Domestic Violence: Causes & Implications

In every part of our human lives, we are surrounded with violence on many levels be

it a war between nations to personal inflicted violence. It is hard-coded in our genetics and

there is no escape from violence as all it takes is reaching that certain peak point of

aggression. However, there is one kind of violence that is more affecting on a personal level

due to its non stopping cycle. This refers to family violence, or also known as domestic

violence.

The general definition of family violence is ‘a pattern of abusive behavior by one or

both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, and family’ (Shipway,

2004). Commonly, it is usually refers to physical aggression, but domestic violence can also

include sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, stalking, and economic deprivation

(Shipway, 2004).

There are many causes of domestic violence but it all brings to the same effect where

the family members especially the children are the most victimized by it. One of the most

common causes is the psychology factor where it is found that about 80% of domestic

abusers brought to court suffer from personality disorder (Hamberger & Hastings, 2005).

Researchers focus their studies on the abusers characteristics and found common personality

traits that include sudden bursts of anger, poor impulse control, and poor self-esteem

(Hamberger & Hastings, 2005). As mentioned above, family violence is a vicious cycle

where the abusers likely grew up in a family of violence and abuses and suffered traumatic

stress while in their young age.

 Another common cause for family violence, which gets portrayed many times in the

mainstream media is social stress. Social and family stresses can be caused from trouble in

finance, work, and health. Workforce with low job security tend to work long hours with

minimum pay which is barely enough to cover the expense of a family. While stress does not

necessarily cause violence directly, it is the most common method people react to stress

(Seltzer & Kalmuss, 1988). Family stress can usually be branched into two categories which

are parental stress and marital stress. Parental stress can consist of handling aggressive

children, issues with stepchildren, caring for children with disabilities and also teenage

behaviours (Social Anxiety And Stress). Marital stress can be attributed to unaffectionate

spouses, lack of communications, issues with the in laws and extramarital affairs. (Social

Anxiety And Stress).

Family and domestic violent are also used as a way to gain control and power in the

household. This usually happens when one person in the family contributes the most to the

welfare of the family and considers themselves as dominant in the relationship. This,

combined with the working stress can lead to bullying and abuse (Bancroft, 2003). The abuse

further grows and remains as the victims are usually powerless and need to rely on the

dominant member’s financial stability as means of survival.

Whatever the cause is, family violence can lead to many negative effects on family

members. Spouse suffering from abuses suffers from not only physical but also emotional

and psychological injury. A victim is more likely to lose their job due to absenteeism

immediately after the abuse occurred (Browne, 1989). Furthermore, abuse victims are more

likely to become isolated from their own family and friends due to embarrassment and self

blame for being in the situation (Ewing, 1987).

 The most concerning effect of all is of course, on the children. When the mother is

abused, it indirectly hurts the children as they may perceive the guilt of being unable to

protect her (Roy, 1988). At this point, affected children may also feel ashamed and confused

as they think they are the probable reason for the abuse to happen. Socially, their ability to

make new friends is retarded as they become more fearful of adults. This behavioural change

can be seen as they show emotional problems by being shy, withdrawn, or even crying

excessively (Long-Term Effects of Domestic Violence).

‘Children who witness domestic violence may develop serious emotional,

behavioural, developmental, or academic problems. As children, they may become violent

themselves, or withdraw. Some act out at home or school; others try to be the perfect child.

Children from violent homes may become depressed and have low self-esteem.’ (Benedictis,

Jaffe, & Segal). As they grow, they are more likely to use violence, attempt suicide, commit

crimes, and become abusers themselves later in life, hence repeating the cycle mentioned

above.

In conclusion, the prevalence of family or domestic abuse is a social concern, as it

affects not only individual, but also the society as it breaks the harmony and prosperity of the

nation. This type of violence must be treated like any other – as a crime. Fear, confusion, and

instability that surround not only the children but also the spouse needs to be replace with

love and comfort, which always belongs in a home. Law enforcers need to act seriously on

complaints of domestic abuses and stop treating it as other’s ‘family matter’.

Bibliography

Bancroft, L. (2003). Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and

Controlling Men. New York: Berkley Trade.

Benedictis, T. d., Jaffe, J., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Domestic Violence and Abuse: Types,

Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects. Retrieved March 18, 2010, from The American

Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress: http://www.aaets.org/article144.htm

Browne, A. (1989). When Battered Women Kill. Detroit: Free Press.

Ewing, C. P. (1987). Battered Women Who Kill: Psychological Self-Defense As Legal

Justification. Lexington Books.

Hamberger, K., & Hastings, J. E. (2005). Personality correlates of men who abuse

their partners: A cross-validation study. Springer.

Long-Term Effects of Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2010, from

Clark County Prosecuting Office: http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/domviol/effects.htm

Roy, M. (1988). Children in the Crossfire: Violence in the Home-How Does It Affect

Our Children? Florida: HCI Books.

Seltzer, J. A., & Kalmuss, D. (1988). Socialization and Stress Explanations for

Spouse Abuse. North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press.

Shipway, L. (2004). Domestic Violence: A Handbook for Health Care Professionals.

Florence: Routledge.

Social Anxiety And Stress. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2010, from Life Positive:

http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/psychology/stress/social-anxiety.asp