Intimate Partner Violence Essay

Intimate partner violence is sometimes common in relationships, and many partners in the relationship, usually the male, will demonstrate acts of violence against his mate. There are various categories where violence falls, such as stalking, mental abuse, sexual abuse and physical abuse. We can find intimate partner violence in all groups of people which include, economic, social, ethnic, racial and many types of cultural group. Acts of violence can take place between one individual in the relationship or both. Usually there are links between intimate partner violence and different aspects that generally affect the relationship, where economic, psychological and social conditions contribute to the number of incidents reported to authorities. The impact of intimate partner violence varies, usually in the type and severity of abuse. Individuals who are vulnerable due to physical, psychological, economic, or social conditions or who have experienced prior victimization may be even more severely affected than those with financial resources, good health, favorable environments, and no other significant stressors or health problems. However, intimate violence can be traumatic for anyone. In some cases, the effects of prior intimate partner violence can be triggered for the first time or after a long period of remission months or years after the actual occurrence of violence has stopped. Intimate partner violence needs to be further investigated to find solutions. We learn from the Department of Justice Statistics Report, that â€Å"Statistics about intimate partner violence (IPV) vary because of differences in how different data sources define Intimate Partner Violence, (IPV). For example, some definitions include stalking and psychological abuse, and others consider only physical and sexual violence. Data on IPV usually come from police, clinical settings, nongovernmental organizations, and survey research. † There are many definitions of violence, and this is taken into consideration when statistics are completed. We also learn that, â€Å"Most IPV incidents are not reported to the police. About 20% of IPV rapes or sexual assaults, 25% of physical assaults, and 50% of stalkings directed toward women are reported. Even fewer IPV incidents against men are reported (Tjaden and Thoennes 2000a). Thus, it is believed that available data greatly underestimate the true magnitude of the problem. While not an exhaustive list, here are some statistics on the occurrence of IPV. In many cases, the severity of the IPV behaviors is unknown. † We are told by (Heise and Garcia Moreno, 2002) that, â€Å"Traditional gender norms (e. g. , women should stay at home and not enter workforce, should be submissive)† There are many males who often desire for their partners to stay out of the social and workforce realm and often violence is acted out toward spouses when they don’t give up any social attachments. Heise and Moreno tell us that, â€Å"Some factors that are common in intimate relationships that are violent include: 1. Couples with income, educational, or job status disparities 2. Dominance and control of the relationship by the male 3. Some community factors associated with intimate violence are: 4. Poverty and associated factors (e. g. , overcrowding) 5, Low social capital—lack of institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the 6. Quality and quantity of a community’s social interactions 7. Weak community sanctions against IPV (e. g. , police unwilling to intervene)† We learn from The Federal Government Source for Women‘s Health Information (womenshealth. gov. 2006) that, â€Å"One in four women report that they have been physically assaulted or raped by an intimate partner. These crimes occur in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Physical and emotional trauma can lead to increased stress, depression, lowered self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder (an emotional state of discomfort and stress connected to the memories of a disturbing event). † We also learn that, â€Å"Violence against women by anyone is always wrong, whether the abuser is a current or past spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend; someone you date; a family member; an acquaintance; or a stranger. You are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to happen, and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else. † No matter who commits the violence in the relationship, (male or female), or the age of the victim in the intimate partnership, it is wrong. We also learn that, â€Å"Women of all ages are at risk for domestic and intimate partner violence and face similar challenges when trying to leave an abuser, like feelings of shame and money concerns. However, women who are 55 years and older and are abused face unique challenges. These women grew up and married during a time when domestic abuse was often ignored. Now, at an older age, they have endured many years of abuse and may have problems with poor self-image and shame. Older women who have been abused also are less likely to tell anyone about it; have health problems that keep them dependent on their abusive partner; feel committed to caring for their abusive aging partners; and are fearful of being alone. † We also learn from sources with the Department of Health and Human Resources that, â€Å"Many individuals who are abused in the relationship often stay because they feel obliged to stay out of loyalty or because of fear. Violence in the home doesn’t just affect the person being abused; it affects everyone in the home, including children. Children may witness abuse in a number of different ways. 1. They may be in the room and see their mother being abused. 2. They may hear their parents fighting. 3. They may see the aftermath of the abuse when they see their mother’s bruises. Studies have shown that children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to withdraw and have behavioral problems. As they get older, these children often blame themselves for not stopping the abuse. This can lead to further withdrawal, depression, and substance abuse. Children who grow up in abusive homes are more likely to become abusers or be abused themselves. A boy who grows up with a father who beats his mother tends to see women as weak and submissive and repeat the cycle of abuse in his own relationships. A girl who sees the abuse of her mother is likely to think that abuse is part of a normal relationship and become involved with an abuser herself. Intimate Partner Violence needs to be addressed. Too many individuals fall victim to this type of violence in a partnership and studies show that many factors contribute to this abuse. Many individuals who have never been in an abusive relationship wonder, â€Å"Why doesn’t she leave? † There are many reasons why individuals may not leave an abusive relationship. She may possess little or no money and have no way to ultimately support herself and her children or she may reach out for help only to find that all the local domestic violence shelters are full. She may not be able to contact friends and family who could help her. Or she may worry about the safety of herself and her children if she leaves. There must be resources for these individuals to turn to when violence is apparent in the intimate relationship. If you are being abused or have a loved one who is being abused, get help. Don’t ignore it. It won’t go away. Keep in mind, you’re not alone. Many women are victims of domestic abuse. There is help out there for victims of domestic abuse in intimate partner relationships. Contact your local women’s shelters in your area for advice and protection. Without help, abuse will continue and could worsen. Many resources are available to help you understand your options and to support you. No one deserves to be abused Typically each time the abuse occurs, it worsens, and the cycle shortens. Breaking this pattern of violence alone and without help is difficult. It’s always important to recognize that you may not be in a position to resolve the situation on your own. You may need outside help, and that’s OK. Without help, the abuse will likely continue. Leaving the abusive relationship may be the only way to break the cycle. Reference Page Heise, L, Garcia-Moreno. (2002) †Violence Against Intimate Partners†. World Report on Violence and Health. P. 87-121 The Department of Health & Human Services. (2006). â€Å"Violence Against Women†. womens health. gov. Tjaden, Thoennes P. (2000). â€Å"Full Report: Violence Against Women Report†. Department of Justice.