Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) - Coursework Example

The Jacques Family Case Study Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is best described by psychological, sexual or physical harm that is caused by one’s current or former partner or spouse. This form of violence can occur to all types of marriages and doesn’t require involving sexual intimacy. IPV can be prevented when it occurs but normally has dire consequences, such as family and relationships break, families’ getting broken, as well as a general feeling of distrust and fear of the aggrieved partner.

There are two theories that try to explain the causes of Intimate Partner Violence which are Social Learning theory and the Feminist Theory. The Social Learning theory argues that the tendencies to be involved in violent acts can be transmitted from one generation to the other. The Feminist Theory, on the other hand, argues that male dominance in the society has an overall effect on how relationships work and is based (Jewkes, 2002). From an assessment point, violence may be caused by among other factors stress from the work place or generally hardships from life itself, partners who experienced child abuse are also more likely to be involved in violent acts, poverty is also a contributing factor (Bachman & Saltzman, 1995), Use of drugs and alcohol is also another factor that causes IPV.

Children who have been raised in families that have very strict family values and traditions are also likely to experience these bouts of violence (Bachman & Saltzman, 1995). From the case study, we can learn a few things. Mrs. Jacques has been through violent lifestyle right from when she was young. Based on the description of her children that has been given, the Social Learning Theory has been extended to her children by her. In addition,, her youngest son has been shown to exhibit violent behavior by being very rough with her siblings and when playing and not following instructions which are traits that are directly attributable to Mr Jacques.

In another case is that where we are shown of the feminist theory. Mrs. Jacques believes that she has to be very supportive of her husband and believes that he is always right. Her mother also approves of this when she says that she should stay at home with the kids. Another assumption that has been made is where Mr Jacques could have been violent as a result of work or his over use of drugs. Mr. Jacques could also have come from a background that was overly strict and, thus, he might have carried forward those attributes to his family.

To be able to engage the family there should be a number of factors to consider, such as willingness of family members to be engaged. However, the first step should involve engaging the parents before heading to the kids who are obviously affected by the events in the family. Mr. Jacques needs to deal with his outbursts, get a job and also quit his drinking problem. He also needs to be supportive of his obviously affected family. Another person to be engaged in would be Mrs. Jacques. She needs to work on her self-esteem and self-worth.

There she can be able to do much by herself without necessarily depending on her husband. She should also enroll in a nursing school. Mrs. Jacques also needs to set the bar for her husband and make him promise not to be violent. As for the children, involving the class counselor at their schools as well as organizing family getting together would be essential to overcome the difficulties and help the family unite. There are several cultural factors that would affect the communication. The belief that women should be dominated by males is a crucial factor as we are not sure that Mrs.

Jacques would stand against her husband’s wish. In addition, Mrs. Jacques needs to go to school and provide for her family and Mr. Jacques wouldn’t approve the idea. The strict religious beliefs of Mrs. Jacques would also be a factor. To address these challenges, we have to address Mr. Jacques on the issues at hand and realize their importance. In addition, it is important to engage a legal time to educate them of the dire consequences of violence. Use of counselors and well-elaborated school program for the issues is a must to foster the children in a proper way.

ReferencesJewkes, R. (2002). Intimate partner violence: Causes and prevention. Lancet, 359:1423-1429.Bachman, R., & Saltzman, L. (1994). Violence against women: A national crime victimization survey report. Washington, US Department of Justice.