Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment.

Domestic violence in psychology is the frequent occurrences of abusive behaviors that one individual subjects the other to while in a substantial intimate relationship. While many individuals associate domestic violence to physical abuses, there is a wide arrange of psychological and sexual maltreatment included (Esquivel-Santoveña et al., 2016). The effects of domestic violence include psychological harm, physical injury, mal-development and in severe cases, death. For an act to be considered as domestic violence by the court, aspects such as how frequent the perpetrator is involved in the act, the degree of severity, the reason why the perpetrator behaves in such a manner, and magnitude of the effects can be felt are determined and assessed (Esquivel-Santoveña et al., 2016).Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment. In this regard, domestic violence is a major societal concern brought about by varying elements, and there is a need to eliminate it.

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To the contrary, there are different elements of domestic violence than the stereotypic belief that domestic violence is equal to physical aggression or physical assault. These elements as explained by Esquivel-Santoveña et al. (2016) include sexual, emotional and economic deprivation. Physical abuse instills fear and control in the victim. The dynamics of physical abuse are complex and may culminate to other abuse tendencies such as restriction of the victim, threats, and intimidation. Further, Esquivel-Santoveña et al. (2016) include features such as strangulation, homicide, acid killing, burning of the bride, and killing for the honor. Most of these physical abuse incidences occur to women because they are considered weak and defenseless. According to Esquivel-Santoveña et al. (2016), domestic violence against women is more rampant in the Middle East compared to the rest of the world.

Sexual abuse a sexual act that is unconsented or sexually affiliated advances that are directed towards someone using coercion (Esquivel-Santoveña et al., 2016). This definition groups involuntary inspection of virginity or female genital mutilation without consent as sexual abuse. Esquivel-Santoveña et al. (2016) include pressuring someone verbally into consenting to a sexual act in such a way that they cannot decline participation or show unwillingness as sexual abuse. Sexual abuse also includes reproductive coercion. This involves pressuring a partner into pregnancy or end an existing pregnancy due to fear of parenting or abusive partner denying the other access to healthcare or contraceptive methods. Further studies on sexual violence include wife inheritance, cohabitation and forced marriages. Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment.In this regard, marital rape, the non-consensual penetration by a spouse or partner, is considered illegal and a crime.

Emotional abuse is another form of domestic violence that entails the damaging of a spouse’s self-worth. It involves intimidations and threats systematically delivered to dehumanize or cause psychological integrity impairment (Sanders and Schnabel, 50). Emotional abuse includes public humiliation, constant devaluation, stalking, and unhealthy criticism. Most victims end up suffering from clinical depression that may lead to suicide. Economic abuse is another example of domestic violence. In this case, one partner has financial control over the other (Sanders and Schnabel, 54). A victim of economic abuse cannot fend for him/herself thus increase dependency on the perpetrator. Examples of economic abuse include denying partners access to career advancement, furthering of education or employment. Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment.

Men are responsible for 90% of domestic violence cases. This can be attributed to the biological composition of men. These biological differences are founded by gender stereotypes that are reinforced by society. For example, girls are not more empathic than men; they grow up being taught that they should be more empathic. Men have internalized the issues of gender roles and gender expectations over time such as men being groomed to be aggressive and intimidating. The overemphasis on masculinity predisposes men to violent behaviors. Patriarchal tendencies that evolve in the society gradually make domestic violence attain a wide range of causes, and consequently effects.

Statistics prove that women experience emotional abuse every 15 minutes once they engage in a romantic relationship. Moreover, an estimated amount of three women are killed worldwide each day as a result of domestic violence. To the contrary of traditional beliefs, there has been an increase in male related domestic violence as illustrated by Reid et al. (478-485). However, most of these episodes are rarely reported due to stigmatization. Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment.In courts, domestic violence is considered both a misdemeanor and felony. Moreso, many have reported a less serious response from the legal system especially the police as highlighted by Reid et al. (480). Nonetheless, domestic violence incidences with women as perpetrators and men as victims are largely underestimated.

One most effective ways to curb domestic violence entails redefining masculinity and gender stereotypes. Men should be raised while being taught that it is quite okay for a man to be empathetic, gentle, loving and nurturing while women need to be taught that it is okay to defend themselves. There is a need to have comprehensive laws that include all forms of domestic violence. There is a need for society to press towards non-violent ways of solving marital disputes and end stereotypic beliefs regarding the position of women in society such as viewing them as men’s possessions. More so, the view of domestic violence as a norm or a rite of passage should be preached against. Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment.

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Works Cited

Esquivel-Santoveña, Esteban Eugenio, Lambert, Teri L. and Hamel, John (January 2013). “Partner Abuse Worldwide” (PDF). Partner Abuse. 4 (1): 6–75. doi:10.1891/1946-6560.4.1.6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016.

Reid RJ, Bonomi AE, Rivara FP, et al. Intimate Partner Violence among Men. Prevalence, Chronicity and Health Effects. Am J Prep Med, 34:478-85, 2008. [PubMed]

Sanders, Cynthia K., and Schnabel, Meg. “Organizing for Economic Empowerment of Battered Women: Women’s Savings Accounts.” Journal of Community Practice. 14 (3): 47–68, 2006. doi:10.1023/A:1024064214054. Domestic violence in Family Research Assignment.