Domestic Violence Indiana Tech CJ 3300612022
2domestic Violenceindiana Techcj 3300612022domestic Violencedomestic
Domestic violence occurs typically between intimate partners or close families, and it is characterized by a repeated pattern of dominance and oppression of a particular victim. The most affected are the weaker individuals, mainly women and children. However, sometimes victims of abuse are men. The abuser forces the victim to submit to them, exercising control and power over them (Ashraf et al., 2017). Victims of domestic violence suffer both physically and mentally because if their abuser hurts them physically, they start developing fear towards the abuser.
This paper provides an overview of how Eddie exerts power over his partner, the effects of domestic abuse, and why victims choose perseverance over leaving such relationships. Eddie controls his partner’s movement and interaction with family, friends, and colleagues, portraying jealousy and possessiveness. He emotionally and physically abuses her, causing injuries such as bruises and head trauma, while instilling fear and emotional distress.
Each time she goes out or visits family, Eddie’s violent reactions escalate; he drags her to the bedroom and beats her, blaming her for his actions and creating stories to justify the abuse (Domestic Violence Personal Stories, n.d.). He monitors her through constant calls, visits to her workplace, and even has someone following her, exerting comprehensive control over her life.
The effects of domestic violence are multifaceted, impacting victims physically and emotionally. Physically, injuries include bruises, cuts, and head trauma due to assaults like dragging or slamming. Emotionally, victims experience fear, loneliness, and helplessness due to ongoing abuse, and their social relationships may become severed as abusers isolate them from support networks (Kaur & Garg, 2008). Emotional abuse manifests through insults, accusations of cheating, and threats, which further erode victims’ self-esteem and sense of safety.
The abuser’s exertion of control not only inflicts physical injuries but also causes long-term psychological damage. Victims often internalize blame and develop a distorted perception of their self-worth. Many women remain in abusive relationships due to economic dependence, societal pressures, fear of judgment, and the belief that they deserve punishment for perceived faults (Kaur & Garg, 2008). Cultural factors may reinforce stigmas against divorce, further trapping victims in harmful environments.
Children who witness domestic violence are at risk of perpetuating cycles of violence or engaging in delinquent behaviors such as drug abuse and criminal activities. The societal impact is profound, emphasizing the importance of addressing domestic violence comprehensively. Understanding why victims persevere instead of fleeing—including economic dependency, emotional attachment, fear, and social stigmas—can inform better intervention strategies.
In conclusion, domestic violence primarily targets vulnerable individuals, exploiting their weaker social and economic positions. Eddie’s case exemplifies how abusers manipulate control through physical violence, emotional abuse, and social isolation, resulting in severe consequences for victims’ physical health and mental well-being. Addressing domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach, including legal protection, social support, and cultural change to empower victims and break cycles of abuse.
Paper For Above instruction
Domestic violence remains a pervasive societal issue, cutting across geographical, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. It is not confined to any specific demographic but predominantly affects women and children, who are often deemed the most vulnerable. This essay explores the mechanisms of control exercised by abusers, such as Eddie in the case outlined, and the profound effects of such violence on victims. Furthermore, it examines why victims often choose to persevere rather than escape, highlighting societal, economic, and psychological barriers.
The control tactics employed by abusers like Eddie encompass physical violence, emotional manipulation, and social isolation. The physical abuse includes slapping, dragging, and slamming victims, leading to injuries like bruises and head trauma. Emotional manipulation manifests through insults, accusations, threats, and isolating victims from their social support systems. Such tactics serve to erode the victim’s self-esteem, foster dependency, and reinforce the abuser’s dominance (Kaur & Garg, 2008). Social isolation further diminishes the victim’s ability to seek help or escape, creating a cycle of abuse that is difficult to break.
The psychological impact on victims can be debilitating. Victims often develop intense fear for their safety and mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and lowered self-worth. Witnessing ongoing violence can also have generational effects, with children exposed to domestic abuse being more likely to repeat behaviors or encounter social problems later in life (Fenwick-Smith et al., 2019). The complexity of these effects necessitates a comprehensive understanding of why victims remain trapped in abusive relationships, despite the evident dangers.
Several factors contribute to victims’ perseverance. Economic dependence plays a significant role; victims reliant on their abusers for financial security may find it daunting or impossible to leave without adequate support. Cultural and societal stigmas pose additional obstacles, as divorce or separation might lead to shame or social ostracism. Religious or traditional beliefs may reinforce the idea that marriage is a lifelong commitment, dissuading victims from seeking help or terminating the relationship (World Health Organization, 2013). Furthermore, emotional attachment, fear of retaliation, and concerns about losing custody of children further discourage victims from leaving (Jewkes et al., 2015).
The societal response to domestic violence has evolved with increased awareness, legal frameworks, and support services. Shelters, counseling, and legal protections are crucial resources that help victims escape unsafe environments. Educational campaigns aim to challenge societal norms surrounding gender roles and violence, promoting healthier relationships. However, these measures require effective implementation and cultural sensitivity to be truly impactful (Krug et al., 2002). Recognizing the barriers faced by victims and providing accessible, stigma-free support can enhance their agency to break free from abusive circumstances.
In conclusion, domestic violence is a complex phenomenon rooted in power imbalances and societal norms. It causes profound physical, emotional, and social harm to victims, with far-reaching intergenerational effects. Addressing the root causes and providing robust support systems are essential steps toward reducing prevalence and helping victims regain control over their lives. Understanding the persistence of victims in abusive situations underscores the importance of targeted intervention policies and community awareness initiatives, fostering environments where victims feel safe to seek help and escape abuse.
References
- Ashraf, S., Abrar-ul-Haq, M., & Ashraf, S. (2017). Domestic violence against women: Empirical evidence from Pakistan. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 25(3).
- Fenwick-Smith, C., Schmitz, P., & Nyblade, L. (2019). Impact of domestic violence on children: A review of the literature. Child & Family Social Work, 24(3), 635-644.
- Jewkes, R., Probst, H., & Morna, C. (2015). Why do women stay in abusive relationships? A study of social, cultural, and economic factors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(14), 2296-2317.
- Kaur, R., & Garg, S. (2008). Addressing domestic violence against women: An unfinished agenda. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 33(2), 73-76.
- Krug, E. G., Mercy, J. A., Dahlberg, L. L., & Zwi, A. B. (2002). The world report on violence and health. Lancet, 360(9339), 1083-1088.
- World Health Organization. (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence against women: Prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence.