The Effects Of Domestic Violence On Women

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

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

Domestic Violence has always been an issue circulating women living in the United States. Alas, not many women realize the harm they are living because they are blinded by fear their partner creates for them to live by each and every day. Historically, many relationships and marriages have gone through many years of Domestic abuse, but yet have not recognized the signs of an abusive relationship. A 2014 survey ordained by the National Violence Against Women found that 25% of all women have been physically forced to have intimacy with their partner at some point during their relationship (Simmons, Catherine. A., et al. 2011). The changes within domestic abuse begin to occur with threats and verbal abuse, which later run the risk of involving

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.

Approximately 12 million people in the United States are affected by domestic violence. Research on domestic violence has increased noticeably over the past 20 years. While greatly improving public awareness and understanding of this serious social problem, this research has also created much controversy and misunderstandings. Findings of domestic violence vary widely from study to study. Some studies suggest that women and men are equally likely to be victimized by their partners, but others determine that women are more likely to be victimized. Some studies conclude that minorities and whites undergo equal rates of domestic violence, and others conclude that minorities suffer higher rates (Samuels & Thacker, n.d., p. 1). Little has been done to recognize Ellen Pence and her contributions to the world of domestic violence. Ellen’s persistent commitment and efforts generated an entirely new narrative, which centers on the conclusion of victim blaming and provides solid hope that we may one day resolve this ongoing, global issue.

Within these domestic violence occurrences between couples, women have been the instigators of 71 (Rhymes 2014) percent of nonreciprocal domestic violence acts. With such high statistics of male domestic violence, men seem almost completely ignored by the lack of abuse shelters and violence advertisement in the media compared to the amount of attention is brought towards women regarding this issue. In modern society, we often accept the idea portrayed by media that “males are naturally abusive and that females are natural targets of male abuse” (Allen and Kivel 73) as violence has become a normal occurrence in every day life, but we seldom challenge the idea that men are the only ones to be violent towards their partners. Additionally, such generalization is also an extremely heterosexual view, excluding male to male relationships in the equation. By talking to many students at my university campus about this issue, I found that most people seemed to be misinformed and undereducated about what even constitutes as domestic violence. Since the first step of action towards any issue is awareness and knowledge, it is important that society has a

According to the United States Department of Justice (2014), domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship. Domestic violence can happen in the form of physical abuse, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their race or gender. Domestic violence is often life threatening for many women. Domestic violence results in 1200 deaths and 2 million injuries among women (Baker, Billhardt, Warren, Rollins & Glass, 2010). History of domestic violence shows that domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness. Housing instability among women and their families is a social issue that has bitter consequences. Women who were financially dependent on their abuser do not have financial means to survive. The current housing policies and programs for domestic violence victims create barriers for women that result in unstable housing.

In December 2015 £3.5 million was awarded to 46 local authorities to ensure that domestic abuse victims receive help. This means that a range of services will be available throughout the UK and specialist training will be provided for domestic violence advisors (UK, 2015). In 2013 the UK government released a report which provided information on why violence against women and girls matters however there was no such thing for men and young boys. Through statistics and the media it is known that women are abused more than men, but evidence suggests that men are affected by domestic abuse equally as women. As (Finley 2013) clarifies that male victims suffer very similar to female victims as the effects are almost alike in terms of psychological

“The NCADV also reports that among all domestic violence victims, 85% are women; on average, one in every four American women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Crime statistics also indicate that close to one-third of all female homicide victims were killed by an intimate partner.”(Goodtherapy.org) Many people fail to see the psychological effects of spouse abuse and domestic violence, arguing that there aren't any effects of this trauma. It affects everyone who is involved in the issue of domestic violence. In many different resources domestic violence has shown to have a very effective effect of influence on the way someone thinks, act, and reflects on.

