Domestic Violence, Abusing - Research Paper Example

? Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a problem that has its roots in the past centuries, especially gender based violence. Women and children are more affected by domestic violence compared to men, although, in the recent past research has shown that men have continued to suffer silently under the weight of domestic violence from their spouses. The problem of domestic violence has not been given proper attention with the seriousness it deserves despite the magnitude of its destruction on human life. This write up will explore domestic violence from a holistic approach by looking at its signs, causes and remedies to the problem. The remedies will include all the measures that are supposed to be taken to ensure that the problem of domestic violence is properly managed. Domestic Violence Introduction Domestic violence refers to a prototype of actions in an association that is employed to maintain and gain power over a spouse who is dear. It can also be called intimate violence partner, family violence or spousal abuse. In most cases, a single case of domestic violence is likely to be repeated, and more violence might follow, resulting to a vicious cycle of violence. Domestic violence can take the form of physical abuse where a spouse may attack their partner with a weapon causing physical harm to them (Richard, 1998). Other forms are emotional and psychological violence that spouses can encounter. In the past, domestic violence was escalated by the deep rooted male chauvinism in the past, which allowed husband to discipline their wives through canning. Some courts in America had legalized wife beating provided the stick that men used to cane their wives was not thicker than the thumb finger. Although domestic violence should not be happening in the twenty first century, it was a problem in the past and still a problem today. Objective The objective of this paper will be to measure the magnitude of domestic violence in society, as well inform the public about the important steps to take, in case one is faced by violence in their relationships. The implication will be sensitizing people about the importance of staying in healthy relationships that are violence free. Any forms of violence should be reported to the authorities for appropriate action against it as well as medical attention for the victims. Domestic violence can occur to anybody, irrespective of their strength, size or gender, yet the problem is denied, overlooked or excused (Richard, 1998). Psychological abuse is mostly over looked as it does not leave any visible evidence in the form of marks like physical violence. However, it leaves very deep scars that can last for a life time. Domestic violence is used by the abuser for the purpose of gaining control over the abused and maintaining this control in a relationship. An abuser use intimidation, fear, guilt and shame to pull a person down and remain under their influence and power (Richard, 1998). Other strategies that an abuser may use to wipe off your feet are threats of hurting you or those whom you love. Domestic abuses occur among the couples who are heterosexual as well as same-sex relationships. It does not discriminate as it happens in all ethnic backgrounds, all ages and economic backgrounds. The most commonly victimized people are women, whom receive physical abuse from their husbands. Men are also emotionally and verbally abused by their wives, and in some rare cases, they are also physically abused, as well (Margi, 2008). People deserve to feel safe, valued and respected and, therefore, any behavior that is abusive is not acceptable regardless of its source. The sources of domestic violence could be men, women, or teenagers, and it should be avoided at all cost. For anyone to be rescued from an abusive relationship, they must be able to recognize violence. Domestic violence develops from threats of physical attack that are accompanied by verbal abuses, which are inclined toward violence. At times, physical injury may result, and least but to mention this is the most noticeable peril. Besides physical abuse, psychological and emotional costs of domestic violence are severe. These emotional disturbances from violent relationships can destroy an individual self esteem, which will result to depression and anxiety with a feeling of anxiety (Margi, 2008). Another ill that is associated with low self esteem is a feeling of loneliness and helplessness. Domestic violence is a deadly situation that should not be endured by anyone, as it robs of the peoples’ right of living the most fulfilling lives while in their relationships or marriages. Human beings should lead the most comfortable life as they exploit their full potentials. Signs of violence There are many signs that indicate the likelihood of violence in a relationship. The most outstanding sign is the lack of trust to a partner and fearing a partner. One feels like he is walking on an eggshell that may break any time while you are with your partner (Margi, 2008). You tend to do all things so carefully to avoid making mistakes that will earn you a thorough beating from your partner. Other indicators could be attempts from your partner to assume control over you, as they belittle anything you say or do. If such behaviors are not addressed in good time, they will eventually result to violence. As earlier mentioned, there several types of domestic abuses that can spoil the happiness in a relationship, and changing