Factors leading to Domestic Violence - Research Proposal Example

Running Head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Maria Hernandez School: Criminal Justice Capstone Topic: Domestic Violence Lecturer: Kelly Charles Date presented: ABSTRACT This thesis looks into the problem of domestic violence and its prevalence in society. In the United States, domestic violence is the leading cause of body injuries and equally important, it has negative impacts to all family members especially to the developing children hence the urgent need to get the root cause of the problem and find solutions to curb the vice. The thesis begins by defining the concept of domestic violence, the background of the problem as well as the causes and consequences associated with it. The role of various organizations in helping to alleviate the problem is described in addition to contribution of previous research in helping to understand the nature and scope of the problem and possible solutions. The research hypothesis for this thesis explores the economic, psychological, sociological and cultural factors that influence the occurrence of domestic violence. Data on intimate partner violence is collected to estimate the number of cases occurring annually. The findings show a significant relationship between gender and violence and economic status of the perpetrators and victims. This shows the rising cases of violence against women and the need for gender equality and women empowerment in resolving domestic violence. However, other factors play a great part hence should not be ignored. Further research on psychological and sociological factors is needed as little data is available on those issues. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I give thanks and praise to the Almighty God for blessing me with this chance to write and for using me as a vessel to pass information to others of this heinous crime against humanity. I also wish to thank my parents for their support and encouragement during this research period. Without them, I would not have made it. I also relay my gratitude to my thesis advisor, Dr. Kelly Charles, who has given me support and advise consistently and showed me how to move on with the thesis process. He has persevered with me during the difficult times and taught me how to use primary as well as secondary sources in completion of the thesis. My gratitude also goes to the various authorities for their cooperation and endurance in provision of the data required to carry out my research. I am also grateful to my fellow students for their support and encouragement all through the difficult process. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………………………………….3 TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………..4 CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………....5 II. NEED FOR STUDY…………………………………………………………………5 A. Purpose………………………………………………………………………...5 B. Research Hypothesis…………………………………………………………..6 C. Theoretical Framework………………………………………………………..6 III. LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………………………..7 A. Defining Concepts…………………………………………………………….7 B. Facts…………………………………………………………………………..7 C. Scope of the Problem…………………………………………………………7 D. Causes of Domestic Violence………………………………………………..8 H. Effects of Domestic Violence……………………………………………….9 I. Role of Organizations……………………………………………………….9 J. Future of Domestic Violence……………………………………………...10 IV. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………..10 V. DISCUSSION………………………………………………………………………10 VI. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………….11 VII. RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………….11 VIII. REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………12 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Domestic violence is a serious problem in society and a common cause of injury, depression and death. It can occur to anyone despite age, gender, social status and level of education. Some researchers have identified economic dependence, psychological disorders, and sociological factors as well cultural factors as the main causes of domestic violence. Johnson (2008) argues that there exists a relationship between gender and domestic violence. It is mostly associated with women but it is hard to know how common it occurs as most cases go unreported. According to Leone, Johnson & Cohan (2007), between two to six million women are abused by their partners globally per year. The effects of intimate partner violence are reported by earlier researchers as homicide, emotional and mental problems, physical injuries as well as sexual related problems. Law enforcement authorities find it hard to curb this vice especially if not reported. The people who suffer most are the children who watch those heinous acts and as parents divorce. In-depth analysis of domestic violence is therefore required to establish the causes, effects and how to help the victims cope after the act. CHAPTER II NEED FOR STUDY Purpose The purpose of this research study is to educate the masses and explore factors that lead to domestic violence. By educating the society and criminal justice employees about the nature and extent of domestic violence, they will be able to educate others and encourage the victims to come forward and report such incidences. This will help the concerned authorities to assist them and punish the offenders thereby minimizing the occurrence of such incidences. Individuals will also be encouraged to report such crimes as they occur and make the society peaceful. Further, the research explores the factors that accelerate the occurrence of violence and how they can be corrected hence focus the attention to those areas for solutions. Research Hypothesis Researchers have found out that economic dependence and cultural factors play a key role in why women are the most victims of domestic violence. Women are feminine in nature and are economically deprived due to culture