Domestic violence Free Essays

Article Critique My article Is about the NFG football player Ray Rice who was caught on video surveillance beating up his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e viscously until she fell unconscious. In the article it explains that sadly, the NFG has dealt with many domestic violence cases Just as bad as this one. In the criminal case, he can avoid prosecution and a criminal record by completing the pre-trial intervention program. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic violence or any similar topic only for you Order Now Most people who do such an offence wouldn’t be given this option to do instead. Many people believe that since he is professional athlete, he is able to go around the justice system in favor for himself. â€Å"Joana Rice has been supportive of her husband and criticized his indefinite suspension by the NFG†. I chose this quote because I found it very shocking that his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e that was beaten up by Ray Rice is defending him and accusing the media for getting into their private lives. She is probably doing this out of fear from him. This relates to our Families In Canada class because It shows us what an abusive legislations Is and how the man thinks he Is more dominant then the woman. The mall reason why I chose this article was that It shocked me that his flan ©e was defending him after the incident and said the media should leave them alone. I also chose it because I know this is a regular issue in professional sports. Incidents like this happen a couple times a year and mainly in the NFG. To conclude this article teaches me that this is a bad example for information for parents and families. Class Question: Why do you think Ray Rice’s fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e defended him after an incident like this? By: Matthew Tomato’s RAY RICE By animators My article is about the NFG football player Ray Rice who was caught on video he is professional athlete, he is able to go around the Justice system in favor for relates to our Families in Canada class because it shows us what an abusive relationship is and how the man thinks he is more dominant then the woman. The main reason why I chose this article was that it shocked me that his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e was How to cite Domestic violence, Papers Domestic Violence Free Essays According to statistics of recorded crimes in California, seventy five percent are women who are killed by an intimate partner. Moreover, more than eighty percent was being abused by a spouse or a boyfriend (CPEDV, 2007). Domestic or intimate partner violence has been a major problem in California. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic Violence or any similar topic only for you Order Now It includes violence between spouses, former or current partners, etc. It occurs in every part of the globe, regardless of culture and economic status. Women are more likely to suffer from domestic violence rather than males. Domestic violence involves physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse. Physical abuse includes intentional using of force that can cause severe injury, disability, and even death. When an intimate partner use bodily force to oblige his partner in a sexual act reluctantly or if he used obnoxious sexual contact, that is considered a form of sexual violence. Verbal and emotional abuse includes use of insults or any forms of humiliating acts against his partner. In psychological abuse, the victim is being dominated by her partner: controlling her, withholding facts from the victim, making the victim feel inferior, separating the victim from her family, and rebuffing her from money access or other essential resources. Economic abuse is when the victim has lost control from her own economic resources. Also, part of economic abuse is preventing his partner to finish school or won’t allow her to get a job. Domestic violence was considerably related with her childhood’s experience, having lower education, liberal thoughts about the roles of women, substance or alcohol use, faithfulness, having a close friend or other intimate partner, her partner’s drinking habit, either of the couple supports the family financially, and the like. Age, employment, economic difference, cohabitation, domestic assets, urbanization, conjugal status, and insights of cultural norms on women’s function in the society show trivial associations with the probability of domestic violence. Studies imply that domestic violence is most strongly associated to the type of women in a society and to the normative use of violence in conflict situations or as part of the exercise of power (Jewkes et al, 2002). Possible consequences of domestic violence include severe injury (bilateral bruises, broken bones, internal bleeding, and even death), higher rate of long-term health problems such as headaches, back pain, sexually transmitted disease, urinary infections, appetite loss, and abdominal pain, and gynecological, chronic stress and psychological problems such as trauma, sense of inferiority, nightmares, anxiety, feeling of depression and the like. Not only the victim can suffer from the consequences of domestic violence, her family, especially children who had witnessed the violence may acquire post-traumatic stress disorder, behavioral problems, and depressions. The incidence can leave a mark or a scar for everyone involved (Domestic Violence Intervention Center, 2008). Many cases of domestic violence are not being reported, this is due to the victim’s fear of her former partner that he may stalk, attack or even kill her anytime if his violence will be reported. However, there are government and non-government agencies that help victims of domestic violence to escape from an abusive partner and start a new life with her own or with her family; one is the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV). The agency was formed from two preceding agencies Statewide California Coalition for Battered women and the California Alliance against Domestic Violence. The said program aims to ensure safety and justice for victims and survivors of domestic violence and their family (CPEDV, 2007). Domestic violence is a serious crime. It is something we should not take for granted since it can be a long-timed suffering, or even fatal, for everyone involved. References ChildbirthSolutions, Inc. (2008). Violence against Women. Retrieved January 26, 2008 from http://www. childbirthsolutions. com/articles/issues/violence/index. php