DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Essay Example In-depth analysis of domestic violence is therefore required to establish the causes, effects and how to help the victims cope after the act. Traditionally, wife beating was a sign of love and respect in society (Jaffe, 2006). It was a normal practice hence the authorities could not intervene when a wife was being beaten. Men were also endowed with all resources hence power over women. Domestic violence can be classified as physical, emotional, sexual, economic and psychological violence but all forms of violence have an element of control. Johnson (2008) argues that there is a relationship between gender and domestic violence. Men are muscular in nature and hence inflict greater harm to women than women do to men and hence domestic violence is considered as women’s problem (Davis, 2006). Men are supposed to provide and protect the family against enemies hence it is intimidating for a man to be abused by his wife and therefore would rather suffer silently. They don’t report the incidences hence statistics show that only a few men are battered by their wives. Domestic violence can be as a result of economic dependence, psychological disorders, drugs and alcohol abuse or due to cultural influence. Schwartz (2004) observes that women who depend on men for survival are at a risk of economic violence. Any behavior against a man’s wish is punished by denial of financial assistance. Psychological disorders are known to aggravate the occurrence of domestic violence especially when combined with drug and alcohol abuse. People who suffer from this disorder are unable to control their emotions such as anger and hence a slight provocation leads to violence (Jaffe, 2006). Some women also lack proper defense mechanisms and hence cause severe harm to their husbands when they get a chance to apprehend them due to prolonged anger (Bankroft, 2003). Culture plays a vital role in aggravating domestic violence. Wife beating was a norm