hence prone to violence. They are poor, uneducated, unemployed hence lack income and power to defend themselves. Theoretical Framework Theoretical foundations are essential in any research work. They form the foundation of the entire research. Gender theory advanced by Johnson (2008) is crucial. It portrays men as the perpetrators due to weakness of women and dependence on men which make them vulnerable. Jaffe (2006) argues that men fear humiliation hence do not report violence inflicted by women hence the few numbers of men cases. The theory advanced by Schwarz (2004) indicates poverty as the source of violence. Men deny women finance especially those who have no source of income. Children as witnesses to domestic violence are a theory advanced by Straus (1992). These children become violent in adulthood. Sociological problems such as drug and alcohol abuse which sometimes result from psychological disorders also are linked to domestic violence (Jaffe, 2006). They cause one to lack self control and act violently. CHAPTER III LITERATURE REVIEW Definitions Domestic violence refers to physical or emotional abuse of a partner in an intimate relationship for example, in a marriage, family and dating relationship (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009). Physical violence refers to inflicting bodily injuries to the victim. Emotional violence occurs when partner hurls insulting words to the victim. Sexual violence entails forced sex while psychological violence involves intimidation threats or use of children to gain control over partner (US department of justice, 1995) Intimate terrorism is where partner uses violence and the partner does not (Johnson, 2008). For Mutual violence, both partners use violence to gain control while in situational violence, one or both partners use violence. Facts The bureau of justice statistics (2003) show that more women than men are abused annually. For example, 85% of victims of intimate partner violence are women compared to 15% for men. It also shows that more than three women and one man are murdered daily by intimate partners. In the year 2000, the homicides reported indicated 30% were women while 5% were men and the injuries reported in 1994 accounted for 37% of women. The advocacy groups of victims of domestic violence showed that more than half of married women are beaten by their husbands while more than a third are battered (Davis, 2006). Scope of the Problem Traditionally, wife beating was a sign of love and respect in society (Jaffe, 2006). It was a normal practice hence the authorities could not intervene when a wife was being beaten. Men were also endowed with all resources hence power over women. Nowadays women are more enlightened especially due to cropping up of feminist organizations that fight for women rights (Davis, 2006). However, men are equally abused by women partners but rarely report such incidences (Chapin, 2009). Physical violence thus started long time ago and continues to be practiced in some communities’. Women are also sexually abused and are prone to trafficking for pornography, prostitution, and sex tourism and the problem continues to increase globally (Office of Violence against Women, 2000). Economic factors or poverty plays a great role in enhancing this form of violence as women are violated as they look for alternative sources of income. Gender, low literacy, drug and alcohol abuse, and cultural affiliations also make women vulnerable to trafficking and sexual abuse (First World Congress, 1996). The problem is hence comprehensive and qualitative research will be carried out to explore the problem further. Causes of Domestic Violence Domestic violence can be as a result of economic dependence, psychological disorders, drugs and alcohol abuse or due to cultural influence. Schwartz (2004) observes that women who depend on men for survival are at a risk of economic violence. Any behavior against a man’s wish is punished by denial of financial assistance. Psychological disorders are known to aggravate the occurrence of domestic violence especially when combined with drug and alcohol abuse. People who suffer from this disorder are unable to control their emotions such as anger and hence a slight provocation leads to violence (Jaffe, 2006). Some women also lack proper defense mechanisms and hence cause severe harm to their husbands when they get a chance to apprehend them due to prolonged anger (Bankroft, 2003). Culture plays a vital role in aggravating domestic violence. Wife beating was a norm meant for men to show their superiority, and gain respect in society (Jaffe, 2006). However, some cultures have moved on and no longer victimize women. Boys and girls were socialized into believing wife battery was normal by observing its prevalence in society hence become violent in adulthood (Straus, 1992). Effects of Domestic Violence There are many effects associated with domestic violence which include; death, disabilities, health and behavioral problems, sexual abuse effects and mental problems. The bureau of justice statistics (2003) showed that in the year 2000, homicides accounted for 30% women and 5%men. Most homicides occur where there are weapons and drugs abuse (Jaffe, 2006). Physical abuse results to injuries and may also lead to disabilities if the injury is severe. Children’s education is affected due to low retention, some become drug users, problems in eating, sleeping and aggression. Sexual violence results into a chain of effects. Both the victim and the perpetrator are also at a risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, abortion and miscarriage. The victim may suffer mental problems after prolonged period of violence especially if one keeps to himself/herself. Role of Organizations in Alleviating the Vice The government has an obligation to design and enforce laws against domestic violence through the justice system and security forces and empower women by involving them