Domestic violence: Power and Control

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

Introduction “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 is an epidemic in our society with dramatic, negative effects on individuals, families and communities. Domestic violence is a crime that knows no economic, racial, ethnic, religious, age or gender limits. Women who are victims of domestic violence most likely are also victims of sexual assault and, stalking. A domestic violence victim may experience systematic rape in addition to physical and psychological abuse. According to Backman, (p.54) nearly one in every four women are beaten or raped by a partner during adulthood. Three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner each day in America, on average women are at an increased risk of harm shortly after separation from an abusive partner.

After an individual has been in an abusive relationship they are no longer the same person they were from the start of the relationship, all the trauma they had to endure leaves them

Domestic Violence INTRODUCITON: GAIN AUDIENCE ATTENTION: Open with "domestic violence video" via Prezi. 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.

Abuse can have many different meanings, there is one in particular that takes control in many Americans relationship, “physical maltreatment” (Abuse). Sadly there is an increasing amount of young adults going through an abusive relationship or were in one. Many of the people that become abusers consider violence as a normal behavior because they have witnessed it on a daily basis. They than begin to mistreat everyone that comes in his or her way. An abuser is frequently interested in controlling their victims. An abuser’s behavior is usually manipulating, in order to make their victims

So what makes an abuser? The goal of the abuser is power and control over their partner. Domestic violence can affect all, but more often it is the male inflicting the harm due to their physical advantage and also their societal taught dominating role. The abuser tends to conform to the stereotypical view of the man and women. The man goes out to make the money and support the family, while women stays home to cook, clean, and look after the kids. In knowing this, it is easy to understand why leaving an abusive relationship can be so difficult for the individual being abused, as leaving involves many needed changes and few solutions to the problems.

They would also have the better strategies on coping with stressful situations. Through the process of overcoming such issue, they could possibly discover their inner strengths in being more appreciative and grateful towards those people who treats them well. The weaknesses is that during the process of recovering, they would have to address the painful realities that could hurt them in a more emotional and spiritual way. Domestic violence can have a serious impact on the way a person thinks and interacts with the world around them. The chronic exposure to domestic violence—and the stress fear resulting from this exposure—can cause not only immediate physical injury, but also mental shifts that occur as the mind attempts to process trauma or protect the

Domestic abuse survivors are people that go through the worst and overcome. They find it hard to trust again because the one that was supposed to love them hurt them. They live in fear thinking to their self like did I really get away? Like is it really over? Most people stay an abusive relationships because they believe the person loves them and that’s how you show love.

Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose. It is used to gain and maintain total control over the victim. An abuser does not play fair and it is game that they will try to win at any cost. Abusers use fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and the victim under his or her thumb. If more people recognized the signs of an abuser or the signs of a relationship that is in trouble, help can be sought after

Each year more cases of Emotional abuse go unreported because the majority of people experiencing emotional abuse are not aware that it is happening. I was one of these people years ago; it took some caring friends to get me to see what was going on. In the following paragraphs

To start off, an abuser tends to frighten their victims and isolate them from all friends, family and loved ones. The reason behind isolating their victims

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 (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.

CHAPTER ONE 1.1 INTRODUCTION Domestic violence is a threat faced by women all over the world. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. In Nigeria, women experience violence mostly from their male counterparts. According to findings from the National