Domestic Violence

1. Domestic Violence Names: Vianna Lumyork, Asrah Khan and Toni Simpson.Subject: Social Studies – Social IssuesSubject Teacher – Mrs. Shalto – Form 4Due Date: 31st October, 2013.

2. What is Domestic Violence? • Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse by one partner against another in an intimate relationship or within the family. Domestic violence can take many forms such as physical aggression or assault, sexual and emotional abuse.Abuse in a relationship is any act used to gain power and control over another person. Women who are abused physically are often isolated. Their partners tend to control their lives to a great extent as well as verbally degrade them.

3. Why is Domestic Violence a Social Issue? Domestic violence is a social issue for many reasons: • It can be a physical or mental health concern to the individuals of our community who are being abused. Abusers are sometimes magnificent manipulators and intimidators. They can use these characteristics to control their victims into doing anything they desire. • Children get hurt when they see their parents being yelled at, pushed, or hit. Boys who see their fathers beat their mothers are ten times more likely to be abusive in their adult intimate relationships.

4. Domestic Violence is Difficult to Solve • In some instances, abusers can be intimidators and manipulators. This can sometimes prevent separation or making the victim unwilling to tell someone else and is convinced that no one can help their situation. • Most times victims blame themselves for the battering or minimizes and excuses the behaviour of the abuser. They believe that this behaviour is caused by alcohol, drugs or stress. • Men often suffer physical abuse in silence because they are afraid that no one will believe them or take them seriously. In fact, some men who do try to get help find that they are mocked and ridiculed. Many men are too embarrassed to admit that they are being abused. • In some instances, separating from an abusive partner is not condoned, no matter the severity of the abuse, by some religious groups. If one chooses to get divorced, they face abandonment by their place of worship.

5. Domestic Violence in the Society • Domestic violence can cause homelessness in some instances where women and children flee their homes, wanting to escape their abusive lifestyle. • Individuals who have been abused can sometimes be left with mental impacts that can injure their social skills and etiquette. • Children learn what they see. When children witness adults battering on others, most likely, will do the same when they have intimate relationships of their own. • There can sometimes be a higher rate of drug or alcohol use because depression, which can be caused by being abused, can lead to these forms of mental relief.

6. Domestic Violence in the Family Life • When the victim has finally gotten out of the abusive relationship, it may be hard to trust another person to become intimate with because of anxiety, in fear of being hurt again, whether physically or emotionally. • Children and young people who live with domestic violence are more likely to display aggressive behaviour, experience anxiety, have reduced social skills, suffer symptoms of depression and show emotional distress. • There will be a break down in family functions which can be caused by fear of the abuser or conflict. The abuser would be too feared by the victim(s) for there to be a normal relationship between them. • Involvement of the Police Department and Child Protection Services because of reports made. This will result in separation of the abuser and the victim(s). The abuser can be arrested and prosecuted to protect and give justice to the victims.

7. The Government and its Strategies • A person may apply to the Court for a Protection Order against the abuser. This is basically certain limitations that abuser cannot cross without being punished in some way or the another. • The government have supported domestic violence safe houses and aid groups for victims. Therapy and medication will be given to those in need which will be included in the support organisation programs. • Making domestic violence a punishable offense can help in some cases where the abuser realises what (s)he is doing and stops or where the victim receives justice for being battered.

8. The Government and its Strategies Cont’d • The government can have special committees in neighbourhoods who not only look out for thieves and murderers but also for signs of domestic violence. • The government can also have a specialised police department that can work together with social workers to help solve domestic violence. A specialised department can be more effective because of expertise in handling these cases.

9. Can the Media Help Reduce Domestic Violence? • The media can raise awareness in the community about domestic violence by using television commercials and advertisements on the newspapers can help to educate individuals about the severity of domestic violence. • People can use television shows to broadcast messages against social issues that affect many individuals. They can teach us morals and values and sometimes show how almost all situations can be solved if you are willing to solve it. • Some abusers do not realise that they are participating in domestic abuse. They sometimes believe it is a form of discipline or probably never thought of their ways so severely as domestic abuse. Media programs can help them realise what they are doing which will hopefully make them stop.