Introduction
Domestic violence, which has been a persistent issue within social structures, frequently revolves around power dynamics. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, domestic violence refers to an assault or an attempt to cause harm by someone with whom the victim shares a living arrangement. Historically, men have held predominant positions of power, resulting in biased regulations and societal expectations. However, steps have been taken by society to address this problem. Statistics Canada (2017) reports a decrease in rates of domestic violence and increased awareness has led to the establishment of better support systems for victims. Additionally, there is a shift in societal norms as they reject any form of abuse within spousal relationships.
Despite changing circumstances, the issue of domestic violence remains prevalent. Rates of domestic violence are elevated within religious commun
...ities and same-sex relationships, as reported by RHM (2012). However, Statistics Canada (2017) indicates that there is now a higher likelihood of individuals reporting such incidents. Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life because it is a widespread problem. Research shows that women bear the brunt of domestic violence and their experiences are more likely to be reported and covered in the media compared to men. On the other hand, BMJ (2002) states that men experience domestic violence on a smaller scale and media coverage of their experiences is significantly less.
Historically, women who were victims of abuse often faced victim blaming, a phenomenon that still exists to some extent today but has significantly decreased. Similarly, men who have experienced abuse have been criticized in the past for not being manly enough or expected to defend themselves, once again shifting the blame onto the
victim rather than holding the abuser accountable. Beliefs surrounding domestic violence vary greatly and while societal standards regarding the "correct" perspective have changed over time, there are still persistent outdated opinions.
In general, people hold various views on this issue: those who deny its existence; those who consider certain forms of domestic abuse acceptable; those who view it as a form of religious persecution; those who acknowledge it as an issue but take no action; and those who recognize it as a problem and actively address it.
Over time, opinions on domestic violence have changed. In the past, it was sometimes considered acceptable or not very serious. However, as extreme cases increased and more research was conducted on the physical and mental effects of abuse, people began to realize that it was morally wrong and that change was necessary.
An Anthropological Perspective
Building upon what has been previously stated, domestic violence remains prevalent despite a lack of justification. Various underlying factors contribute to its occurrence. Culture plays a vital role in shaping our lives, enriching us, and distinguishing us from animals. Our upbringing within a particular culture significantly influences our worldview, including the influence of our parents.
The cultural background and assigned roles of individuals have an impact on various aspects of life, including cuisine, sports, ideologies, and social norms. This is evident in the context of domestic violence. For instance, in the 1920s, a traditional Christian household consisted of a father, mother, and one or two children. The father's role was to handle finances while the mother focused on housework and raising children. However, in today's contemporary Christian households (2020), there remains a father, mother, and one or two
children; however, both parents now contribute financially to the family.
Despite advancements in addressing domestic violence, it remains stigmatized, particularly in cultures and religions where divorce is forbidden. Those who want to escape an abusive relationship may be ostracized by their community. Additionally, even if they successfully leave the abuse, they might still be held accountable for their circumstances. Similar to cases of rape, blame often shifts onto the victim for choosing to leave rather than onto the perpetrator. Victim blaming takes various forms, including accusations of inadequacy, lack of effort, or inappropriate behavior. When it comes to men, victim-blaming frequently challenges their masculinity by suggesting weakness for not being able to protect themselves. Although progress has been achieved in reducing stigma and enhancing support for domestic violence victims, there are still areas that need attention and reform.
The way we view the world is greatly influenced by our culture. Our values and beliefs, which are instilled in us from a young age, determine how we interpret actions and behaviors. For example, if you were raised in a household that prioritizes equality and peaceful resolutions, any type of domestic violence would be seen as morally wrong. On the other hand, being brought up in a religious home may lead to accepting certain forms of domestic violence as disciplinary measures. The severity of this perspective varies among different religions, although most condemn such behavior. Additionally, growing up in an environment that promotes negative attitudes towards a particular group will inevitably shape one's perception of that group.
