Definition of Domestic Violence Essay Example

as a mere sex object

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Criticizing someone sexually

- Coercing an individual into engaging in sexual acts or compelling them to witness others engaging in sexual acts.

The partner is being accused and criticized for participating in sexual relations with other people.

- Engaging in infidelity despite previously agreeing to stay loyal in a relationship.

Using sexual words such as "whore" in a disrespectful manner.

- Coercing an individual into engaging in sexual activity following physical violence

When the partner is weak, it is advantageous to engage in sexual activity with her.

The domestic violence has experienced an evolution.

In the early 1970s, a movement arose in the United States to support battered women. Initially, it was thought that men who abused their wives were mentally ill and could be treated with medical or psychiatric methods. However, further research proved this idea wrong as domestic violence perpetrators did not exhibit signs of mental illness but instead specifically targeted their intimate partners. Unlike individuals with mental illnesses who may harm anyone without discrimination, these abusers solely focused on their partners. Additionally, initial studies mistakenly classified women experiencing domestic violence as mentally ill; subsequent findings revealed that they were unfairly judged due to a lack of understanding about the physical and psychological impact of the violence they endured.

Research suggests that violence is a learned behavior, with men who engage in domestic violence likely acquiring this behavior during their childhood. It is possible that they observed it within their own families. Likewise, women may end up in relationships and marry violent men because

they were raised in environments where they saw their mothers being abused, which made such behavior seem normal to them.

A different study indicates that boys who witnessed violence in their homes were seven times more inclined to display violence in their own marriages. The study suggests that these boys had acquired violent behaviors and were unable to unlearn them, resulting in the persistence of such actions.

The theory posited that frequent alcohol consumption in men led to violence and a loss of control. This behavior was ascribed to societal norms dictating that men should suppress their feelings of frustration and anger, unlike women. According to this theory, when these emotions built up over time, men would eventually lose control and become violent. However, this notion was contradicted by the fact that instances of violence were only observed within intimate partner relationships. There were no reports of men losing control and becoming violent towards friends, colleagues, or superiors.

The theory of 'learned helplessness' suggested that women remained in abusive relationships due to repeated abuse diminishing their desire to leave. Financial support and fear of societal judgment also played a role in their decision to stay. However, some women chose to leave their relationships with the intention of initiating a conversation about their dissatisfaction with the violence. They hoped for improvement in the situation and did not intend to permanently end the relationship.

The theory of the 'circle of violence' posits that societal expectations prevent men from openly expressing their anger and frustration. It also asserts that both men and women contribute to the perpetuation of violence. For example, a wife's actions,

such as provoking her husband's violent behavior or neglecting his sexual needs, can result in an increase in aggression.

The theory of 'power and control wheel' examines the tactics employed by abusers to maintain power over their partners. Violence is not solely a result of losing control or expressing anger/frustration. However, this theory does not fully encompass the complexity of violence, as some batterers in treatment groups have different motivations for their actions. It is crucial to approach violence from a societal standpoint, considering that it is influenced by dominant relationships and inequality constructed not only through personal choices but also society's perception of gender dynamics in marriages and families. Society must contribute to comprehending how to address violence without fostering an environment that tolerates or accepts force within marital relationships.

The laws enacted

The concept of full faith and credit ensures that individuals who have obtained court orders of protection can trust law enforcement to safeguard them and pursue appropriate measures against the abusers across the nation.

A protective order prevents someone who has received a court order from engaging in violent or threatening acts of harassment, contacting or communicating with, or being physically close to another person. This order also prohibits the abuser from having firearms and/or ammunition.

Training, particularly for policemen, has been promoted to enhance their ability in handling cases of violence.

Homes have been established to provide shelter for individuals at risk of abuse, particularly after leaving a relationship.