Incidence And Treatment Regarding Domestic Violence example essay topic

Domestic Violence One of the most complicated issues facing most health care professionals and governmental agencies today is that of domestic violence. Domestic violence encompasses any violence that is inflicted upon one family member by another family member. Thus, domestic violence can be described as spouse abuse, child abuse, sibling abuse, or elder abuse. Most authorities suggest that domestic violence is typically expressed in violence against women and children. Such acts of violence can involve health care professionals in the treatment of physical injuries, the psychological impact upon the victim, or the aggressive behavior of the abuser. Often governmental agencies are called upon to investigate such matters to ensure the safety of the victims or to determine appropriate punishment for the offender.

However, given the importance of the bonds and rights of the family that our culture maintains, it is difficult to determine when the situation at home "is no one's business" and when it merits intervention from outside parties in order to protect the welfare of those involved. Despite these difficulties and complexities, domestic violence is considered to be a worldwide health problem necessitating urgent intervention ("A Priority Health", 1998). The purpose of this paper is to explore the incidence and treatment regarding domestic violence. Incidence The occurrence of domestic violence appears to be a worldwide problem occurring in every nation on earth. The small island of Fiji reports incidents of husbands killing wives over marital disputes (Adinkrah, 1999). Japanese officials refer to domestic violence as a "hidden crime" (Mieko, 1999).

One survey conducted by the local government of Tokyo indicated that: one-third of the women interviewed had suffered physical violence from their husbands, violence was repeatedly inflicted on almost seven percent of the women, and over three percent indicated that they had been beaten severely. The government of India suspects that at least five thousand women were burned to death in 1991 by their husbands over marital conflicts (Singh & Unnithan, 1999). Although Sweden is generally considered a country sensitive to social and family issues, it is also plagued with incidents of domestic violence. Consequently, the Swedish government introduced a new offense in 1998 in order to discourage spouse abuse (Nylen, & Heimer, 1999). As such, one part of the new offense, gross violation of a woman's integrity, covers repeated acts committed by men against women with whom they have a close relationship.

Its companion offense, gross violation of integrity, protects children and other close relatives. The new offense means that if a man commits certain criminal acts (e. g., assault, unlawful threat or coercion, sexual or other molestation, or sexual exploitation) against a woman to whom he is or has been married or with whom he is or has been cohabiting and seriously damages her self confidence, the courts can sentence him for gross violation of the woman's integrity in addition to sentencing him on each traditional crime, such as aggravated assault. In this way, the new legislation allows the courts to take into account the entire situation of the abused woman and increase the offender's punishment to fit the severity and frequency of the acts. (p. 19) Of course, the crime of domestic violence is also prevalent in the United States. In fact, in recent years, many famous individuals have been accused of abusing their wife. For example, film director John Singleton, former football player and actor Jim Brown, and rock musician Tommy Lee have all appeared in court to face charges of such crimes. The most prominent forms of domestic violence are spouse abuse, particularly with the wife as target, and abuse of children.

In some cases, both types are occurring simultaneously. In other situations, only one type of violence is occurring. Other forms of domestic violence such as sibling abuse and elder abuse are not as common. Violence against adult males is rare. Consequently, violence within a household is typically aimed at weaker members. Spouse Abuse For centuries, the abuse of wives by their husbands has been tolerated by most societies.

In some cultures, it was considered to be a part of married life, a method of acceptable control. Since men were paid through dowries to take care of wives, the notion was that wives were considered property in much the same way that children were viewed (Kornblum & Julian, 1995). Consequently, authorities often believe that it is inappropriate to interfere in the relationship between a man and his wife or children. "There seems to be an implicit, taken-for-granted cultural norm which makes it legitimate for family members to hit each other. In respect to husbands and wives, in effect, this means that the marriage license is also a hitting license" (Straus, 1977, p. 444).

Actually, there is no equality with regard to husbands and wives hitting one another. Statistics regarding spouse abuse in the United States frequently cited are estimates at best. Many wives are fearful of retaliation by their husbands and are, therefore, reluctant to report the abuse. Some fail to report it because they are ashamed or feel that it is no one's business. Unfortunately, many times only when the abuse is so severe that the woman requires medical intervention are reports made to law enforcement agencies. In any case, the Justice Department estimates that more than two million women each year are abused by their husbands in domestic violence incidents (Reid, 1991).

Almost four thousand women are brutally beaten to death by their husbands each year. One-fourth of all female suicides are committed by women who have a history of being beaten by significant men in their lives. Many women do not leave the homes in which they are being abused for an assortment of reasons. The homes involved in domestic violence are complicated, with dysfunctional relationships and unhealthy dynamics. The abusive partner tends to display more than physical violence. He also inflicts emotional abuse that often shatters the self-esteem and independent thinking of the victim (Kornblum & Julian, 1995).

In other words, there is "a complicated and cumulative cycle of tension, belittlement, violence, remorse, and reconciliation that can lead to a paralysis of will and extinction of self-respect" (Erlanger, 1987, p. 1). Child Abuse Unfortunately, recent information seems to indicate that the likelihood of a relationship between spouse abuse and child abuse is high. Erlanger (1987) indicates that almost forty percent of men who are abusing their wives are also abusing their children. Others report that somewhere between forty-five and seventy percent of women seeking safety in shelters indicate that their children have experienced abuse from their fathers (McKay, 1994). Thus, women may remain in an abusive situation in order to ensure the safety of their children. However, at the same time, children may be abused while trying to intervene on behalf of their mother as she is being beaten.

