims are females aged between 18-24 years (National Coalition against Domestic Violence, 2015). Issues pertaining to violence at home are regarded as a societal

However, violence against women with disabilities is twice as likely to experience domestic violence in addition to abuse by a family member or caregiver, yet the statistics of abused disabled women in violent relationships have not gained wide spread attention. “For physically disabled women, the abuse experience is a common experience that is not well documented in professional journals” (Copel, 2006 p 3). Coincidently, an article written in 2009 claims violence against women with disabilities is the top human rights issue (Slayter, 2009). Moreover, a research study was conducted using Calcuzzio (1978) methodology, which used 25 participants age 35 to 55 years, who were disabled women and victims of domestic violence. The study used interviews with open ended questions about the abuse i.e. when did it start, what was it about (Copel,

In February 2014, Ray Rice, a professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens, got into a physical altercation with his fiancé in a casino elevator in Atlantic City, NJ. Rice was indicted and charged with aggravated assault and the NFL suspended him for two games. Many thought the NFL’s punishment should have been harsher, but the story quickly faded away. Later, in September of 2014, a full video of the altercation in the elevator surfaced and was released to the media. The video shows Rice and his fiancé arguing and hitting at each other; the video ends with Rice knocking his fiancé unconscious and literally dragging her out of the elevator. He stood there calmly, as if this was a normal occurrence, while casino security and others were trying to help her. Rice, being a public figure, brought the issue of domestic violence to the forefront of all media outlets. For several weeks this was the topic of all new stations, magazines, and internet sites. The public was appalled at Rice’s actions and many were angry at his fiancé for sticking by him. Many questions arose about Rice’s case and domestic violence in general. For example, “Doesn’t he know any better”? “Why did she go on to marry Rice a month after the altercation instead of leaving him”? Should he be allowed to play professional football any longer”? All of these questions and public concerns led me to investigate domestic violence further and the epidemic of it in this country. The main question I