Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Introduction

Domestic violence can be broadly defined as a pattern of violent behaviour of one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation. Domestic violence is generally not obvious to the society (Milner & Myers, 2007). No doubt, many of the forms of violence are illegal and constitute the representation of a criminal offense for the violence based on physical and sexual basis. This type of violence can happen to any man of woman constantly or periodically (Featherstone et al., 2011). However, mostly women are affected by domestic violence. In fact, men are the ones who mostly commit violence (Hague et al., 2003). In public, these people seem friendly and caring for their wife and children but usually hurting behind closed doors (Hague et al., 2003). Unfortunately, children of all ages are indirectly or directly affected by domestic violence when they see and hear about violence (Jones & Warren-Adamson, 2009).

It is also a fact that most offenders do not take any responsibility for their actions but always have ready excuses. Only a few are willing to acknowledge their violence as their problem and realize that they need to work on it (Loseke et al., 2005). Further, there are many different theories about the causes of domestic violence. These include psychological theories that consider personality traits and mental characteristics of the offender, as well as social theories which consider external factors in the environment of the offender, such as family structure, stress, social learning (Loseke et al., 2005). As with many phenomena regarding human experience, no single approach appears to cover all cases. The case of Jenny and Mark reflects the signs of complications in relationship where one partner demonstrated violent behaviour causing disappointment for Jenny. This paper aims to discuss the concept of domestic violence and analyse the case of Jenny and Mark.

Discussion

Types of Domestic Violence

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is probably the most recognizable of abuse. It can lead to physical injury and it may pose a threat to life in some cases. This type of abuse encourages the abuser to harm his or her partner in a physical manner (Milner & Myers, 2007). The most important thing to know is that physical violence does not always leave visible marks or scars. In fact, pulling hair or receiving a stream of egg is also domestic violence. Victim should not underestimate what happens to her/him as things often get worse over time. Physical abuse includes pushing, slapping, hitting, kicking, throwing things, stop against their will, threatening to hurt or objects or deadly weapons, etc. These actions may be frequent or seldom but mostly increase in frequency and severity (Ruch, 2012).

Psychological Abuse

Psychological violence is a direct attack to hit the personal dignity and includes forms of disrespect, attitudes aimed at continually reaffirm a state of subordination and inferiority condition (Loseke et al., 2005). For example: constant criticism, insults, humiliation, denigration even in the presence of others, an attempt to isolate women from family and friends, ...