The Effects of Substance Abuse on Domestic Violence - Research Paper Example

? The effects of substance abuse on domestic violence The effects of substance abuse on domestic violence Introduction The effective control of crimeis depended on the ability of the regulator to understand the factors that most influenced the perpetrator. However, the identification of the specific factors is not always easy; difficulties and delays can often appear during such process especially in countries the legal system of which suffers from extensive bureaucracy. In addition, finding the actual motives of the perpetrator is a challenging task since human behavior is not standardized; it is possible for a person to respond to a situation differently than normally under certain conditions, such as the substance abuse. Current paper examines the potential effects of substance abuse on domestic violence, a crime that has highly expanded worldwide. All aspects of substance abuse, as developed in the context of the family, are explored; emphasis is given though to the potential of substance abuse to lead to violent incidents within the family. The study has been structured in such way so that the reader is given the chance to monitor the raise of violence as a result of substance abuse in families with different social and cultural characteristics. Indeed, the study is not limited in terms of geography; rather it aims to show the expansion of domestic violence, as related to substance abuse, in countries worldwide. Still, the study focuses on the effects of substance abuse on domestic violence against women and children. The study is expected to contribute significantly in the field of knowledge related to domestic violence. More specifically, existing literature highlights the potential relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence but the expansion of the specific social problem in societies with different social and cultural characteristics is not made clear. In this context, one could believe that substance abuse leads to domestic violence only within social groups of specific culture and ethics. This study aims to show that substance abuse can have a primary role in domestic violence, meaning that a person who is under the influence of certain substance can develop violent behavior against members of his family, no matter his cultural, economic or social characteristics. From this point of view, the study is considered as quite important showing the power of substance abuse to lead to the development of domestic violence even by persons who do not have experiences or behavioral/ social characteristics that could justify such behavior. Literature Review The literature related to domestic violence shows clearly the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence. The literature also highlights the various effects of domestic violence on women and children, as the most common victims of violence resulted because of substance abuse. Primarily, reference should be made to the studies aiming to prove the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence. In a study developed in 1995 by Brookoff in Memphis in regard to domestic violence it has been revealed that almost all assaults, included those developed within family, were resulted because of substance abuse. An important finding of the survey, which took place in Memphis, was that a person is likely to use violence after using drugs, and especially cocaine; about 15% of the participants reported that had such experience. The findings presented above have been retrieved through qualitative research: ‘researchers from the University of Memphis, medical department, accompanied officers from the local Police department’ (Brookoff 1997, p.1) while the latter responded to calls for assistance in regard to incidents of assault (Brookoff 1997). Thus the findings of the study of Brookoff reflect the actual aspects, i.e. as related to real-life, of the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence. In a survey developed among 300 people who are alcohol dependent, a percentage of 64.3% admitted that the high consumption of alcohol has led them to high risk behavior (Poulose & Srinivasan 2009). The study of Poulose & Srinivasan (2009) has been based on quantitative research, i.e. a survey, and leads to similar findings as those of the study of Brookoff (1997) which has been based on qualitative research. In other words, the close relationship between alcohol and violence cannot be doubted, as verified through different modes of academic research developed in this field. Easton, Swan and Sinha (2000) also used empirical research in order to show that domestic violence is related to substance abuse. In the survey involved about 105 individuals who have entered programs for substance-abuse treatment were asked to state their views on substance abuse and its effects on a person’s life. A percentage of 37% of the participants admitted that they have experienced physical violence (Easton, Swan and Sinha 2000), a fact that verifies the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence. At the same time, in a survey developed in Guatemala it was proved that substance abuse is highly expected to lead to domestic violence. About 86 adults, who have experience of violence in the context of the family, have been asked to state their view in regard to the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence (Branas et al 2013). About 23.3% of the participants admitted that they face the problem of alcohol dependency while about 13.9% noted that alcohol abuse has caused to them severe problems, including violence within the family (Branas et al. 2013). The potential effects of substance abuse are also explored in the study of Gmel & Rehm (2003) In the above study, which is based on the review of empirical studies developed in this field, emphasis is given to the following fact: the consumption of alcohol, per se, cannot result to the increase of aggression of an individual, a view promoted by the dis-inhibition theory; rather, ‘alcohol can increase aggression because people expect it to do so’ (Gmel and Rehm 2003, p.56), a view based on the social learning theory. The key finding of the above study is that substance abuse can lead to domestic violence affecting the life of children and of partner. At this point, reference should be made to the literature that highlights the effects of domestic violence, as caused by substance abuse, on women and children. The review of articles and studies published in regard to alcohol abuse and child abuse, as this review developed by Widom & Hiller-Sturmhofel (2001) has revealed that alcohol abuse can cause two different types of damages on children: a) physical abuse, as a result of heavy drinking by one of the parents and b) children can imitate the behavior of their parent who is alcohol