Factors that are associated with domestic violence
Many factors can be associated with Domestic Violence. These factors are the reason why people get involved in domestic violence. One very common factor that is associated with domestic violence is the childhood of the person who inflicts the violence. This person is mostly deprived of a normal childhood. The person who inflicts violence may be brought up in an environment where violence is taught or observed (All About Life Changes, 2009).
Most commonly, the person’s parents behave similarly. This is where the person learns such behavior and hence inflicts violence on his family. This person may also have poor self-esteem as a child because of the way he is treated and neglected by those around him. He may have little or no self-worth because of which he may feel insecure and to get over this, the person refers to domestic violence (Goldsmith, T. D., 2006). Inflicting violence on those around them allows the person to feel superior and more powerful than others.
Drug and Alcohol abuse is also one factor that is often associated with domestic violence. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the person may lose consciousness and act aggressively and as a result, the family members become the victims. Poor financial conditions or any other stage of life where a person may experience money shortages could be responsible for domestic violence. In such circumstances, the person is usually under a lot of stress and hence domestic violence helps reduce the frustration and stress. Domestic violence is very common all over the world. However, most of these factors are often common among the people who inflict violence (All About Life Changes, 2009).
The consequences of domestic violence
Domestic violence has both short-term and long-term effects on the victim of domestic violence. First of all, domestic violence makes the victim very vulnerable physically and mentally. The victim may recover from the physical damages however, the mental damages stay with the victim forever. It destroys the self-worth of the victim and he or she may start to feel very weak around other people. Besides this, domestic violence can come in the way of daily functions or routine activities.
For instance, it may interfere with the person at work, etc. It also affects the interpersonal relationships of the victims with others in their life. The victim stops trusting other people and hence it takes time for them to get comfortable around others which hinders developing relationships with others. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is another very common psychological disorder that is the result of domestic violence. The victim becomes depressed and anxious and starts to have flashbacks and nightmares. This often becomes a long-term disorder that has to be treated with proper counseling and medication (Moser, P., 2007).
The development of the child who is exposed to domestic violence gets affected for the time being or permanently. The child may also become anti-social. The relationships with other peers may get affected negatively. The emotional and physical needs of these children also get ignored and as a result, the child becomes withdrawn from life. The child also becomes exposed to violence and may learn behavior that may be practiced by him in the future (Moser, P., 2007).
After different studies were carried out, it was found out that constant exposure to abuse can lead to a higher risk of infant deaths and miscarriages. Eating, sleeping, sex, and anxiety disorders are common. The victim may also become dependent on alcohol or drug abuse to go far away from reality (Moser, P., 2007). The victim may suffer from most of these consequences if violence is constantly inflicted on him or her.
Resources are available to help women
Many resources are available to women however, they need to know about them and need to have the courage to make use of these resources. The victim must first observe the behavior towards themselves and then if the behavior is suspected of domestic abuse, this must be reported to the authorities. This is the first step and this will help the victim realize that she needs help. If the person is being exposed to domestic violence, a few options that the victim has is to live in a shelter for battered women. This shelter would keep her safe from any kind of interaction with the abuser. This is the most common option that victims of domestic violence go for when they do not have anyone to turn back to.
This option is convenient and the victim will find others who are suffering from the same problem and hence he or she can relate to them. Legal action can also be taken against the abuser. This includes getting a restraining order from the court to avoid facing the abuser. This will protect in the future as the abuser will not be allowed to come near the victim.
Once the victim has made sure that she is safe from the abuser, she has to take help from a psychologist who will help her get over the traumatic past to avoid any long-term effects (Help Guide, 2009). This is very important because if this is not done, the victim will become very vulnerable and will have problems living a normal life again.
Another option that is successful in very few cases is taking the victim to a psychiatrist or a counselor. This will change the behavior of the abuser but only in very few cases. This is only possible if the abuser is taken to a counselor right in the beginning before this becomes a habit.
References
Watts, C & Cathy Zimmerman. “Violence against women: Global scope and magnitude.” The Lancet. (2002).
Moser, P., (2007) “Effects of Domestic Violence” Suite101. Web.
Help Guide (2009) “Domestic Violence and Abuse” Help Guide. Web.
All About Life Changes. (2009) “Causes of Domestic Violence.” All About Life Changes. Web.
Goldsmith, T. D. (2006) “What Causes Domestic Violence?” Psych Central. Web.