Domestic Violence

IIntroduction

IIDefinition

III Common Couple Violence

i.Intimate terrorism

IVSigns and Symptoms

VWho are the victims

VICauses

VIIEffects of Abuse

VIIIGetting help

IXConclusion

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes worldwide. This serious act is a violation of basic human rights and often results in serious injury or death. Studies have shown that between one quarter and one half of all women worldwide have been abused by intimate partners. In the United States, 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. Of all the crimes reported, 85% of domestic violence victims are women (http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet(National).pdf).

As listed on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence fact sheet, domestic violence is “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another.” Domestic abuse is intentionally trying to control another person. There are different categories of abuse and levels of severity. The Developing Person explains two different forms of spouse abuse: common couple violence and intimate terrorism. Each category has distinct causes, patterns, and prevention.

Common couple violence is a form of abuse in which one or both partners of a couple engage in outbursts of verbal and physical attack. This type of violence is typically mutual and consensual. The couple experiences occasional outbursts of violence from the male, female, or both. Relationships are not perfect and take efforts on both parties to make it work smoothly. When situations become more complex or ‘out of hand’, it is easier to express anger and frustration. Yelling and the more ‘minor’ forms of violence become apparent. This is not to suggest that common couple violence should be ignored or accepted because it is not as severe as intimate terrorism....