Domestic Violence

(Image from San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital website)

The definition of domestic violence

Modern-day slavery involves the illegal transport of individuals by force or deception for labor, sexual exploitation, or activities in which others benefit financially.

Cause

1. Cultural factors:

Patriarchal cultures have permitted the beating and chastising of women and children, who are viewed as a man’s property. Additionally, the concept of a woman’s sexuality is often tied to the family’s honor.

2. Legal factors:

Law enforcement agencies tend to treat domestic abuse as a private family matter and sometimes hesitate to intervene or get involved.

3. Economic factors:

Lack of economic resources is often associated with domestic abuse.

4. Environmental factors:

People who have grown up in abusive environments and witnessed or experienced abuse as children may be more likely to perpetrate domestic abuse as adults.

5. Social factors:

Society still tends to blame victims for being abused.

6. Substance use:

Excessive use of substances such as alcohol and drugs can lead to domestic abuse.

Phenomenon

1. In 3 women, worldwide, have experienced physical or sexual violence.

2. In China, 38 percent of women experienced psychological violence by their own partners.

Impact

Physical effects

Bruises on or around the eyes
Red or purple marks at the neck
Sprained or broken wrists
Chronic fatigue
Shortness of breath
Muscle tension
Involuntary shaking
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
Sexual dysfunction
Menstrual cycle or fertility issues in women

Mental effects

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts
Anxiety
Depression, including prolonged sadness
Low self-esteem and questioning sense of self
Suicidal thoughts or attempts. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.
Alcohol and drug abuse

Emotional and spiritual effects

Feeling unworthy
Hopelessness
Apprehensive and discouraged about the future
Inability to trust
Questioning and doubting spiritual faith
Unmotivated

Effects on children

Depression
Anxiety
Academic problems
Fearful

Pertinent articles of law or policies and prevention

China:

Law of the People's Republic of China against Domestic Violence (Presidential Decree No. 37)

Real life example

Nicole Brown Simpson, the ex-wife of O.J. Simpson, suffered from years of documented physical and emotional abuse during their marriage. Despite multiple police interventions and a publicized arrest of O.J. for spousal abuse, the violence continued even after their divorce. In 1994, Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered, leading to a highly publicized trial in which O.J. was acquitted criminally but later found liable in a civil trial. Nicole's tragic death brought significant attention to the dangers of domestic violence and the challenges victims face in escaping abusive relationships.