If you don't have a paternal or maternal role model to teach you how to behave respectfully towards people of higher status, and
if you lack parental guidance, your viewpoint will be influenced by the media and those around you. This influence can lead to positive or negative outcomes. An example of a negative impact from the media is evident in Incels who display disrespectful attitudes towards women.
All the views mentioned have an impact on a culture's traits. When a particular view holds more prominence, it is likely to shape the actions of both children and adults. In a culture where domestic abuse is overlooked or unaddressed, it can establish an environment that tolerates such behavior. This gradually becomes a societal expectation, making it challenging to eradicate, thus necessitating substantial efforts over an extended period to rectify the harm.
When a society tolerates domestic violence, it adversely affects children by distorting their perception of healthy relationships and respect for their partners. As a result, they are more prone to perpetuating the cycle of domestic violence, which ultimately leads to a rise in gender-based crimes. Although helplines, shelters, and other forms of support exist for victims, these resources frequently suffer from significant shortages.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline received a total of 323,356 calls, chats, and texts from individuals seeking help in the previous year. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, 98,159 calls remained unanswered. This unfortunate situation leaves many victims unheard and trapped in abusive cycles. Some individuals even choose to endure physical violence rather than face homelessness.
Psychological Perspective
When considering domestic violence, physical abuse is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the U.S., 60% of callers reported experiencing physical abuse while an astonishing 86% reported emotional abuse. The emotional abuse
endured by victims is frequently severe and degrading.
A 2017 report on mental health and domestic violence suggests that individuals who are victims of abuse face a greater likelihood of developing depression and anxiety. Domestic violence often hinders those trying to escape from unstable living conditions, as leaving an abusive partner can result in heightened abuse if caught. One such instance is evident in the case of St.
Ciera Jackson, a resident of St. Louis, sought refuge from her abusive boyfriend and acquired a restraining order spanning 2,500 feet as a means to safeguard herself. However, her former partner persistently continued to pursue and harass her. Tragically, merely eleven days following the issuance of the restraining order, Jackson was fatally shot by Whittier—her ex-boyfriend. The shooting occurred when he fired four shots through the window of her apartment. Shockingly, the restraining order was discovered on top of a microwave close to Jackson's lifeless body. Despite making valiant efforts to break free from the vicious cycle of abuse, Jackson's resistance ultimately resulted in fatal consequences at the hands of her former partner.
Domestic violence encompasses various tactics that aim to control the victim's interactions, media consumption, and behavior in their partner's presence. It exists on a wide spectrum, from emotional abuse to physical violence such as hitting. At the most severe end, domestic violence may involve extreme acts like murder and sexual abuse.
Individuals who have experienced abuse may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, in an attempt to numb their pain. This not only exacerbates the abuse they are subjected to, but also leads to addiction in the short and long term. Additionally, victims of violence and
abuse are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety compared to the general population (Mental Health and Domestic Violence, 2017). When it comes to domestic violence cases, the focus is often on understanding how and why the abuser committed the act rather than delving into the underlying causes behind their behavior. It is important to acknowledge that people do not possess an inherent inclination towards violence or a natural desire to harm others.
Abusers often have a history of childhood abuse, leading them to seek power they lacked as children. Individuals with unresolved trauma may cope by seeking professional help, turning to substances like alcohol, or doing nothing at all. Instead of seeking genuine assistance, abusers tend to rely on their partners for emotional support while harboring anger towards themselves and the world. Victims of violence and abuse suffer from suppressed personalities due to constant threat for being true to themselves. Fearful of punishment or shame, they frequently isolate themselves and hesitate to disclose their situation to their partner. This disclosure can have serious consequences for victims as attempts to please their partners prove futile and lead to feelings of inadequacy, ultimately developing an inferiority complex.