in administration so that their voices can be heard (Mills, 2003). The religious organizations are in the forefront of educating people on good morals through seminars and work shops. The society also has a great role of undoing the past. It should educate people especially the youth that wife battering is a social menace and socialize children into becoming responsible adults. Cases of violence should be everyone’s business to report to the authorities so as to weed out the vice. The Future of Domestic Violence The future of domestic violence lies in the ability to provide equal opportunities to men and women and remove inequalities that cause the violence. It also requires strengthening of legal protection for victims and strict penalties for offenders so that they set an example to others. Offering support to victims and reporting incidences can go a long way in eliminating the menace. Proper treatment should be sought for victims to reduce death incidences. CHAPTER IV RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research was carried out qualitatively as quantative research has not been possible yet. The research was to examine factors that cause domestic violence and especially the relation between gender and violence. Data was thus to be collected based on number of women abused annually in USA. The research utilized secondary data collected from database of bureau of justice statistics as well as from various organizations and authorities where incidences are reported. Data is then analyzed to examine any relationship between gender and violence and economic dependence, psychological, social and cultural factors. CHAPTER V DISCUSSION This thesis explores the factors leading to domestic violence making it a serious problem in society and a common cause of injuries, depression and death. The thesis discussed the scope of the problem and the possible factors; economic dependence, psychological, sociological and cultural factors contributing to intimate partner violence. Various concepts were also defined to make it easier for the reader to understand. The roles of various organizations in alleviating the vice were also discussed. The research found that there is a link between gender and violence based on economic dependence, culture and socialization. There was no direct link to psychological factors as they are unobservable and take long to manifest. Further research is however needed to establish actual figures by interviewing the victims. CHAPTER VI CONCLUSION Domestic violence is a serious problem in society and a common cause of injuries in households and women are the most affected. The bureau of justice statistics reveal that among those abused, 85% are women mostly those who are poor and depend on their men for survival. The violence occurs in form of battery, sexual abuse, insulting and neglecting a spouse. Domestic violence is caused by; drug/alcohol abuse, economic dependency, socialization among others. The children who witness the act are traumatized and suffer behavioral problems in future. They also suffer when parents separate. The society should therefore come together and eliminate this vice by reporting offenders, empowering women and ensuring gender equality. CHAPTER VII RECOMMENDATIONS Further research is needed especially to establish whether culture still plays a role in domestic violence and the children who witness prevalence of domestic violence in society to establish whether they are affected in future. The government should also establish strict penalties for offenders to curb this vice and encourage the members of the community to report such incidents so that they don’t translate to serious effects such as death and mental disorders. CHAPTER VIII REFERENCES Bankroft, L. (2003) Why Does He do that? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men. Berkley Trade. Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief. (2003). Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009) “Intimate Partner Violence can lead to Serious Injury”. Retrieved 21 April 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/injury Chapin J (2009) “Domestic Violence Beliefs and Perceptions across the Lifespan”, The International Journal of Humanities, 7(1), 49-58 Davis, R. (2006) Domestic Violence: Facts and Fallacies, Praeger Publishers. First World Congress, Stockholm, Sweden. (1996). “Prevention and Psychosocial Rehabilitation of Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation”. Retrieved June 14, 2010, from World Wide Web: http://www.csecworldcongress.org/PDF/en/Stockholm/Background_reading/Theme_papers/Theme%20paper%20Rehabilitation%201996_EN.pdf Jaffe, J. (2006) “Domestic Violence and Abuse: types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Effects”, The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Johnson, M.P. (2008). A typology of domestic violence: Intimate terrorism, violent resistance and situational couple violence. Boston: Northwestern University Press. Leone, J., Johnson, M., Cohan, C. (2007). Victim help seeking: differences between intimate terrorism and situational couple violence. Family Relations, 56(5): 428-439. Mills, L. (2003) Insult to Injury: Rethinking our Responses to Intimate Abuse. Princeton University Press. Office of Violence against Women. (2000). “Division A—Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000”. Retrieved June 13, 2010, from World Wide Web: http://www..usdoj.gov/vawo/laws/vawo2000/stitle_a.htm#purposes Office on Violence against Women. (1995). “Domestic Violence”. US Department of Justice. Retrieved June, 14, 2010, from World Wide Web: http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/domviolence.html. Schwartz, D. (2004) Whose Face is in the Mirror? The Story of One Womans Journey from the Nightmare of Domestic Abuse to True Healing, Hay House Straus, M. (1992) Children as Witnesses to Marital Violence: A Risk Factor. Columbus: Ross Laboratories. Read More