Investigate a Social Issue

Investigate a Social Issue

Eulis Rhodes
Tiffani Davis
SOC 100
December 9, 2013

The social issue that I am interested in is Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive and threatening behaviors that may include physical, emotional, economic and sexual violence as well as intimidation, isolation and coercion. The purpose of domestic violence is to establish and exert power and control over another; men most often use it against their intimate partners, which can include current or former spouses, girlfriends, or dating partners. Domestic violence is a behavior that is learned through observation and reinforcement in both the family and society. It is not caused by genetics or illness. Domestic violence is repeated because it works. The pattern of domestic violence allows the perpetrator to gain control of the victim through fear and intimidation. Gaining the victim’s compliance, even temporarily, reinforces the perpetrator’s use of these tactics of control. More importantly, however, the perpetrator is able to reinforce his abusive behavior because of the socially sanctioned belief that men have the right to control women in relationships and the right to use force to ensure that control. Most victim of domestic violence has several episodes of abuse before they actually report it to the law. According to Chicago Tribune, “Don't give it up. It's not going to happen again” is what most victims are told by their abuser. (Chicago Tribune, 2008) Domestic violence is a serious problem around the world. It violates the fundamental human rights of women and often results in serious injury or death. There are many different theories why men abuse women. The first theory developed in the United States was that men who battered women were mentally ill and that women who remained in violent relationships were also mentally ill. This theory proved to be wrong. According to Sun Sentinel, “There are a lot of suits that aren`t filed because the victim is scared.” (Sun Sentinel, 1988) The number of relationships that involved violence was much greater than original theorists guessed and psychological tests did not support the theory that violence was caused by mental illness. In fact, many batterers and their victims tested normal under psychological tests. Another theory developed that men battered because they learned this behavior in their families. Although there is a statistical relationship between boys who witness their fathers battering their mothers there is no significant statistical relationship between girls who witness battering and those who later become victims. Furthermore, many men who witnessed violence as children do not abuse their partners as adults. A third theory was that women suffered from a learned helplessness as a result of repeated battering, which prevented them from resisting the violence or leaving the relationship. This theory does not address the economic, social, and familial reasons that force women to stay in the relationship; it is also inconsistent with the experiences of many women who actively attempt to secure their safety. According to Madison Magazine, “In fact, victims are six times likelier to be killed after leaving or while attempting to leave an abuser.” (Madison Magazine, 2012) Research indicates that battered women resist the abuse in many ways and engage in a variety of survival or coping strategies. It is known that batterers use a wide range of coercive and abusive behaviors against their victims. Some of the abusive behaviors used by batterers result in physical injuries that harm the victim both physically and emotionally. Other techniques employed by batterers involve emotionally abusive behaviors. While these behaviors may not result in physical injuries, they are still psychologically damaging to the victim. Batterers employ different abusive behaviors at different times. Even a single incident of physical violence may be sufficient to establish power and control over a partner; this power and control is then reinforced and strengthened by non-physical abusive and coercive behaviors. Domestic violence is a serious threat for many women. Know the signs of an abusive relationship and how to leave a dangerous situation. Your partner apologizes and says the hurtful behavior won’t happen again. At times you keep asking yourself is this real? Is it my fault, what can I do to stop it from happening; you might be experiencing domestic violence. It might not be easy to identify domestic violence at first. While some relationships are clearly abusive from the outset, abuse often starts subtly and gets worse over time. Knowing the signs of abuse will benefit people in society.

Reference www.articles.chicagotribune.com www.articles.sun-sentinel.com www.madisonmagazine.com