it to hatred, fear and intimidation. The first form of domestic abuse that the paper will look at is physical violence. Physical violence is any action or behavior by an intimate partner that causes physical injury or harm to the body of their spouse. It refers to the use of bodily strength in opposition to someone in a way that endangers that person (Margi, 2008). Physical battering is a criminal offence regardless of the place where it happens or the person giving it. Law enforcers have the authority and the power to protect citizens from physical assault. The next category of physical violence is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse refers to the situation in which one is forced to engage in a sexual activity without their full consent or a sexual activity that is not safe (Margi, 2008). Any forced sexual activity even in marriages is an act of violence. Furthermore, sexually and physically abused partners are more likely to receive serious injuries and even death from their spouses. Although battering and physical injuries are the major indications of abuse that are known to people, they are not the only forms of violence (Lyn, 2004). The fact that one is not battered does not mean that they are not being abused. It can also take the form of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse takes away a person’s self-worth feelings as well as independence. Emotionally abused victims get the feeling of emptiness, and they realize that they cannot make it in life without their abusive spouses (Lyn, 2004). Included in this are names calling, yelling and blaming, as well as intimidation, controlling behavior and isolation. People who are emotionally abused also receive verbal abuses and threats of physical assault. These insults are used to manipulate them into dancing the tune of their abusers. Scars from emotional abuse last as long than the physical ones (Lyn, 2004). The last form of domestic violence is economic abuse. This form of abuse becomes apparent when the abusive spouse has managed to gain full control over the other person. Abusive partners withhold the economic benefits from their spouses as well as withholding their credit cards (Lyn, 2004). They can also deny their partner the basic necessities of life in order to manipulate them. Further, they can tell you to stop working or steal your money. Domestic violence takes place in a cycle that is repetitive. This cycle begins with abuse where the abuser performs the acts of violence and aggression towards their partner. This abuse is meant to mark the boundaries between the master and the servant (Eva & Buzawa, 2003). Abuse is followed by guilt where the abuser is worried of being apprehended and being charged with their abusive behavior. Guilt is followed by excuses, which involves a process of legitimization of the abuser’s acts that are meant to relieve them the responsibility of their actions. Normal behavior follows as the abuser does everything to win the trust of their spouse back (Eva & Buzawa, 2003). This period is called the peaceful honeymoon and it confuses the abused person to think that their abusers have changed (Eva & Buzawa, 2003). After a period normal behavior, the abuser turns into planning and fantasy where they fantasize of abusing you again. The cycle repeats itself and the acts of violence continue. The causes of domestic violence include drug abuse, overdependence on a spouse for economic support, mental illness and emotional disturbances (Randal, 2002). Other causes include experiences of violence in childhood and watching of violent action movies. Life frustrations can also predispose an individual in engaging in domestic violence (Randal, 2002). Various remedies can be applied to deal with the problem of domestic violence. It is very important to introduce and maintain a functional violence hotline that can be used by the abused spouses to report cases of abuse. Another remedy could be intensifying the penalty for the offenders of domestic violence (Randal, 2002). This will discourage the cases of domestic abuse because of the reality of the consequences. The other measure that should be taken is to encourage independence especially by women to minimize cases economic abuse. Laws that are against drug abuse should be reoriented to accommodate the current problems that are related to drug use and abuse (Randal, 2002). In conclusion, domestic violence can come in different shapes and sizes. It can take the form of physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse. Physical abuse is the most famous form of domestic violence. However, emotional abuse leaves huge scars in the heart of the abused person that can last for a life time. Domestic violence takes place in a pattern that repeats itself, and the major causes of violence are drug abuse as well as mental ailment. Domestic violence is an enormous problem that requires interventions that will stop it from escalating. References Eva Schlesinger Buzawa & Carl G. Buzawa, (2003). Domestic violence: the criminal justice response. New York: Sage Publications. Lyn Shipway (2004). Domestic violence: a handbook for health professionals. Washington: Routledge. Margi Laird McCue, (2008). Domestic violence: a reference handbook. New York: ABC-CLIO. Richard L. Davis, (1998). Domestic violence: facts and fallacies. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. Randal W. Summers, (2002). Domestic violence: a global view. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. Read More