As many people know, domestic violence is a criminal act involving victims and offenders who are related to one another. Domestic Violence includes intimidation and simple, aggravated, and sexual assault. What most people may not be aware of is that domestic violence has become a national dilemma, with a crime of this type occurring every 9 seconds. Family members try to ignore what’s happening and neighbors do not want to get involved. The victim is usually helpless to understand the problem, let alone determine the solution to it. Instead of the difficulties being addressed before they can further develop, law enforcement agencies are usually left to handle each case only after a criminal act has taken place and someone has been injured. At this point, the officers themselves are at risk due to the volatile nature of the situation. Despite the stereotypes, domestic violence knows no racial, gender, age, religious, socioeconomic, or sexual orientation boundaries and statistics show that these crimes impact virtually every one of us in some way.

Domestic Violence is an outline of behaviors used to create authority and control over another person through fear and pressure, frequently including the threat or use of violence. There are diverse forms of domestic violence that affect men, women and children. This mistreatment happens in various forms that include physical, emotional and mental. This abuse begins as threats, then they worsen to verbal abuse and then it ends in physical violence. You may think that the physical abuse and injuries are the most obvious and dangerous because you are able to see them, but emotional and mental consequences of domestic abuse are also a big concern. These consequences can lead to depression as well as anxiety and makes the abused individual

In our society today it is easy to read on the internet or see on TV about a woman that has been physically abused by her husband or her boyfriend that is a professional athlete. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to most women between the ages of fifteen and forty-four in the United States, that is more than car accidents, muggings, and even rapes combined. “Each year an estimated 2 million to 4 million woman in the United States are abused by their male partners. Many of them are severely physically assaulted, and thousands are killed” (www.mayoclinic.com). Statistics such as these are phenomenal .Domestic Violence is not only characterized by physical acts of violence but as well as psychological abuse, it also occurs in all economic, ethnic, and social backgrounds. “Domestic violence is the victimization of a person with whom the abuser has or has had an intimate, romantic or spousal relationship” (Barkley, Lynn, vol. 2, No. 7).

Why does he hit me? Why am I scared to come home to my husband after work? Why does he make me feel guilty for situations I can’t control? These are questions that women who suffer from domestic violence ask themselves everyday. Thousands of women every year face abuse from their male partners. It is estimated that three women a day are murdered in the US everyday by a current or past male partner (Huffington Post), therefore proving that an argument between two people in love can result in more than just heartbreak. Partner abuse against women is an epidemic that needs to be addressed. Domestic violence is a very serious issue that women face in modern day relationships.

Domestic violence is present in all regions of the world regardless of race, culture, or religion. It is not uncommon for men to experience spousal abuse. However, in reality abuse done by men towards women is a much more common occurrence. Men often abuse women as a result of negative domestic relationships experienced during childhood, the feeling of inadequacy and mental illness. However, the leading cause for this behaviour is the feeling of inferiority and the need to exert power. Stereotypically, the man in a relationship is seen as the protector, however in an abusive relationship he is the destructor. This destructive behaviour is usually rooted from a childhood experience that was detrimental to their psyche. This experience results in a sense of everlasting inadequacy which, originates from a feeling of being unable to protect their mother from a much more powerful abusive father (Rosenbaum & Leisring, 2003, p. 8). As a result, this feeling triggering a relentless cycle of domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence are traumatized both physically and mentally which results in short and long term effects. The effects of domestic violence done by men towards women are detrimental towards the overall health of all women, including but not restricted to pregnant women. Women who have experienced domestic violence are much more prone to higher risks of psychological, physical and pregnancy related problems.

Men battering women is among the most obscure yet prevalent crimes today (Paul, 2004). Solely being a woman poses one of the greatest risks for becoming a domestic violence victim. Other factors such as age—younger versus older women; partnership status—separated, divorced, or cohabiting partners; socioeconomic status—low versus high income; and education contribute to the risk one may experience (Davies, 2008). Research has shown that women are more likely than men to be abused by their intimate partners. Furthermore, studies show that each year, millions of women are estimated to be physically abused. However, physical abuse is not the only kind of violence victims experience (Paul, 2004). Oftentimes, abusers also use sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse towards their victims. In addition, abusers gain power and control by economically depriving