The Domestic Violence Issue
By:Tyrell Smith
domestic violence
is a pattern of behavior which involves violence or other abuse by one person in a domestic context against another, such as in marriage or cohabitation. Intimate partner violence is domestic violence by a spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner.
Different types of domestic violence
Domestic violence can take a number of forms including physical, emotional, verbal, economic and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to violent physical abuse that results in disfigurement or death.
Other names for domestic violence
Domestic violence (also domestic abuse, spousal abuse, intimate partner violence, battering or family violence)
What causes men to act like this way
Domestic violence often occurs because the abuser believes that abuse is justified and acceptable, and may produce inter generational cycles of abuse that condone violence. Awareness, perception, definition and documentation of domestic violence differs widely from country to country. There may be a cycle of abuse during which tensions rise and an act of violence is committed, followed by a period of reconciliation and calm. Victims of domestic violence may be trapped in domestic violent situations through isolation, power and control, insufficient financial resources, fear, shame or to protect children. As a result of abuse, victims may experience physical disabilities, chronic health problems, mental illness, limited finances, and poor ability to create healthy relationships.
Why men and women beat up each other
- 95% of domestic violence is reported by women – perpetrated against by their male partner.
- When men are battered it is typically by their male intimate partner … battering occurs in gay and lesbian relationships at the same rate as heterosexual relationships – approximately 35%.
- 80% of all violent crimes committed outside the home are committed by males … it is highly unlikely that women, generally peaceful and non-violent, would make up half of partner violence.
Why domestic violence an issue
Every time the police fail to charge an abuser, every time a case is dropped by the crown prosecution service, every time we turn a blind eye to our neighbor's bruises, we make it easier for the abuser to get away with it. We must remember that domestic violence is a serious crime which should be treated as such. It should be at least as unacceptable as drink-driving.The last few years have seen an increase in the government's efforts to tackle abuse. A number of guidelines have been published, research has been commissioned, awareness is being raised.