Domestic Violence in the United States - Essay Example

Domestic Violence The current paper argues that the issue of domestic violence in the United States deserves better attention. This is in lieu of two points. First, thus far, the proposals for solving domestic violence focus only on solving the problem post-portem, after it has transpired. And secondly, domestic violence has serious repercussions especially on children, which has yet to be averted. The first point is that the proposals for solving domestic violence focus only on solving the problem post-portem, after it has transpired. According to Wolfe and Jaffe (1999), proposed solutions to domestic violence seem to lack timeliness, in the sense that they focus on solving the problem after it has transpired. This is precisely the reason why there are solutions that are centered more on preventing the problem rather than addressing it after the fact. One such framework involves public health campaigns that determine the root causes of the issue. The theories that help identify these causes may be the solid ground for crafting such programs on prevention. Moreover, the second framework presents degrees of likelihood of preventing domestic violence, consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. These involve decreasing the frequency with which domestic violence occurs based on the onset of early symptoms; reducing it after the first signs have transpired; and lastly, addressing it after harm has already been inflicted. Having realized that most programs address domestic violence post-mortem, early intervention programs need to be focused on. For instance, educational programs that impart information about this issue and campaigns for information dissemination are but a few examples of what can be done even before the early signs of domestic violence are observed. Once signs are seen, next line interventions may include visiting those homes that have a high probability of suffering from domestic violence, and again information campaigns (Wolfe & Jaffe, 1999). Carter et al (1999) further share that the suffering of children exposed to domestic violence has compelled a diverse set of parties who would like to contribute to its resolution These agencies include the "National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the American Bar Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychological Association" (p. 4). These associations have been instrumental at putting forth suggestions, forming committees, organizing research, and other information dissemination vehicles. Tertiary programs on domestic violence are those which are more popular and are firmly established to date (Wolfe & Jaffe, 1999). There has been some evidence on the positive outcomes of domestic violence programs, but these remain inconclusive and hard to implement. For domestic violence prevention to be effectual, there needs to be core shifts in mindset at the person and community levels (Levine, 1981). Yet another issue about existing domestic violence programs is that of evaluation. One main issue here is monetary – money is necessary for these program assessments to take place. While this may be expensive, they also are imperative. If these programs are not properly evaluated, there shall also be no empirical basis for enhancing them (Carter et al, 1999). If the existing programs remain at status quo, it is not possible to evade the trauma and the misery that come from being victims of domestic violence. It is thus being argued that the problem be arrested right at the onset, even before it happens. If symptoms are detected before hand, and if information is disseminated early on, women and children may be spared from the debilitating effects of domestic violence. This is especially critical, as the effects of this are not temporary and may be carried on by children until adulthood, and even throughout their lifetime. Thus, looking into these optional proactive domestic violence programs makes it worthwhile. The second point is that domestic violence has serious repercussions especially on children, which has yet to be averted. Children who suffer from these domestic occurrences are not given adequate attention. In fact, Carter et al (1999) cite that a third of 10 million children in the country are victims of this phenomenon, annually. Ten years worth of empirical literature suggest the negative impact that this may have on the holistic development of the child victim (Lyon, n.d.). Moreover, Carter et al (1999) cite that domestic violence pervades in many communities and the children who suffer from exposure are correspondingly prevalent. The very people who are expected to protect these children are in constant contact with them, including community public agencies, police, and representatives of the court of law. Lyon (n.d.) further asserts that while domestic violence is pervasive, it is all the more felt by children who are marginalized. These families are also likely to be inflicted by other issues such as drug use and child battery. In fact, Edleson (1999) asserts that among households where domestic violence or child maltreatment are observed, between a third to 60% exhibit the other form of violence as well. Jouriles, Norwood, McDonald et al (1996) express that the exposure of children to domestic violence does have serious repercussions. In adulthood, they are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, be subject to extreme fears, hold themselves with low regard, and have higher probability of being clinically depressed. Moreover, Rossman (1998) suggests that such exposure may even lead to signs of trauma or its associated psychiatric counterpart. Children may not be able to feel, be more markedly aroused, evade violence and their signs, and be more likely to be fixated on the traumatic experience. Moreover, they indicate that empirical studies show that these children do carry on low regard for themselves until adulthood, are likely to have lower emotional stability, and engage in criminal acts. Moreover, the fact that there are no databases that suggest the degree and frequency of exposure of children to domestic violence, Carter et al (1999) suggest that this transpires in homes with children. Current sources of information, encompassing crime prevalence and surveys are quite constrained in terms of utility. For instance, Carter (1999) shares that crime reports may present conflicting ideas and even definitions, procedures for presenting information, and the competence of the personnel attending to these cases. On the other hand, the limitations of population surveys, while being more accurate with their definitions of domestic violence, they may present methodological limitations that have to do with research method and recollection of the participant, when he does self-reporting of the experience. It has always been said that the youth is every nation's hope. This is more than adequate reason for domestic violence to be given due attention. Children who are exposed to domestic violence need to be debriefed and subject to therapy and other forms of support. This will ensure that they are handheld through the experience, and that their development is not stalled if not ruined due to domestic violence. This paper aimed to prove that domestic violence deserves further attention in lieu of two points. The first is that proposals for solving domestic violence focus only on solving the problem post-portem, after it has transpired. In effect, what is being suggested is a more proactive stance on averting the occurrence of domestic violence. There needs to be effort at the individual and societal levels. There has to be goodwill on the part of community representatives and policy makers to resolve this issue and protect children from its dire repercussions. The second point that suggests that domestic violence deserves greater attention is that it does have grave, traumatic impact, specially on children, which has yet to be averted. Through the use of valid literature, it has been shown that children do experience negative outcomes in their development, including cognitive, affective, and behavioral results. These are not only tentative, but are repercussions that they carry on until adulthood. However, for proactive domestic violence programs to be in place, and to address the effects that this issue has on children, solid financial support is imperative from both private and public sectors. This is where the authenticity to support the resolution of the issue can be attested to by the US government. If such goodwill is lacking, all persuasion and argument are futile. In the end, the paper speaks on behalf of the many women and children who are victims of battery and domestic violence, and who have remained invisible for the longest time. References Carter, L., Weithorn, L., & Behrman, R. (1999). Domestic violence and children: Recommendations and analysis. Domestic Violence and Children, 9(3), 4-20. Edleson, J.L. (1999). The overlap between child maltreatment and woman battering. Violence against Women, 5, 134 – 154. Jouriles, E., Norwood, W., McDonald, R. (1996). Physical violence and other forms of marital aggression: Links with children's behavior problems. Journal of Family Psychology, 10, 223-234. Levine, M. (1981). The history and politics of community mental health. New York: Oxford University. Lyon, E. (n.d.) Poverty, welfare, and battered women: What does the research tell us? Retrieved on October 22, 2008 from www.vaw.umn.edu Rossman, B. Descartes' error and posttraumatic stress disorder: Cognition and emotion in children who are exposed to parental violence. In Children exposed to marital violence. Hold, R., Geffner, R. & Jouriles, E. (eds). (1998). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Wolfe, D. & Jaffe, P. (1999). Emerging strategies in the prevention of domestic violence. Domestic Violence and Children, 9(3), 133-144. Read More