International Mass Communications - Essay Example

Domestic Violence Domestic Violence Intimate partner violence is a serious and common problem despite the fact that it is preventable. This type of abuse takes various forms such as physical, sexual, and psychological abuses by various partners. Domestic violence is a form of intimate violence. Domestic violence is any intimate abuse or mistreatment by spouses or partners. This type of abuse is common in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships in the society. According to the lecture delivered by Rachel Pain on Intimacy-Geopolitics and Violence, domestic violence is a global health problem since it affects many people.

For instance, 30% of women have been victims of domestic violence while 38% of murders of women are committed by the intimate partner. Moreover, domestic violence has serious implications such depression, effects on mother and baby, as well as long-term health problems. Austerity Pain also show that domestic violence is a serious atrocity since the trauma suffered by the victims is similar to the cruelty experienced by the survivors of war, terrorism, and concentration camps. Additionally, Pain draws a connection between domestic violence and geography and politics by stating that it affects communities, states and various wider groups’ interest.

Moreover, this type of violence is an act of exertion of excessive power by the superior partners in a romantic relationship. Additionally, it set within the context of globalization, colonization, gender, and ethnicity, which further creates a political connection. Domestic violence occurs within the family unit, but since the family is a central cog in the nation, it therefore, becomes a political agenda. Majority of partners who commit domestic violence use it to gain and maintain control over their spouses and use force to instil fear in their spouses.

The most vulnerable partners to domestic violence are women and children in the family or relationships (Kenney, 2011). Since perpetrators of domestic violence seek to gain power, the victims remain fearful and vulnerable as they suffer in silence. Victims of domestic violence tend not to tell what they are going through. In fact, they are made to believe that it is their fault, and thus, they are unable to voice their horrific experiences. Pain gives an example of Jennifer who thought she was responsible for the violence.

This was because her partner made her believe so, and the culture of the society too conditioned her to believe that she is the one at fault. Domestic violence according to the lecture is also linked with the events of war: before, during, and after. Perhaps the big question is why there are increasing cases of domestic violence in this modern era. Domestic violence occurs due to “westoxication,” which is an opposition to modernization and western way of life (Class Notes Week 12). Modernization supports equality and respect for human rightsDomestic violence has adverse effects on the partners and the country as a whole.

Domestic violence leads to severe injuries to partners. Physical abuse to partners often results in injuries such as head injury or bleeding that are costly. In addition, various form of domestic violence leads to emotional and psychological problems for the victims. Intimate violence easily shutters confidence of victims and also destroys their self-worth. Victims frequently experience various cases of anxiety and depression that can lead to irrational decisions. Furthermore, domestic violence causes homelessness in many countries around the world.

Numerous children and women in the United States are displaced and left homeless due to various instances of domestic violence in the country. Moreover, domestic violence also causes various serious health problems in victims. Survivors of domestic violence are prone to experiencing trauma and serious digestive and respiratory issues (Weiss, 2004).Evidently, domestic violence is an issue that has adverse effects on the victims and the world at large. Survivors of domestic violence are prone to various physical, emotional, and psychological problems.

Moreover, the trauma these people experience is similar to what victims of other atrocities such as terrorism and war experience. Additionally, domestic violence leads to massive number of displaced and homeless. Finally, domestic violence is mainly due to the desire of the partner to gain power and control over the other person. Due to psychological and cultural conditioning, victims of domestic violence suffer in silence without protesting against the act or reporting the perpetrators. ReferenceKenney, K. L. (2011).

Domestic Violence. ABDO.Weiss, E. (2004). Surviving Domestic Violence. Volcano Press. World Health Organization. (2014, November 21). Violence against women. Retrieved 18 April 2015, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/