CPEDV. (2007). Frequetly Asked Questions about Domestic Violence. Retrieved January 28, 2008 from http://www. cpedv. org/CPEDV_faq. html Domestic Violence Intervention Center. (2008). Consequences of Violence on Psychological Health. Retrieved January 28, 2008 from http://www. dvic. org/Consequences-of-Domestic-Violence-on-Psychological-Health. php Jewkes, R. et al. (2002). Risk Factors for domestic Violence: findings from a South African cross-sectional study. PubMed Database. Retrieved January 28, 2008 from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/sites/entrez SafeState. (2007). Domestic Violence. Retrieved January 26, 2008 from http://safestate. org/index. cfm? navId=9 How to cite Domestic Violence, Papers Domestic Violence Free Essays Domestic Violence: Violence and Children Domestic Violence Domestic Violence is defined as any violent or abusive behavior (whether physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, verbal, financial, etc. ) which is used by one person to control and dominate another with whom they have or have had relationship with. Every year, thousands of women are victimized at the hand of an intimate partner, making domestic violence one of the major crimes against women in the United States. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic Violence or any similar topic only for you Order Now Despite the high rate of violence against women and the recent attention to the physical and emotional consequences of this abuse, until recently relatively little attention had been given to the unseen victims – the children. More than half the female victims of domestic violence live in a household with children under the age of 12 (United States Department of Justice – Violence by Intimates, 2000). Although estimates vary greatly, some research indicates that two – ten million children witness domestic violence each year in the United States (Rossman, Hughes, Rosenberg, 2000). Because children exposed to domestic violence may not necessarily be direct victims of abuse, they may be overlooked by helping professionals and, therefore their potential problems related to witnessing the abuse go unnoticed. Ignoring the consequences of exposure to violence on children can negatively impact their cognitive development as well as their emotional and physical health. Children exposed to domestic violence may be impacted in a variety of ways. Effects might be direct or indirect and one must consider prevention, intervention, and mediating factors. Exposure may increase negative externalizing behavior, increase risk of aggressive behavior, cause anxiety and depression, lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or perpetuate the cycle of violence by increasing the probability that the child will grow up to be a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence. It is important to understand that children who are exposed to violence are each unique and despite the fact that many may display negative consequences or great resiliency, each must be assessed carefully and individually to determine the exact consequence of exposure. What can be done? The first and most important intervention for children is to address the issues of safety for the family. With so many children exposed to domestic violence and with potentially dire consequences resulting, it is important for courts, practitioners and advocates to better understand how children are affected by such exposure and how that impact might be altered by protective factors, such as supportive relationships with a caregiver. The community should hold perpetrators responsible for their abusive behavior and provide a variety of legal interventions and social services to stop this violence. Child protection services, domestic violence agencies, juvenile courts, and community-based services should design interventions to create safety, enhance well-being, and provide stability for children and their families. Child welfare administrators should try to keep children affected by maltreatment and domestic violence in the care of their non-abusing parent, therefore creating permanency for the child/children. The child protection services should have well-trained full time service providers/advocates on staff to respond meaningfully to the safety of multiple victims within a family. They should respectfully and without blame offer their services to victims, and provide the necessary service as soon as problems are identified. Child protection services, domestic violence agencies, juvenile courts and even neighborhood residents should provide leadership to bring communities together to collaborate for the safety, well-being, and stability of children experiencing domestic violence. What a child learns at an early age depends on the parent’s ability to maintain and monitor what the children see and hear from their surroundings. References Rossman, R. B. , Hughes, H. M. , Rosenberg, M. S. (2000). Children and Interparental Violence: The Impact of Exposure. Michigan: Edward Brothers. United States Department of Justice. (2000). Violence by Intimates. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from: http://bjs. gov/content/pub/pdf/ipv. pdf How to cite Domestic Violence, Essay examples Domestic Violence Free Essays â€Å"A violence that occurs between partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, or cohabitation – to live together as husband and wife, usually without legal or religious sanction. † That’s how dictionary. com describes spousal abuse. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic Violence or any similar topic only for you Order Now But to me, spousal abuse is when one person in a marriage sanctified relationship verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically abuses the other person in the relationship. Many people view domestic violence as only happening to specific races, ethnicities, class, education level or age of the abuser but, surprising to many, it occurs in all social economic, religious, and cultural groups. And it can be the most damaging thing a man or woman could ever go through. In the US, a woman is beaten or assaulted every 9 seconds. At least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime all around the world. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic abuse annually. Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup. Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. 92% of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assaults as their top concern. Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone – the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55% and 95% of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help. The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5. 8 billion per year: $4. 1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses amount for nearly $1. 8 billion. Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice more likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent. He always apologized, and sometimes he would even cry because of the bruises he’d made on her arms or legs or her back. He would say that he hated what he’d done, but in the next breath tell her she’d deserved it. That if she’d been more careful, it wouldn’t have happened. That if she’d been paying attention or hadn’t been so stupid, he wouldn’t have lost his temper. † -Nicholas Spa rks, Safe Haven. When people think of abuse, they always seem to ask the question: â€Å"Why don’t you just leave? ,† â€Å"Why did you stay so long in the first place? ,† â€Å"How could you love someone who did something like that to you? But it’s not always that easy. A woman I know very well and am extremely close with was once affected by spousal abuse and she will be the first person to say leaving was not only the hardest thing she’s ever done, but the scariest and most complicated. This woman was beaten numerous times by a husband that â€Å"loved her. † â€Å"At first it wasn’t so bad,† she recalls. â€Å"He wasn’t always mean. And when he was being nice, I couldn’t even remember the times he was being mean. † Abuse is a cycle. It can start out being once a year, once a month, and escalate to being numerous times a day. Abuse works sort of like the cycle of precipitation. When the sun heats up the body of water, it’s like the man getting angry. As the water evaporates and rises into the air, it’s like the yelling, name calling, emotional aspect of abuse is construed. As the water cools and condenses to become droplets, which form clouds, is when the pushing and the shoving and the slight hitting begin. When the water condenses and falls to the ground as rain or snow, is when the beating begins: the punching, the kicking, the mauling. And as the rain collects, is when apologizes and/or crying begins. The worst time was when we beat me so bad I couldn’t open my eyes for a week,† my friends confines to me. â€Å"Once he got mad and punched me so hard he cracked my rib. † â€Å"He later got mad and kicked me out of the bed which surfaces the continuation of the breaking of the rib. † â€Å"He would lock my in the basement for hours just because he got mad. † â€Å"He would rip apart my clothes and take a hammer to all the jewelry I owned that wasn’t on my body. † â€Å"He cheated on me. † â€Å"He undermined me, called me names, talked to me so bad I thought I was a monster. I would look in the mirror once a day just to brush my hair and put on my makeup. Now, as you read this I know you’ve asked yourself that universal question: â€Å"Why didn’t you just leave? Why’d you let it get so bad? † But think when you were threatened weekly that he would not only kill you, but your family, and take your kids, leaving would probably be the last thing on your mind. â€Å"Why didn’t you call the cops? † Well, when you wanted nothing more than to pretend that nothing was happening and everything was okay and you were normal just like everyone else, getting law enforcement involved and creating drama was the absolute last thing you wanted. But she did finally get the courage to leave when she thought of her oldest son, and how he’d be starting school soon. How could you send a child to school with them witnessing his mother getting beaten and him be able to actually lead a normal life? And believe me this not something that just happened out of the blue. It was an extraneous plan to get out without him hurting her, her family, and most importantly, their two sons. The story I’ll never forget though, is months after she left, going back to pick up her son from the father’s supervised visitation, he tried to kill her. Just thinking of this story sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. Their son had an event at Sunday school he was dying to go to, and he could only under one condition†¦ She had to go pick him up by herself. Thinking back upon this, she realizes what a stupid decision she made but at the time, she was focused on her the wants of her child. As she arrived at his house, she approached the door, having a gut feeling that something was really wrong but she suffaced the feeling and went inside to get her boy. Upon departure, the man that had formerly beaten her asked if he could walk her to the car. This was weird because he never asked for permission, but she just shrugged it off and agreed to it, which would prove later to be the worst decision of her life. As she reached over to buckle in her oldest son, she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, she knew something horrendous was momentarily about to happen. She turned around to her former husband, the former love of her life, blatantly stabbing her repeatedly in the chest with the sheer intention to murder her. As she sat there pressing against the steering wheel as hard as she could, her two children screaming bloody murder, this man, who â€Å"loved this woman more than that anything on the planet,† jabbed a knife into her chest twelve different times. If it hadn’t been the man’s mother running outside to see what all the commotion was about, this woman probably won’t be here today. The woman is strongest, most courageous, most beautiful woman I know. She is my role model. She was dealt the worst card a life could of been dealt and struggled through it and is now one of the most happy women on the planet. This woman has been there for me through thick and thin. She is a pinochle of strength. She is the prime example that abuse could most possibly be the worst thing on this planet, but you can get through and even though at the time it make seem like it, it’s not the end of the world. Just remember next you hear a story of abuse and think, â€Å"Why didn’t they just leave? ,† think back to this woman story. See her struggles and difficulties. See how hard it was to escape. Next, time don’t just judge the book by the cover. Open it up and read a few pages first. Abuse is an extremely serious thing that shouldn’t be ignored. I know I sound like one of those commercials telling to call someone, let someone know it’s happening to you. But it’s the truth. The sooner you come out to someone about it, the closer you are to getting the courage to leave once and