DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By Patricia, Maxim & Álvaro

Who is most at risk?

Domestic violence is a well-known and often-used term. Although it may describe various violent relationships, such as child abuse, elder abuse, it is most commonly applied to an intimate relationship between two adults in which one partner uses a pattern of assault and intimidating acts to assert power and control over the other partner.

Who is most at risk?The extent of the problem of domestic violence is illustrated by the

following statistics:

Women in the U.K. are more likely to have been injured, raped, or murdered by a male partner than by all other types of attackers.

More than 800,000 cases of domestic violence perpetrated by women against men are reported annually (Worldwide)

Twice as many women report sexual assault by their husbands as report assault by strangers.

One in four women has been abused at some point in her life.

One in six pregnant women is abused during pregnancy.

One in four women who attempt suicide is being abused.

Key Statistics

Why might domestic violence not be reported?

Women very reasonably fear

retaliation against themselves and

their children by the abuser and

fear the economic upheaval that

may follow the report.

Many times, women's self-esteem is so low as a result of spouse abuse that they are unable to see themselves as worthy of seeking help, or they rationalize the abuse, believing they caused or deserve it.

Why is difficult to study domestic violence? Police complain that often when they arrest an abuser, the victims want them to drop the charges.

Domestic violence is difficult to study because most of these situations occur under isolated conditions.

This can't be studied as a social behaviour lab experiment, because it only happens under natural

conditions.

When they fail to stop the abuse, women may become passive, which may reduce the immediate danger, or may go into a state of emotional withdrawal. In the end, abuse may push a woman to see only two

options: suicide or homicide.

What help is available for victims?

There are many different services for individuals who are experiencing an abusive situation. Law enforcement and legal aid agencies, shelters and counseling services are available to help with the many needs of women and their children experiencing violence.

Counseling, group therapy and education for men who have been abusers is also available.

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