dependent; this means that ‘children who are exposed to alcohol abuse can become dependent from alcohol as adults’ (Widom & Hiller-Sturmhofel 2001, p.52). Empirical research seems to verify the findings of the qualitative studies developed in regard to substance abuse and its effects on women and children. Reference should be made, for example, to a study developed in Texas between 1998 and 1999 in relation to the effects of domestic violence. The study was based on the personal experiences of women who were imprisoned for various offences. It was revealed that most of the participants had experienced the effects alcohol abuse as children, meaning that one or both of their parents had been alcohol dependent (Mullings, Hartley &Marquart 2004). Using also empirical research, VanDeMark et al. (2005) tried to identify the effects of substance abuse on the children who live in families where incidents of domestic violence are common. Data were retrieved through a survey in which women from ‘the Women, Co-Occurring Disorders and Violence Study’ (VanDeMark et al. 2005, p.448) have been asked to participate. About 253 women/ mothers who have suffered domestic violence stated their view in regard to the effects of such violence on their children (VanDeMark et al. 2005). It was proved that that women and children who are exposed to substance abuse and violence are highly exposed to risks such as ‘substance abuse, psychological/ behavioral problems and victimization’ (p.445). For children the chances for escaping these effects are higher: if parents intervene on time, through stopping the behavior that can harm children’s physical or mental health, the problem can be resolved effectively (VanDeMark et al. 2005). Busch & Rosenberg (2004) examined the different modes of behavior of men and women who had become violent because of substance abuse. Their research has been based on the review of probation files of 90 people convicted for domestic violence: 45 men and 45 women (Busch & Rosenberg 2004). It was revealed that for women, abuse can have an important outcome: the behavior of an abused woman can change permanently and woman can develop a violent behavior in the future. However, even if abuse can highly affect the behavior of women, still women are less likely to proceed to domestic violence even if they have been abused (Busch & Rosenberg 2004). Referring especially to the effects of domestic violence on children, Gorman et al. (1998) checked data from municipalities across New-Jersey. Their research revealed that substance abuse within the family can have a severe consequence for children: it can lead them to develop a similar behavior, i.e. to learn drinking. In this case, domestic violence can be considered as having a different form: instead of causing injuries to another person the learning of a behavior that can be proved fatal in the future takes place (Gorman et al. 1998). A similar finding is revealed through the data retrieved from the files of women inmates in Texas prisons between 1998 and 1999 (Mullings, Hartley & Marquart 2004). The analysis of the above data led to the conclusion that women who had suffered domestic violence as children are more likely to develop a problem of substance abuse as adults (Mullings, Hartley & Marquart 2004). In general, women and children are more likely to be the victims of domestic violence caused by substance abuse. However, it has been revealed that the prevention of such incidents is often difficult since the severity of the injuries caused is often underestimated by the authorities that are asked to deal with such cases (Richardson & Campbell 1980). Narrowed topic of research After reviewing a series of academic studies published on this subject, I’ve decided that the topic should be narrowed. Instead of referring broadly to domestic violence, it would be necessary to emphasize on the consequences that domestic violence, as caused by substance abuse, on women and children within the family. Indeed, the literature has made clear that substance abuse can destroy the family life and women, as wives, and children are those who mostly face the consequences of the violence caused by substance abuse. Also, it seems that the existing measures for preventing domestic violence caused by substance abuse are limited, even in countries with quite developed legal systems. Thus, narrowing the topic of research is inevitable, so that clear answers are retrieved in regard to the study’s subject, as described above. Research Questions Domestic violence, as related to substance abuse, can have many aspects, as explained in the literature review chapter above. This study, as already noted, aims to focus on specific issues related to domestic violence. In order to achieve this target, it would be necessary to provide clear answers to the following two questions: a) is substance abuse related to domestic violence and b) which are the behavioral/ psychological and physical consequences that domestic violence, as caused by substance abuse, has on women, as wives, and children within each family? Sampling and Research Design Sampling method The study will be based on data of a particular form: statistics and other primary data published by governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide, in regard to this study’s theme, will be checked and compared. The data retrieved will be also analyzed in comparison with the literature published on the specific subject. In other words, the study will be based on qualitative research. The sampling method which is considered as most appropriate in this case is the non-probability sampling method. The type of non-probability sampling method chosen for this study is the convenience sampling. The choice of the specific type of sampling method could be understood after referring to the characteristics of this method, as described in the literature. In its most common form, non-probability sampling ‘relies on the judgment of the researcher’ (Hale & Napier 2013, p.71). In non-probability sampling the researcher sets the criteria on which the selection of units, meaning the units that will be used in the research, will be based (Hale & Napier 2013). In such sampling, there is no case for a research unit to be selected randomly (Hale & Napier 2013). As for the convenience sampling, as a type of non-probability sampling, this is based on the following practice: the research sets the overall criteria that units (usually individuals) should meet and then ‘asks for volunteers to appear’ (Hale & Napier 2013, p.72). In the specific case the research will be based on studies and reports published in regard to the issues under examination. There will be no case of interviews or other research techniques in which the participation of individuals is required. Thus, convenience sampling for this study could have the following form: the