for all. Remember, it’s not going to be an easy process but, in life, you have to work for the things you truly want and are truly important to you. And remember, you’re not the only one. This happens to women all over the world. You’re not alone, take a stand. By: Chelsea Fenwick 3rd Period * Statistics and facts taken from http://domesticviolencestatistics. org/domestic-violence-statistics/ How to cite Domestic Violence, Essay examples Domestic Violence Free Essays string(201) " of why men or women abuse and why men and women are reluctant to end abusive relationships may seem abstract, but theories have important implications how to understand the problem \(Sampson, 2006\)\." Executive Summary The question of why men or women abuse and why men and women are reluctant to end abusive relationships may seem abstract, but theories have important implications how to understand the problem (Sampson, 2006). You read "Domestic Violence" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"An ecological perspective conceptualizes violence as a complex problem rooted in the interactions among various factors at the individual, family and community/societal levels of an individual’s environment (WHO, 2002). Learned helplessness has been applied to domestic violence and battered women cases, due to the frame of mind that women are limited to, as well as to answer questions such as why women will not leave an abusive environment. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic Violence or any similar topic only for you Order Now According to Barnett (1993), sex-roles play a major part in the perceptions of women; for example in regards to socialization women are taught that the norm is to rely upon a male partner for their attachment and support. On the opposite end, men are taught to be aggressive; women are instructed to be soft, and nurturing. Domestic violence policies are designed to either reduce subsequent violence after an incident, or to deter potential violence. A new proposed social work policy or program that stems from learned helplessness theory would ensure the reporting of possible domestic violence more prominently. Recommendations for further research, practice, and social work policy should focus more on the long term effects of domestic violence within families. A new proposed social work policy or program that stems from learned helplessness theory would ensure the reporting of possible domestic violence more prominently. Abstract Domestic Violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors that adults or adolescents use against their current or former intimate partners. The relationship may be one of marriage, cohabitation, or dating. There are  several different aspects of domestic violence that include: physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, emotional, and economical. This paper will discuss theories related to domestic violence, social work policies or programs that logically stems from the theory and recommendations for further research, practice and social work policy. Domestic Violence: A Social Analysis Domestic Violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors that adults or adolescents use against their current or former intimate partners. The relationship may be one of marriage, cohabitation, or dating. There are  several different aspects of domestic violence that includes: physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, emotional, and economical. An estimated twelve million people are abused in the United States alone every year. Every two minutes, someone in the US is sexually assaulted. One in six women and one in thirty-three men have been victims of attempted or completed rapes in their lifetime. Fifteen percent of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 12. One in  four women in the United States will be abused in her lifetime. These are not small numbers. This is more than seven times as many people as die of heart disease, cancer, car accidents, and firearms combined. Ecological Theory for Domestic Violence The ecological theory is useful in application to cases of domestic violence in that it incorporates the complexities of life to understand the multi-faceted nature of violence. An ecological perspective conceptualizes violence as a complex problem rooted in the interactions among various factors at the individual, family and community/societal levels of an individual’s environment (WHO, 2002). Four Levels of the World Health Organization Ecological Model On the individual level, biological and personal factors including personal history can increase the likelihood of being a victim or a perpetrator of violence. Other contributing factors include age, personality disorders, substance abuse, education and income. This comprises what an individual brings with them to the relationship including values, attitudes, beliefs and subjective perceptions (WHO, 2002, Carlson, 1984). The relationship level includes family and friends which incorporates the dynamics between family members. This close inner circle and relationship patterns influences behavior and contributes to their life experiences. This level focuses on the nature of family life, the quality of the spousal relationship which often interrelates on the individual level (Carlson, 1984). The community level refers to settings such as work environment, schools and neighborhoods. An important component on the opposite end of the spectrum is the lack of social networks, poverty and community involvement. The community level can refer to the economic realities including employment versus unemployment, crime level and law enforcement (Carlson, 1984). The societal level looks at broad factors that either encourages or discourages family violence. This can include cultural norms regarding gender roles, parent-child relationships, educational and economic trends. This level comprises a wide array of different variables that can impact all other levels including exposure to media, which can encourage or inhibit violence, and the general acceptance of violence, availability of firearms and response of law enforcement. Our belief system affects us in how we perceive others regarding sex-role stereotypes and sexism (Carlson, 1984). Basic Premise of the Ecological Theory The basic premise of the ecological theory is that families interact with their environment to form an ecosystem. Families carry out biological, economic and psychosocial and nurturance functions for the good of itself as well as the good of society. All the peoples of the world are