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A Report on Domestic Violence

According to Credo Reference, [d]omestic violence is any incident of threatening

behavior, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between

adults who are or who have been intimate partners or family members. Often termed intimate

partner violence (IPV), it varies in frequency and severity, ranging from a single episode to

repeated, long-term battering (Breaking the Silence).

Discussions on domestic violence typically focus on heterosexual relationships, with the

majority of perpetrators being men and the majority of victims being women. However, IPV is

also a prevalent issue in the LGBTQ community. It is a widespread human rights issue that

affects all people, regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race,

religion or nationality. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

(NCADV), one in three women and one in four men have been physically assaulted by a current

or former intimate partner (Domestic violence national statistics).

Physical violence often occurs in conjunction with emotionally abusive and controlling

behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control (Domestic

violence national statistics). IPV is potentially damaging to health, often resulting in physical

injury, unwanted pregnancy, disability, STDs, psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress

disorder, and, in worst cases, death. It can destroy families, careers and educational prospects. It

also has substantial economic costs. NCADV reports that the annual cost of domestic violence in

the U.S. exceeds $8.3 billion, and that 21-60% of victims of IPV lose their jobs for reasons

directly related to the abuse (Domestic violence national statistics).

There are some excellent resources (online and offline) for victims of domestic abuse.

Hot Peach Pages is an international directory of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers

and women's organizations. It also provides abuse information and support for women around
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the globe. Faith Trust Institute is a nationwide, interfaith, multicultural training and education

organization that works to end sexual and domestic violence. However, most of the resources

distributed by organizations such as Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Center of Justice and

National Coalition of Anti-violent Programs (NCAVP) are heavily geared towards heterosexual

relationships, primarily heterosexual women.

Many victims of domestic violence don't even recognize that they're in an abusive

relationship. They're so used to being in an abusive relationship, that they consider it the norm.

They are reluctant to involve a stranger or third party such as the police into something as

intimate and personal as their household affairs. Marginalized groups such as same-sex couples

shy away from reporting incidents of abuse because of social stigma, and fear of drawing

negative attention towards the LGBTQ community. Minority ethnic women such as South Asian

face additional socio-cultural barriers such as victim shaming, issues of honor, acceptance of

some level of violence (such as slapping) and unacceptability of separation or divorce.

Stereotypes about brawny, macho men discourage male victims from reporting. In many cases,

victims choose to stay in the abusive relationship because they love their abusers, hope that they

will change, or fear that their abusers violent behavior will worsen if they were to report.

The best solution to domestic violence is prevention by educating the masses about

gender-equality, changing social and cultural gender norms, and raising awareness about

healthy, respectful, non-violent relationships. [P]revention efforts should address change at

the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels (Breaking the silence). The earlier

intervention occurs, the higher its chance of success. Access to drugs and alcohol should be

restricted, because their consumption often leads to aggressive behavior. Organizations dealing

with IPV should increase their outreach as well as availability. Overall, education, health and
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legal programs should complement one another to efficiently respond to the issue of domestic

violence.
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Works Cited

"Breaking the Silence Public Health's Role in Intimate Partner Violence Prevention." Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 17

May 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.

Preventing intimate partner and sexual violence against women: taking action and generating

evidence. World Health Organization/London School of Hygiene and Tropical

Medicine. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2010.

Domestic Violence. Credo Reference. n.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.

Domestic violence national statistics. NCADV. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,

n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015

Shwayder, Maya. A Same-Sex Domestic Violence Epidemic Is Silent. The Atlantic. The

Atlantic Monthly Group, 5 Nov. 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.