researcher could set the criteria that the pieces of information required for the research should meet; then, the individuals or organizations who are expected to have such information/ data could be contacted and would be asked to provide such information if they are convenient (Sekaran & Bougie 2010). Data production strategy The next issue that should be addressed when referring to the research part of this study is the data production strategy. After reviewing the needs of the study, the data production strategy that seems as most appropriate is the content analysis. Content analysis can be described as follows: the researcher reviews the units (studies, reports and so on) involved in the research and ‘seeks for key words that are repeated within their text’ (Guest & MacQueen 2008, p.138). When developing content analysis the researcher should try to review and evaluate the entire unit (for example, document or report) and not to emphasize only to the parts in which the key word is included (Guest & MacQueen 2008). A practice for increasing the validity of the content analysis, as a process is the following: a research can develop a research frame using the research questions on which his study is based (Schreier 2012). Then, content analysis could be developed trying to identify those units that incorporate elements that exist in the frame (Schreier 2012). Ethical considerations Approvals Since no personal data will be involved in the research the ethical considerations that the study could cause are limited. In fact, the primary data used in the study could not set any ethical problem since there is no case of unpublished information. The statistics and other primary data employed for the study will be available to the public and there would be no risk of violation of privacy. Thus, no approval would be required for the development of the research related to this study. Confidentiality and Anonymity The research used in this study will be based only on information available in governmental organizations. There will be no case of contacting directly an individual for acquiring personal data related to the issues discussed in this study. So there would be no risk of violating the ethical rules related to confidentiality and anonymity. In case that personal information is included in the reports used in the research, such information will not be published trying to fully respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the persons involved. Risks The research developed for this study is related to certain ethical considerations, such as: a) the data retrieved should be published by appropriately authorized organizations, either governmental or non-governmental, b) the data chosen should refer to all issues discussed in the study, i.e. similar volume of data would be retrieved for the study’s key research questions and c) the data retrieved should be carefully analyzed ensuring that the assumptions made are correct and that misinterpretation is avoided. Addressing the issues presented above would eliminate the risks related to the research employed in this study. Conclusion Substance abuse can highly affect human behavior. Domestic violence is one of the implications of substance abuse. Due to its involvement in domestic violence the substance abuse can highly affect the daily life and the behavioral characteristics of women, as wives, and children within families worldwide. In practice, it has been proved that domestic violence incidents are not always reported, under the fear that such initiative would lead to the increase of the frequency of these incidents. Also, the victims, mostly women and children, have not the power to protect themselves against domestic violence while the legal measures for the prevention of this activity can take a lot of time in order to be ordered. According to the above this study would highly contribute in the field of knowledge at the following point: by identifying the actual consequences of domestic violence, as caused by substance abuse, on women and children, regulators and policy makers would understand the criteria on which the measures for controlling domestic violence should be based so that the victimization of women and children is limited, as possible. In other words, the proposed study responds to the need for locating and establishing effective measures for protecting the most vulnerable members of the population, i.e. women and children, from domestic violence. References Branas, C. , Dinardo, A. , Polanco, V. , Harvey, M. , Vassy, J. and Bream, K. (2013) An exploration of violence, mental health and substance abuse in post-conflict Guatemala. Health, 5, 825-833. Brookoff, D. D. (1997). Drugs, alcohol & domestic violence in Memphis. US Department of Justice - National Institute of Justice. October 1997, 1-4 Busch, A. L., & Rosenberg, M. S. (2004). Comparing Women and Men Arrested for Domestic Violence: A Preliminary Report. Journal Of Family Violence, 19(1), 49-57. Easton, C., Swan, S. and Sinha, R. (2000) Prevalence of family violence in clients entering substance abuse treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 18: 23–28 Gmel, G., & Rehm, J. (2003). Harmful Alcohol Use. Alcohol Research & Health, 27(1), 52-62. Gorman, D. M., Labouvie, E. W., Speer, P. W., & Subaiya, A. P. (1998). Alcohol Availability and Domestic Violence. American Journal Of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 24(4), 661-673. Guest, G. & MacQueen, K. (2008). Handbook for Team-based Qualitative Research. Lanham: Rowman Altamira. Hale, S. & Napier, J. (2013). Research Methods in Interpreting: A Practical Resource. London: A&C Black. Mullings, J. L., Hartley, D. J., & Marquart, J. W. (2004). Exploring the Relationship Between Alcohol Use, Childhood Maltreatment, and Treatment Needs Among Female Prisoners. Substance Use & Misuse, 39(2), 277-305. Poulose, B., & Srinivasan, K. (2009). High risk behaviours following alcohol use in alcohol dependent men. Indian Journal Of Medical Research, 129(4), 376-381. Richardson, D. C., & Campbell, J. L. (1980). Alcohol and wife abuse: the effect of alcohol on attributions of blame for wife abuse. Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, 6(1), 51-56 Schreier, M. (2012) Qualitative Content Analysis in Practice. London: SAGE. Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2010). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach. 5th ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. VanDeMark, N. R., Russell, L. A., O'Keefe, M., Finkelstein, N., Noether, C. D., & Gampel, J. C. (2005). Children of mothers with histories of substance abuse, mental illness, and trauma. Journal Of Community Psychology, 33(4), 445-459. Widom, C., & Hiller-Sturmhofel, S. (2001). Alcohol Abuse as a Risk Factor for and Consequence of Child Abuse. Alcohol Research & Health, 25(1), 52-57. Read More