interdependent; there is a balance between cooperation and in the ecosystem and with the demands of the individual for autonomy and freedom (Bubloz Sontag, 1993). Family ecological theory assumptions. Families and the environment are interdependent. * Families are a part of the total life system, so they are interdependent with other forms of life. * Adaptation is a continuing process in families. * All parts of the environment are interrelated and influence each other. * Families interact with multiple environments. * Interactions between families and environments are guided by two sets of rules which include physical and biological laws of nature and human-derived rules (social norms). Environments do not determine human behavior but pose limitations and constraints as well as possibilities and opportunities for families. * Decision making is the central control process in families that directs actions for attaining individual and family goals (Bubloz Sontag, 1993). Application of Assumptions The question of why men or women abuse and why men and women are reluctant to end abusive relationships may seem abstract, but theories have important implications how to understand the problem (Sampson, 2006). Sociologists became interested in examining the effects of the environment on the social organization and thus and it became an approach to the general study of social change† (Dale, Smith, Norlin Chess, 2009). There are differing theories concerning abuse, but families have to adapt, respond and change their environment for survival following the assumption in the ecological theory. In the same manner that society does, families accept violence as a means to resolve conflict. They suggest that abusive behavior is modeled for males in their family of origin (Straus, Gelles, Steinmetz, 1980). â€Å"Family violence is shaped by the personal and marital history of the parents, children and others who comprise the family† (Swick Williams, 2006, p. 374). This follows the assumption of the interaction between families and environments are guided by human-derived rules and what is considered normal for a particular family. Violence is used by the most powerful family members to maintain their dominant position (Kurz, 1989). Lower income levels will show higher rates of intimate abuse, and violence may be a more acceptable form of settling disputes (Sampson, 2006). This is relevant on all levels to the individual, their relationships, community and societal level in regard to the corresponding stress on an individual and their family. The assumption of families and their environment are interdependent, that all parts of the environment are interrelated and influence each other and also as to what is accepted as a part of our individual belief system (Bubolz Sontag, 1993). This follows along with the assumption that environments do not determine human behavior, but pose limitations, constraints as well as opportunities. Social support, the lack of social support, and negative life events can have an impact on how women respond and react psychologically whereas, strong social support can protect women’s functioning in traumatic situation (Levendosky and Graham-Bermann, 2001). Strengths of the Ecological Theory Strengths of the ecological theory in consideration of domestic violence is that it takes into account each system level in its contextual ature in regard to the person’s life and the diversity of the circumstances. Each family experiences stress in unique ways and families respond differently to different stressors. â€Å"Because family stressors are different, it is impossible to stereotype families in relation to their stress dynamics† (Swick Williams, 2006, p. 373). Limitations of the Ecological Theory One of the limitati ons of the theory is that while it allows for a broad spectrum of causal factors and assumptions, it doesn’t specifically identify every factor that might contribute to couple violence. Learned Helplessness Theory for Domestic Violence Learned helplessness has been applied to domestic violence and battered women cases, due to the frame of mind that women are limited to, as well as to answer questions such as why women will not leave an abusive environment. The principle of learned helplessness according to Seligman follows the assumptions that a person in certain situations will feel a lack of control, and symptoms that often times resemble depression (Dale et al, 2009, p. 31. Learned helplessness is a concept that is cognitive in nature, formed by role-observing, and strengthened through reward and punishment (Barnett LaViolette, 1993). Roles According to Barnett (1993), sex-roles play a major part in the perceptions of women; for example in regards to socialization women are taught that the norm is to rely upon a male partner for their attachment and support. On the opposite end, men are taught to be aggressive; women are instructed to be soft, and nurturing. Even in work related environments, women will often decline employment options that will separate them from their partners, or take them away from their learned roles as mothers (Barnette LaViolette, 1993). A quote from Louis Wyse sums up the sexual role in reference to domestic violence â€Å"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths† (p. 1). This powerlessness is evident in cases of domestic violence in which the woman stays in a violent situation even though there is outward support; it is also evident that women who do not receive family or community support will accept the idea hat the man holds the power (Walker, 2009). Learned helplessness is described as starting at a young age for women; typically as daughters we learn our roles through our mothers and their roles as a caretaker, wife, and mother. Young women learn about self-respect based on how others perceive them in regards to being liked or not. Into adulthood, women continue th eir journey to self-identification through the relationships, therefore, the skills and â€Å"norms† that were previously practiced in their family environments becomes a reflex (Barnett, LaViolette, 1993). A common misconception from the learning aspect of the theory is that women who are beat, were raised in a dysfunctional environment, and therefore do not have the capacity or knowledge to leave. In actuality the women stay are taught to â€Å"stand by your man† by their mothers or female models (Barnett LaViolette, 1993, p. 12). No matter how severe the domestic violence was, some women stated â€Å"With time I just got accustomed to the abuse† (Walker, 2009, p. 346). This is known as the chameleon