The Pros And Cons Of Domestic Violence

The definition of intimate partner violence, which is commonly referred to as domestic violence, can be psychological aggression, physical violence, forced acts, sexual violence and economic or financial abuse by an intimate partner from the present or the past (Wilson, Graham, & Taft, 2014). During the 1960s, law enforcement officers and judges viewed intimate partner violence as an insignificant crime and cases would never make it to the court rooms (Clark, 2011). This type of aggression was seemingly a common practice among many households across the nation and was viewed as a tool that men utilized often in an attempt to correct their partners. On many occasions, officials would just tell men to calm down and tell the women

The data covering Intimate Partner Violence in the United States (U.S.) is staggering and given that not every case is reported even more so.

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 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 is a crime that has increased in the recent years; therefore, recently, domestic violence has become a widely researched topic. Some of the extensive research regarding domestic violence “indicates that intimate partner violence arrest rates have risen as a direct result of the implementation of mandatory and preferred arrest domestic violence laws. However, this research also suggests that part of this increase can be attributed to an increase in the arrest rate of females in cases of domestic assault. In addition, the arrest of both parties involved in an incident, also known as a “dual arrest,” appears to have contributed to the rising rates of domestic assault arrest” (Hirschel et al., 2007, p. 255). In other words, it

Support: According to an article by Hannah (1998), "sparse data exists on the number of domestic violence cases that arrive in the criminal justice system and what happens to them once they get there. (44) The federal government and a majority of the states collect statistics on domestic violence, but there are wide variations in

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.

Domestic abuse is a startling issue in today’s society, and there are many different forms of it. Domestic abuse is defined as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another” [1]. There are numerous forms of domestic abuse, including both physical and emotional violence. Many people who are trapped in these toxic relationships often feel helpless and worthless, and may think they have no way to escape their situation. However, with the right guidance and support, they can free themselves and emerge as a stronger person.

According to the NCADV (2015), which is also known as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence is defined as the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated against one partner to another. One of the most recognizable types of domestic violence is physical violence. This type of violence can cause damage ranging from minor to critical injuries. Although we can see physical abuse in domestic violence, there are also types of abuse we can’t see from just looking at someone. Domestic violence isn’t limited to one person, ethnicity, religion, social, or economic level, it can happen to anyone.

“Mandatory arrest policies oversimplify the issue of domestic violence, offering a one-size-fits-all solution to a complex social problem” (Zelcer, 2014, p.560). Mandatory arrest laws were created to protect and help victims of domestic violence. However, there have been many issues with this law. Understanding the positive strides made by this law and the negative or unintended consequences allows for a better understanding of mandatory arrest laws and social issues that face society today. Examining the creation of these laws, the implications for victims and abusers, the effectiveness, and proposed solutions to issues of domestic violence provides a discussion on laws and challenges that face the criminal justice system. The norms present in society affects how abuse is treated.

Every minute 20 people are victims of intimate partner violence. (Vagianos, 2015) Domestic Violence is described a pattern of behavior that is used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. There are many other terms for domestic violence which includes intimate partner violence, battering, relationship abuse, spousal abuse, or family violence. (Safe Horizon, 2015) Domestic violence has affected and altered my life in various ways. There has been a long history of domestic violence in my family for many decades. I can remember being younger and hearing about my grandmother and her then boyfriend getting into a domestic dispute, which led to her

Domestic violence is not just hitting or an occasional argument. It’s a mental abuse of power. The abuser tortures and control the victim by threats, intimidation, and physical violence. Around the world at least one woman in every three has been beaten, or abused in her lifetime. Physical violence is estimated to occur in 4 to 6 million in United States. Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness.This is according to an article posted on safehorizon.org.

Domestic violence can often go unnoticed, unreported and undeterred before it’s too late. What most people don’t know is that is also the single largest cause of violence in United States (Sherman, Schmidt, Rogan,1992). Unfortunately, public outcry has only come in the aftermath of high profile cases being magnified through the media. Despite this post-measured reality, a general response to domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) by the majority of the public is in line with what most consider unacceptable and with what the law considers legally wrong. Consider by many, more than just a social discrepancy, the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention currently classifies IPV and DV as a social health problem (CDC, 2014).

Domestic Violence is something that occurs in every type of relationship, but non-traditional cases (e.g. gay male, lesbian) are often overlooked. Domestic Violence affects over one million people every year in the United States (Rennison & Welchans, 2000) and it occurs in any close relationship. The research shows that between 25 and 33% of traditional (heterosexual) couple’s experience some form of Domestic Violence (Koss, 1990; Mahony). The prevalence of domestic violence in lesbian and gay male couples has been the more difficult information to access; however, experts estimate rates comparable to heterosexual couples (Seelau S.M., Seelau E.P. 2005).

Many people firmly believe that harsher sentencing is not necessary because domestic violence is not prevalent in most communities and would be much more expensive. They also believe that the few offenders who do commit this violence only do it once and they do it in the heat of the moment. When a couple is arguing things can escalate extremely fast. This can lead to quick decision making and accidental grabbing of the other person. This is a one time event and most likely will not happen again. Grabbing of the spouse should not even be considered violence. In relationships it is only natural for one of the partners to take control of the situation. If that means grabbing the other person or putting them back into their place then it is not domestic violence, it is just a regular relationship. Another reason that harsher punishments is not