Domestic Violence and The Cycle of Abuse
According to Gelles and Cavanaugh (2005):
“Until the early 1960’s, violence between family members was believed to be rare and committed only by the mentally ill or by disturbed and defective individuals. Only the most sensational and lurid cases of family violence received public attention, and, in general, although family violence was considered a significant personal problem, it was not believed to be widespread, nor was it viewed as a significant social problem” (p.129).
After extensive research, it appears that the wide variation of what constitutes abuse and neglect has led to disagreements of the frequencies of abuse (Gelles & Cavanaugh (2005). Even today, abuse may go unreported by witnesses because they feel it is personal matter and none of their business.
According to Gelles and Cavanaugh (2005):
“Until the early 1960’s, violence between family members was believed to be rare and committed only by the mentally ill or by disturbed and defective individuals. Only the most sensational and lurid cases of family violence received public attention, and, in general, although family violence was considered a significant personal problem, it was not believed to be widespread, nor was it viewed as a significant social problem” (p.129).
After extensive research, it appears that the wide variation of what constitutes abuse and neglect has led to disagreements of the frequencies of abuse (Gelles & Cavanaugh (2005). Even today, abuse may go unreported by witnesses because they feel it is personal matter and none of their business.
The frequencies of abuse of neglect can be difficult to decipher due to cultural perspectives. “First, workers must become acquainted with cultures other than their own. If the agency numerous potential clients from a particular culture, it is vital that the agency educate workers about the values, customs, and attitudes of those clients” (Crosson-Tower (2005) p.223). One particular culture may reside in an area where certain types of physical punishment are acceptable and therefore not reported.
A more thorough assessment on frequencies of violence may not be available unless a significant sample size of a population group comes forward and is truthful. The perpetrator must be truthful about violent incidents as well as the victims. This may be unlikely on the victim’s part in fear of further harm.
According to Gelles and Cavanaugh (2005):
“Based on their national survey of family violence, Straus et al. (1980) have proposed the following steps for the prevention of family violence:
1. Eliminate the norms that legitimate and glorify violence in society and in the family.
2. Reduce the violence-provoking stress created by society.
3. Integrate families into networks of kin and community.
4. Change the sexist character of society.
5. Break the cycle of violence in the family” (p. 146). An example of glorifying violence and sexist characters of society are violent television shows and video games.
Research insists that group intervention has had positive affects for treating batters.
The down fall to today’s group intervention is the lack of skilled therapists and the quality of the programs.
Robinson (2003) suggests that therapists need to be more understanding and less judgmental during the initial stages of counseling a battered partner. The victim already feels blame from herself including her peers and divulging too quickly into her cycle of violence is inappropriate.
Two factors that appear to be the strongest predictors of family violence are stress and social isolation. Research points to financial constraints such as unemployment are correlated to domestic violence (Gelles & Cavanaugh (2005).
According to Gelles & Cavanaugh (2005) People who are socially out-casted from loved ones such as neighbors and relatives “are more likely than socially connected individuals to be violent in the home. One major source of stress reduction and an insulator to family violence is being able to call on friends and family for help, aid, and assistance.”
For more on societal issues see: Possible Risk Factors for Juvenile and Adult Crime
No Fault Divorce Unresolved Grief and The Family Gamble Repression and the Ruling Class
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User Comments
shanthu
On November 11, 2009 at 10:08 pm
good article…thanks for the share
cutedrishti8
On November 11, 2009 at 10:43 pm
A great piece of work..
Judy Sheldon
On November 11, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Christopher, being a victim of abuse I appreciate the fact that you are bringing up the topic and shedding light on it. Victims are often made to feel that they deserve their abuse in statements such as “there are two sides to every story” or “she/he must have done something to deserve it.” Society often blames females for being raped because she dressed inappropriately, was at the wrong place at the wrong time, or smiled….We have a way of pointing fingers when we need to mend hearts and minds.
Take care & God bless!
Karen Gross
On November 11, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Very interesting and informative One good point was that the definition of abuse varies widely in different cultures and has also changed over time. Also, children in an abusive family could consider their situation to be normal.
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 12:18 am
Shanthu and Cutedrishti8,
Thank you for reading my article and your comments.