effect, in which the women, due to their helplessness, adapt to their environment in order to cope. Cycle of Violence A theory known as the Cycle of Violence was developed to explain the ups and downs of battering incidents, or rather the dilemma of staying or leaving. This is a three phase cycle that covers â€Å"(1) tension-building accompanied with rising sense of danger, (2) the acute battering incident, and (3) loving-contrition† (Walker, 2009, p. 91). The first phase refers to the acts that come before physical violence, such as confrontation, hitting objects, threats, and aggressive outbursts (Barnett LaViolette, 1993). According to Walker (2009) these aggressive actions are an attempt to display dissatisfaction, in which the woman will try to correct or improve his mood in anyway necessary. Reinforcement comes from the effectiveness in her efforts to keep the situation/violence in control; however, this only lasts for a short period of time. This thought process is unrealistic in nature because the woman generally thinks that she is controlling the man in keeping him calm and satisfied by performing tasks that the male figure typically wishes to be completed (i. e. ironing, cooking, cleaning) (2009). Phase one continues until further escalation into the second phase of actual physical abuse. At this point the woman feels that she has lost her control over her spouse or partner due to the eruption of anger. Phase two, the acute battering incident, is characterized by feelings of fear and helplessness. The woman will take this situation as an â€Å"accident† or make up excuses for the man as well as for her. Self-esteem is affected in many ways and further torments her into thinking â€Å"I cannot live a good life without him; nobody would love me, or care about me, or want me but him. I am worth nothing† (Walker, 2009 p 346). In terms of control, women in studies admitted to feeling powerless. â€Å"I had no freedom, no money, occasionally he let me out to go to the grocery store down the road but if I didn’t return on time, he hit me badly† (1993, p. 345). Many women will stay in a dangerous living situation because of a concept known as learned hopefulness. This is also known as the â€Å"honeymoon phase† and phase three of the cycle of violence (love contrition) (Barnett LaViolette, 1993, p. 16). Within this phase more positive reinforcement takes place; the batterer will apologize, and attempt to mend their bruises with romance, gifts, and thoughtful acts (1993). The husband or abuser will often promise to never harm the woman again. In a study completed at a women’s shelter, 73% thought â€Å"he will change† at this point; this is also the number one reason for women who stay in an abusive relationship; number two reason being the fear of revenge (1993, p. 17). Learned Helplessness Assumptions * A person’s concept of self will often be later displayed through behavior. The concept is cognitive in nature and is a frame of mind that leads a person to feel a loss of control. * Individuals with learned helplessness have a self-esteem problem in regards to taking things personally; they also feel that it is a permanent aspect, as well as pervasive (taking over their entire life) (Dale, et al. , 2009). * These examples assumptions are displayed in the cycle o f violence. Past, Current, and Future Work Some of the very first case studies on learned helplessness were developed to answer the question as to why battered women will not leave an abusive situation. Seligman answered this question by using dogs in an experiment in which they were repeatedly shocked. The dogs were unable to escape from the physical pain, even when an apparent escape was available. Seligman discussed and labeled learned helplessness due to the fact that many factors are affected in regards to animals and humans, such as behavior, cognitive abilities, and motivation to find an escape (Barnett La Violette, 1993). In regards to current work, experimental groups are being devised to inquire about neurological aspects. Neuroscientists are looking at serotonin release in animals in reference to stress which is a major factor in learned helplessness. Many of the experiments are finding that the dogs in the studies are actually not in a state of learned helplessness, but simply in a frame of mind that is natural to them (Dingfelder, 2009). There are many problems and limitations with studies involving learned helplessness. Many surround the fact that there has been no research that confirms or denies that possibility that learned helplessness is a true factor in domestic violence. The second is in regards to the sample type. The women who are in the studies for abuse are often in shelters and therefore found an escape from the violence. It is hard to determine the reasons for the women who don’t leave the domestic violence due to their animosity (Miller, 1981). Future research should look at police investigation or in instances where a domestic dispute is called in, a social worker should be present to determine such factors and lend a more insightfulness. Other limitations within the research of learned helplessness lie within the reason for the studies. There has been no research to determine how this theory and concepts will decrease domestic violence. The only way to end the helpless phase is to have a support system who will inform of ways to help such as self-talk and improving ones self-esteem. Domestic Violence Policy Domestic violence policies are designed to either reduce subsequent violence after an incident (e. g. , statues authorizing the courts to issue protection orders) or to deter potential violence (e. . , changing domestic violence offenses from misdemeanors to felonies) (Black, p. 1087, 1971. ) The most common misconception about domestic violence offenders is that â€Å"nothing will be done to them (the offenders. ) They (the police) just talk to them and let them go. † Bachman and Coker (1995) found that women are less likely to seek police help if the perpetrator had previously victimized them (p. 95. ) Th ey suggest this finding may be partially explained by ‘‘learned helplessness† found in women who are battered over time (Walker, 1979, p. . ) Another plausible explanation is that previously victimized women may have been disappointed by earlier criminal justice responses (ecological perspective). The ecological perspective is important in many fields as a way to understand why individuals take or do not take certain actions in society. This is important research for politicians developing policies that are aimed at