Family Violence - Essay Example

In the case of spouse abuse, which occurs among both married and cohabiting couples, the main intent of the abuser is to gain control over the other person and women are most often the victims of such abuse. The various forms of abuse meted out to a person in this case, include physical or bodily abuse such as hitting, kicking, or causing injuries with weapons. Sexual acts include sadistic activities or rape and other kinds of sexual brutality. In addition to the above, the victim also undergoes emotional and psychological abuse. Domestic abusers generally seek various means to keep the other person under their control like keeping the spouse economically dependent on them, by using their children, intimidations, and threats, or by forcefully keeping the person in complete isolation. Those who abuse their spouses, in most cases, would have been exposed to people with such abusive behavior and would end up doing the same to their partners. The thought of keeping the other person in their control would be the driving factor for committing such heinous acts. Additionally, people addicted to substances like alcohol also tend to exhibit such behavior (Family Violence, 1991, 3). Studies have also shown that women also physically abuse their partners (Chalk and King, 1998, 33). The major health problems for victims of domestic abuse could range from minor cuts, bruises, burns, and fractures to disfigurement or in the most extreme cases even death (Doherty, 2002).

Elderly people are also becoming victims of family violence. In most cases, these people are dependent on their families for support owing to their old age and health. Those who have a violent nature use the inability of these people to abuse them physically and emotionally, exploit their money or property, neglect the person’s basic needs, or in some cases forcefully evict the elderly person from the house. Elderly people are most often humiliated, harassed, or isolated by their spouses, older children, or other relatives and caretakers. The major contributing factors for this kind of violence include stressful conditions and lack of financial or other emotional support experienced by the caretaker. Thus when such people are forced to look after the elderly they tend to become abusive and violent (Family Violence, 1991, 7; Chalk and King, 1998, 33).