Both happy and miserable lives can be led by abusers. They have a means to express their anger and frustration, but when they make their partner unhappy, it only exacerbates their own unhappiness, resulting in a vicious cycle. As per Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, fulfilling the initial layer of physiological needs is relatively simple for individuals in developed countries. Numerous people find contentment in having someone who provides them with fundamental necessities such as shelter, food,
clothing, and a place to sleep. Safety needs like personal safety, employment, resources, health, and property make up the second layer of this hierarchy.
Physical abuse in relationships can lead to neglecting indoor and outdoor security, hindering the fulfillment of higher levels of needs like love and connection. When your partner exerts control, they may restrict your social interactions, isolating you from significant relationships beyond themselves and their circle. If you become isolated, there will be no one to turn to for assistance if the situation becomes perilous.
Sociological Perspective
Despite some progress in addressing domestic violence, certain specific forms of it have actually seen an increase. According to Statistics Canada's graph (Lawrence, 2019), there has been a 13.7% rise in suicide-related contacts where partners use suicide as a form of coercion and an 11% increase in cases involving children. These increases highlight the continued need for efforts to combat domestic violence. Moreover, the effects of domestic violence extend beyond the household, perpetuating a normalized environment where abuse against women is tolerated and power imbalances persist.
The text highlights the significance of promoting a healthy society that tackles abuse and offers effective help for both abusers and the abused. These methods should have a high success rate in providing assistance. The text also supports embracing non-violence as a positive approach. Evidence from statistics (Lawrence, 2019; Statistics Canada, 2017) and societal norms suggests that we are moving towards a nonviolent society. It is crucial to recognize that violence is frequently utilized by those in authority to maintain control.
In a society where everyone is on an equal playing field, power structures and violence would be unnecessary. Conflict arises from power
structures, leading to violence. In a society that thrives on domestic conflict, children are raised in toxic households, increasing their risk of mental illness and future abusive behavior due to the presence of a power vacuum. The early warning signs can help detect abuse, but if ignored, it creates an unsafe environment for victims while providing safety for abusers. A stable family opts for democratic methods to resolve conflicts without resorting to domestic abuse or violence.
In Hollywood, there used to be widespread abuse of power, with famous actors mistreating their partners and heinous sexual assault cases involving producers like Harvey Weinstein. However, as more victims find the strength to speak out about their experiences, we have now ousted many of these offenders. If we had not taken away their platform to do so, Harvey Weinstein would still be a producer and Jeffery Epstein would still be alive. Although influential figures had to be let go, we have created a society where victims are not silenced by those in positions of greater power. While there is still work to be done and justice must prevail, significant progress has been made in enabling this process.
Conclusion
Domestic violence encompasses different types of abuse, such as limitations on socialization, physical and emotional abuse, monetary constraints, and sexual abuse within a relationship. The controlling behavior of an abusive partner often complicates the process of leaving these violent relationships, and planning an escape can worsen the situation. However, society has made significant advances in challenging norms that suppress victims and establishing support centers to aid them. We have also developed a better comprehension of how domestic abuse
affects both perpetrators and survivors. Despite these accomplishments, there is still scope for enhancement.
Despite ongoing cases of abuse and the need for further social change, the overall impact of domestic violence remains significant. Its roots can be found in various aspects of our lives. Certain religions endorse certain forms of abuse, individuals who experience it are at greater risk of developing illnesses, and if we ignore the issue, the cycle of abuse will persist, undoing any progress already made.
There is an ongoing effort to achieve equality by rebalancing power dynamics. While progress has been made, additional steps are necessary to ensure the ultimate goal is achieved. It is crucial to prioritize the development of improved methods for assisting victims of domestic violence and finding effective strategies to prevent individuals with a history of violence from perpetuating abusive behaviors in relationships. Currently, our attention has primarily been on aiding the abused rather than addressing the root causes of abuse.
We are on the right track, but it is crucial to stay on this path for the appropriate duration to achieve our objective. Domestic abuse is a solvable issue.