changing a social problem such as domestic violence, poverty or environmental degradation. Domestic Violence Laws In 2010, at the request of Missouri’s Attorney General Chris Koster, a Task Force on Domestic Violence was established which is comprised of legislators, the coalition’s CEO and the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services director; to hold state wide hearings, review 30 years of existing state domestic violence laws, inquire ab out statewide and local practices of intervention, and issue reports recommending legislative and public policy changes† (New Missouri Law: 2011 p. 1, 2011. ) As a result of this task force, several domestic violence laws have been changed. Some of the laws changed are expanding protections orders violations that trigger arrest. Before this change, respondents could only be arrested when they abused, stalked or violated conditions of the Order of Protection relating to child custody, communication with the petitioner of entry in to the petitioner’s home or dwelling unit. Since these changes; â€Å"respondents can be arrested for entering a petitioner’s place of employment or school or are within a certain distance of the petitioner or a child of the petitioner† (Missouri Law 455. 085. 7-8 and 455. 538. 4(1) RSMo. Also reimbursement maximums were set for sexual assault forensics evidence exams. Before this change â€Å"victims of domestic violence who were ordered to do a rape kit were charged exorbitant fees for the exam† (Missouri Law 595. 220. 1(2) RSMo. ) Proposed Social Work Policy or Program A new proposed social work policy or program that stems from learned helplessness theory would en sure the reporting of possible domestic violence more prominently. This could include possible engaging of the media and public in creating new social and cultural norms that discourage violence against women. Expand mandatory reporting of possible sexual abuse from mandated reported to any person who observes a person being subjected to sexual abuse. Currently there is a proposed bill in the Missouri House Senate regarding this idea as related to children. Senate Bill 457 would require mandatory child abuse reporting to the children’s Division when a sexual offense has been witnessed by any person who observes the child being subjected to sexual abuse (2012). This author feels this bill should be expanded to all persons who are being subjected to domestic violence and sexual abuse. A new proposed social work policy or program that stems from learned helplessness theory would ensure the reporting of possible domestic violence more prominently. Early identification of those at risk for victimization can be significant in preventing future violence. Also to reduce re-victimization, increase prison time for perpetrators of domestic violence. Currently there is a Missouri Senate House Bill that is requesting that community level supervision be offered for non-violent offenders. Senate Bill 1525 shifts from incarceration of certain offenders to community level supervision to reduce the state’s rapidly growing prison costs (2012. ) This means that sexual violence offenders will be put on probation and allowed to live in the same community as their victim. Currently the authorized dispositions for felony convictions of sexual abuse or domestic violence include a term of imprisonment, a fine if the offense is a Class C or D felony and a period of probation (Missouri sentencing laws: Section 560. 11, RSMo. ) Currently, authorized dispositions for felony convictions include a term of imprisonment, a fine if the offense is a Class C or D felony (Missouri sentencing laws: Section 560. 111, RSMo) and a period of probation. In addition, the execution of the sentence may be suspended and the person placed on probation or the imposition of the sentence may be suspended, with or without placing the person on probation (Missouri sentencing laws: Section 557. 011, RSMo). Future Policies Recommendations for further research, practice, and social work policy should focus more on the long term effects of domestic violence within families. However, it has been noted that victims of domestic violence, mainly battered women, suffer physical and mental problems. Studying long-term effects of these injuries may give insight to PTSD and allow for better treatment. â€Å"Battering is the single major cause of injury to women, more significant that auto accidents, rapes, or muggings† (Georgia Department of Human Resources Family Violence Manual, p. , 1992). Many of the physical injuries sustained by battered women seem to cause medical difficulties as women grow older. Arthritis, hyper-tension and heart disease have been identified by battered women as directly caused or aggravated by domestic violence suffered early in their adult lives. Data suggests that one-third of the children who witness domestic violence demonstrate significant behavioral and/or emotional proble ms, including psychosomatic disorders, stuttering, anxiety and fears, sleep disruption, excessive crying and school problems. Data also suggests that boys who witness domestic violence are more likely to inflict severe violence as adults. Data involving girls suggest that girls who witness maternal abuse may tolerate abuse as adults more than girls who do not. These negative effects may be diminished if the families could benefit from intervention by the law and domestic violence programs. â€Å"Domestic violence is not impulsive, but a purposeful behavior meant to confuse and control the victim. It is not an isolated incident but rather a pattern of repeated behaviors. It can be physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological and the relationship may be one of marriage, cohabitation, or dating. Domestic violence is a severe problem in our community that results in shattered homes and damages lives. Very few victims of domestic violence will tell anyone—not even a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police. Victims come from all walks of life. Domestic violence is a social work issue that needs to be dealt with. † (Christos House, Sherry Fohey, 2012. ) References Bachman, R. and Coker, Ann. (1995). Police involvement in domestic violence: The interactive effects of victim injury, offender’s history of violence, and race,† Violence and Victims, 10, 91 – 106. Barnett, O. W. , LaViolette, A. D. (1993). It could happen to anyone: Why battered women stay. