Domestic Violence & Social Work

Domestic violence is a devastating social problem. “Domestic violence is about one person getting and keeping power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. It is a pattern of behavior in which one intimate partner uses physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation and emotional, sexual or economic abuse to control and change the behavior of the other partner (Despres,2009). Domestic violence is not just hitting or fighting or an occasional mean argument. It is a chronic abuse of power and a need for control. In every state there are laws that prohibit domestic violence but they vary from state to state. Domestic abuse is widespread and

• These procedures are used when stable symptoms persist despite maximal medical therapy, or when unstable symptoms fail to settle.

Nowadays, domestic violence is still an issue that affects women not only in the United States but all around the world.

Domestic violence occurs in epidemic proportions, impacting an estimated 6.2 million American women every year, and causing more

arrested on the grounds of questionable violence (proof should be established in the court of law). The value that directly correlates with domestic violence from a social work perspective would be the importance of human relationships, the social worker has to comprehend that cultivating a healthy and supporting relationship between family members is vital while creating a stable environment for society. It “promotes, restores, maintains, and enhances the well-being of individuals, families, social groups, organizations, and communities” ("Code of Ethics (English and Spanish) - National Association of Social Workers").

Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. (DVSS) is a nonprofit agency located in Wilmington North Carolina. DVSS provide support services, shelter, public education, and prevention services to citizens of New Hanover County. The agency has two locations, the Open Gate located at 2901 Market Street, and a women and children’s shelter located in an undisclosed location. DVSS operates three for profit resale stores. Vintage Values stores are located at 413 South College Road #9, 5226 South College Road #10, and 609 Castle Street. All proceeds support the operation of the shelter and its programs (M. Lama, personal communication, November 8, 2013).

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

However, this has not solved the debate regarding its conceptualization and what it involves (Groves and Thomas 11). Despite this, domestic violence qualifies to be considered a rampant social problem across the society. According to the University of Michigan, domestic violence arises when an individual retorts to physical violence, intimidation, threats, coercion, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse with an aim of controlling another person who they share a domestic relationship (University of Michigan Para 1). As a major public health issue, domestic violence is attributed to estimated 1,200 deaths and 2 million injuries experienced by women annually. These figures can even be higher when considering that, unlike the other kinds of crimes, several instances of domestic violence abuse take place prior to complaint being made to a law enforcement agency (Sloan, Platt and Chepke

Although there are now laws against domestic violence, the issue still seems to be present in the 21st century. Once given an blind eye to is existence for decades people are now forced to face the fact that domestic violence is an major issue no matter when and where it may occur. In this essay I will be addressing the issues of:

Domestic violence affects a large amount of relationships in the United States each year. As the times have changed, abuse has become less accepted as a normal occurrence, and society has begun working together to provide awareness towards violence in intimate partner relationships. “Problems of family violence are potentially the most destructive in our society” (Kurland 23). Domestic violence is a problem that begins in the home, and spreads to affect the world around it. Violence is present in relationships of all demographics, be it race, sexual orientation, or social class. No one is entirely safe from experiencing abuse, but if society is taught to recognize the signs it can save a life or even prevent abuse from happening.

Domestic violence is a problem which spans across socioeconomic class, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, age, and gender. This paper focuses on intimate partner violence, but that is not to downplay the seriousness, importance, and validity of other types of domestic violence.

Many social issues plague society today, and domestic violence is one of the major issues that society faces daily. Many factors play a role in domestic violence including gender, race, culture, and media. In order to remedy this problem, measures need to be taken to ensure that the problem of domestic violence is fully understood, there needs to be a universal understanding of how people become involved in this kind of situation, and there needs to be information or a process that the public is aware of for how domestic violence can be prevented.

When conducting home/field-based visits, social workers must be aware of the risks of violence that can be heightened in specific situations. At times, services may be given on an involuntary basis, in which the clients may be angry or upset about. According to the NASW (2005), child welfare clients that have issues pertaining to domestic violence and substance abuse, which can become more lethal when professionals are present.

Domestic violence is skyrocketing in our society. In the U.S., as many as 1.5 million women and 850,000 men were physically assaulted by their intimate partner last year, and numerous children abused by their parents. These sad criminal acts will continue to grow in our society, unless our community takes action to stop these crimes.

Domestic Violence (DV) is a critical social issue that negatively impacts not only our own culture in America but as well as all other cultures around the world. Domestic Violence is a global issue reaching across national boundaries as well as socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distinctions (Kaur & Garg 2008). Domestic Violence is a serious problem that can be seen around every society from families of both developed and underdeveloped countries and of different backgrounds. Although there are various cases of domestic violence against men, children and the elderly; women account for the majority percentage of victims of Domestic Violence. This violence can take the form of physical assault, psychological abuse, financial abuse or sexual assault (Kaur & Garg 2008). Domestic Violence is a trend that is on the rise and will continue to plague our society if nothing is done on time to address this social issue.