The abuse of children is as complicated as the abuse of their mothers. An estimated one million children are abused each year by a parent (Kornblum & Julian, 1995). However, actual figures are difficult to obtain for many of the same reasons that wives fail to report their abuse. Children, on the other hand, may not realize that the abuse is abnormal or wrong since they may have grown up in a household of violence. When parents were interviewed with regard to incidence of abuse they experienced as children, fifteen percent of women and six percent of men reported having experienced abuse as children (Finklehor & Meyer, 1988).

Other research suggests that the incidence of child abuse is increasing (Russell, 1984). One of the difficulties with regard to physical abuse ofA child is defining what constitutes such domestic violence. In other words, society has not yet determined when spanking becomes abusive. Some suggest that any display of physical violence, even spanking, is abusive.

Others insist that this type of act is necessary for the proper upbringing of the child. The American culture has historically protected the rights of parents with regard to the use of corporal punishment. Thus, schools and criminal justice agencies are often reluctant to intervene. Interestingly, "one of the first court cases in which an outside agency successfully intervened to protect an abused child was the 1866 Mary Ellen case, in which the plaintiff was the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" (Kornblum & Julian, 1995, p. 211). Generally, there is no specific pattern to the occurrence of child abuse (Kornblum & Julian, 1995). Abuse may occur at any age and for either sex.

Abusers may be either or both parents. However, there are some family characteristics that seem more likely than others to predict the occurrence of child abuse. In fact, children who are abused typically live in families with at least one of the following characteristics: 1. There is only one parent. 2. The parent's level of education and socioeconomic status are low.

3. The parent is highly authoritarian. 4. The family includes four or more children and has received some kind of public assistance within a year of the abuse incident.

5. The family changes its place of residence frequently. (p. 211) However, it should be pointed out that these are characteristics of families in which parents' abuse of their children became known to authorities in some fashion. Thus, these may not be characteristics of abusive families in general or for those families that are unlikely to be discovered. Treatment The treatment of families involved in domestic violence is equally complicated. Not only does it involve the victim and the offender, but it must also include those who lived in the home and witnessed the violence. One research report documents that sixty percent of all children are exposed to some form of marital violence (O'Keefe, 1994).

Additionally, attempts at reducing domestic violence have involved different levels of involvement and intervention. Governmental and public agencies have attacked the problem of domestic violence in various ways (Kornblum & Julian, 1995). The first level of attack has been to increase public awareness of the problem. This is important in terms of communicating that our society should have a zero tolerance level for such behavior. Additionally, it may encourage the victim, such as a child, to realize that this behavior is wrong, that it should stop, and that someone might be able to help. There might also be information regarding shelters and assistance in leaving a home where domestic violence is occurring.

Although it is highly unlikely, some offenders might recognize that they are in need of treatment to reduce their violent behavior. While most public awareness programs typically utilize the media to broadcast their message, many agencies have also provided programs to schools and to workplaces. Additionally, Congress and state legislatures have passed laws that have aided in the protection of victims of domestic violence and the prosecution of offenders. For example, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act was passed by Congress in 1974 to help states and communities organize programs for parents who abuse their children. Also in 1974, the National Institute of Mental Health established a national center in Denver to study the problem more thoroughly and set up a national commission to resolve the complicated legal problems and recommend changes in federal and state laws involving child abuse. Grant programs have also been funded to identify the causes of child abuse and provide treatment through self-help programs and lay therapy.

Increasingly, states are requiring social workers and psychologists to report all cases of known or suspected child abuse to child protection authorities in their communities. (Kornblum & Julian, 1995, p. 220) Victims of child abuse often need to be placed temporary in alternate care facilities such as foster homes, while the abusing parents receive education or treatment. Likewise, similar activities have occurred for women who are victims of domestic violence. These activities have included numerous laws and the creation of shelters that provide safe havens for women who are attempting to leave their abusers. Police officers are also trained in crisis intervention tactics to better serve the individuals involved in domestic violence. Treatment programs are numerous and sometimes mandated by the court for offenders.

The range of treatment modalities includes individual counseling, marital counseling, and group counseling for couples or for gender-specific individuals (Brannen & Rubin, 1996). Support groups for women who are abused appear to be especially helpful (Tutty, Bidgood, & Rothery, 1996). For parents who are child abusers, therapy often involves education and parent training, including alternative approaches to disciplining children. Research shows that not all mental health care professionals are adequately trained to deal with victims of domestic violence. Campbell, Raja, and Grining (1999) report that in their sample of licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed clinical / counseling psychologists, little more than half had training in domestic violence work.

There are several different ways that agency supervisors can ensure that domestic violence cases are being handled in an appropriate manner ("Ways for Child Protective Service Supervisors", 1997). First, supervisors should always demonstrate by their own conduct that domestic violence is a serious problem that must be dealt with appropriately. Second, they should inform staff of training opportunities in domestic violence. Third, supervisors should identify potential problem areas in services that are being offered.

Additionally, social workers can ensure that they are appropriately caring for their cases involving domestic violence ("Ways for Child Protective Service Social Workers", 1997). Social workers should always be willing to adopt new approaches and maintain sensitivity to the victims. Any opportunity that arises for dissemination of information regarding domestic violence should be taken. Workers in this field should request training opportunities and ask to participate in any training exercises that are made available. Conclusion In conclusion, domestic violence involves primarily spouse abuse and child abuse. It is a worldwide problem, occurring in all countries.

The pressures of a family environment sometimes prevent victims from seeking help. Efforts to combat domestic violence occur at many levels, including laws and public service programs. Family treatment services are also available. All of these efforts will hopefully reduce the incidence of domestic violence.

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