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. â€Å"Battered Families . . . Shattered Lives,† (1992). Department of Human Resources Family Violence Manual, January 1992. Black, D. (1971). â€Å"The Social Organization of Arrest,† Stanford Law Review 23: e 1087-1111. Bubolz, M. , Sontag, M. (1993). Human ecology theory. In P. G. Boss, W. J. Doherty, R. LaRossa, W. R. Schumm, S. K. Steinmetz (Eds. ), Sourcebook of family theories and methods: A contextual approach, 419-448. New York: Plenum Press. Retrieved March 30, 2012 from http://www. public. iastate. edu/~hd_fs. 511/lecture/Sourcebook17. pptSimilar. Christos House. www. yellowpages. com/west-plains-mo/mip/christos-house-467162767 Dale, O. , Smith, R. , Norlin, J. , and Chess, W. (2009). Human behavior and the social environment: Social systems theory. Pearson: Boston, MA. Dingfelder, S. F. (2009). â€Å"Old problem, new tools,† American Psychological Association, 40(9), 40. Retrieved from http://www. apa. org/monitor/2009/10/helplessness. aspx. Kurz, D. (1989). Social science perspectives on wife abuse: Current debates and future directions. Gender and Society, 3,404, 489-505. Levendosky, A. , Graham-Bermann, S. (2001). Parenting in battered women: The effects of domestic violence on women and their children. Journal of Family Violence, 16, 2, 171-192. Miller, J. C. (1981). â€Å"An application of learned helplessness theory to battered women. Retrieved from ProQuest Digital Dissertations (AAT 6124688) Missouri HB 1525, Missouri Senate, (2012). Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. Missouri sentencing laws. Missouri Law 455. 085. 7-8 RSMo. http://www. mosac. mo. gov/page. jsp? id=45392. Retrieved April 11, 2012 Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. Missouri sentencing laws. Missouri Law 455. 538. 4(1) RSMo. http://www. mosac. mo. gov/page. jsp? id=4539 2. Retrieved April 11, 2012 Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. Missouri sentencing laws. Missouri Law Section 557. 011, RSMo. http://www. osac. mo. gov/page. jsp? id=45392. Retrieved April 11, 2012. Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. Missouri sentencing laws. Missouri Law Section 560. 111, RSMo. Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. Missouri sentencing laws. http://www. mosac. mo. gov http://www. mosac. mo. gov/page. jsp? id=45392. Retrieved April 11, 2012 Modifies provisions of mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse. Missouri SB 457. Missouri Senate, (2012). New Missouri Law: 2011. www. mocadsv. org/Resources/CMSResources/pdf/LegislativeUpdates/. Retrieved April 11, 2012. Sampson, R. 2006). The problem of domestic violence. Domestic Violence, Guide, 45. Retrieved on April 9, 2012 from http://www. popcenter. org/problems/domestic_violence. Straus, M. , Gelles, R. , Steinmetz, S. (1980). Behind closed doors: Violence in the American family. Garden City, NY: Anchor/ Doubleday. pdf. 1999 Walker, L. (1979). The battered woman. New York, NY: Harper and Row. Walker, L. E. (2009). The battered woman syndrome. New York, NY. Springer Publishing Company, LLC. World report on violence and health: summary. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2002: 1-57. How to cite Domestic Violence, Essay examples Domestic Violence Free Essays While watching the news or reading newspapers, it’s no longer uncommon to find another heartbreaking story about domestic violence. This issue has reached a terrifying level. The numbers of domestic violence cases in the United States of America are steadily increasing each year directly related to the increasing stress level of the United State as a whole. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic Violence or any similar topic only for you Order Now Domestic violence is caused by misunderstanding among family members, work related stress, as well as influence from media. This can ultimately result in divorce, depression or other emotional illness, and disconnection of families, whether it be between spouses or parents and children. Stress is a major cause of domestic violence. In today’s society, everyone has ‘too much on their plate. ’ Americans too often over commit their selves. Whether it’s staying later at work to get that one quote done or chauffeuring all 7 kids to each of their sport’s practices, they are just too busy. This generation’s kids are so involved in sports, school, along with participating in numerous extracurricular activities. Children can consume parents’ lives, leaving no time to spend with each other. Misunderstanding, as well as a lack of communication, among families can emanate from the absence of trust between family members. A loss of trust can put a huge strain on a marriage as well as relationships between parents and children. Trustworthiness between family members is necessary for a successful relationship. In addition, lack of communication between family members can cause many problems. Without communication, people often lose trust in each other. Furthermore, media has an increasing influence on Americans. Over the past few years, it seems like most television programs revolve around broken families. Media is creating the impression that this is how it’s supposed be, which is absolutely false. These causes a can all be prevented. American’s simply need to be strong, calm down, and stop sweating the small stuff. The effects of domestic violence are serious. Domestic violence includes verbal and physical abuse of children, teenagers, spouses or other family members. Divorce, abuse of a parent, or the abuse the child directly can destroy a child. They may lose all self confidence, become extremely shy, or even take out their built up anger and fear on other children at school. Domestic violence of teenagers can have an even more serious and traumatic effect: suicide, self abuse, or abuse of others. The effects of domestic violence of adults include the effects on children and teenagers and more. The most popular effect on adults is the divorce of spouses. Divorce affects both spouses, and often times after a divorce children are neglected. Depression and other emotional illnesses often stem from domestic violence. Domestic violence leaves lasting effects on anyone who experiences it. There are many causes and effects of domestic violence. Media and work related stress are two causes that can be easily eliminated. The emotional tolls one goes through when involved in a violent relationship are heartbreaking.. American families need to get out of this rut, and stop hurting each other. These physical and emotional scars of those affected are impacting our country as a whole. Let’s take a stand against domestic violence, and stop it. How to cite Domestic Violence, Papers