Blessings to you,
Chris
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 12:26 am
Hi Judy,
I am sorry that you had to experience domestic abuse first hand. Thank you for having the courage to share with us your experience. Yes, people need to be more sympthetic and realize that it is not the victims fault for what happens to them.
Bless you,
Chris
Mark Gordon Brown
On November 12, 2009 at 12:27 am
its accepted as normal in some cultures even today, so they do not think it is wrong, amazing though that the mainstream didnt even realize it was happening until 1960’s!!
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 12:28 am
Karen,
My experience working as a social worker is just what you said that some children think that the abuse is part of a normal childhood. Rarely have I seen an abusive situation where young children new that what is happening to them and their family is not normal. Thank you for your kind comments.
Bless you,
Chris
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 12:32 am
Mark,
I recall in an early study that before women had the right to vote and children where considered property that domestic abusive was accepted as the norm. This is a horrible legacy to pass on to family generations.
Thank you for your comment and reading my article.
Bless you,
Chri
Mr Ghaz
On November 12, 2009 at 12:56 am
excellent! ..very well written and very interesting read as well..thanks for sharing this great work..
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 1:06 am
Thank you Mr Ghaz for your kind comment on my article.
Blessings to you,
Chris
goindia
On November 12, 2009 at 2:38 am
good article from you.
CHAN LEE PENG
On November 12, 2009 at 11:07 am
Domestic abuse is always an anoyance. And this article should bring the attention of a community. Thanks.
papaleng
On November 12, 2009 at 11:30 am
An article that opens one\’s awareness to domestic violence.
Goodselfme
On November 12, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I know this topic from being in an abusive household as a child. In those years, police came to the house and told my mother to treat my father better. My mother left after 9 years of no help back in the 50’s. You did a great service by writing about this subject to make it come out in the open. It needs more help since it still exists. More has been done since the 50’s. TX friend.
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 2:49 pm
goinda,
Thank you for your support. It is much appreciated.
Blessings to you,
Chris
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Chan and Papaleng,
thank you for your support and comments. It is much appreciated.
Blessings,
Chris
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Hi Roberta,
I am sorry that you had to experience this as a child. Abuse seems to be something that people can’t get away from because most of the time the painful memories are carried into adulthood. Much has been done to combat domestic violence but we still have a long way to go. Thank you my friend.
Chris
Alternative Health/Holistic Living
On November 12, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Amen, to the measures proposed to curb violence. What kind of world would it be if TV programs made kind heroes popular instead of violent ones, if life was depicted encouraging strong, supportive families?
What messages are kids receiving? Society, at large, needs to be equipped with tools for peaceful conflict resolution over use of force.
Ruby Hawk
On November 12, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Family violence is alive and well. Just read the newspaper or watch the news. good work.
Chris Stonecipher
On November 12, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Thanks Ruby and Athlyn for your support. It is always appreciated.
Juancav
On November 12, 2009 at 7:45 pm
This is a problem in society and we must make it known,
Jane Jane
On November 13, 2009 at 10:18 am
well presented.
Chris Stonecipher
On November 13, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Juancav and Jane Jane,
Thank you for your support and comment.
Blessings to both of you,
Chris
Jamie Myles
On November 14, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Hi Chris, Great topic and very well presented. Domestic violence has risen to alarming rates, or perhaps it is just being reported more often now. It is a serious problem through out the world. To many cultures feel it is acceptable.
Chris Stonecipher
On November 14, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Hi Jamie,
After I wrote this article, I went back to research why there is an increase in domestic violence. It has been noted that there are more people willing to report it, including by-standers. Thank you for reading my article and your comment.
Blessings to you,
Chris
Nathan Grace
On November 15, 2009 at 9:46 am
Well written piece. its a difficult thing for people TO come forward about well done for highlighting it.
Chris Stonecipher
On November 16, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Thank you Nathan. Another reason for people reporting such as by-standers in not so much as wanting to help but some report because of noise level which they consider a “nusence”.
sweet rose
On November 17, 2009 at 9:11 am
this is quite a well-researched writing, and a very informative one. i believe that domestic violence aren’t rare in the past. it’s just that it’s only now that people are more open to discuss it so more cases are reported.
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