Domestic Violence
By: Alina Chuong
Introduction:
Domestic Violence is a relationship between two people in which one person is in power, one usually wanting power or control of their partner. This is a Social Injustice subject because one group is in power over the other.
Types of Domestic Violence
There are many forms of Domestic Violence. The most often occuring are: Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Verbal.
Physical: kicking, punching, slapping, biting, choking, etc.
Sexual: forced or pressured sexual acts. (rape)
Emotional: excessive jealously, isolation from friends and family.
Verbal: threats, name calling and put downs making the victim feel worthless.
History of Domestic Violence:
Acts of Domestic Violence can be traced back to 753 B.C. Men were thought to be mentally ill and could be cured throught medication or treatment.
Past and Present Leaders:
Ellen Pence and Michael Paymar launched the Domestic Violence Abuse Intervention Project thirty years ago. This allows people to speak out when they are affected by Domestic Violence. Second Generation Survivor, Kim Claw, speaks to survivors and writes books about her Domestic Violence experience.
Current Issues:
There are over 960,00 reported cases of Domestic Violence a year. An average 85% of those cases are woman and 15% are men. Woman ages 20-24 are at greater risk of being victims of Domestic Violence. Fewer and fewer report signs of aggression that lead to Domestic Violence every year.
In 1994 Congress passed the VAWA, "Violence Against Women Act"
Domestic Violence rarely occurs out in the open. And is not always a violent relationship. There is a three phase cycle to Domestic Violence.
Other Names for Domestic Violence
You can also hear Domestic Violence be called: Domestic Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Battering, Dating Abuse, Ininate Partner Abuse (IPV)
Laws Against It
In Arkansas, courts can issue protective orders for periods as short as ninty days, and a maximum of ten years.