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A
strong predictor of domestic violence in adulthood
is domestic violence in the household in which
the person was reared. For instance, a child’s
exposure to their father’s abuse of their
mother is the strongest risk factor for transmitting
domestic violence from one generation to the next.
This cycle of domestic violence is difficult to
break because parents have presented violence
as the norm.
Individuals living with domestic violence in their
households have learned that violence and mistreatment
are the way to vent anger.
Some immediate causes that
can set off a bout of domestic abuse are:
* stress l provocation by the intimate partner
* economic hardship, such as prolonged unemployment
* depression l desperation l jealousy l anger
How does society perpetuate
domestic abuse?
Society contributes to domestic violence by not
taking it seriously enough and by treating it
as expected, normal, or deserved.
Community solutions may be inadequate, such that
victims cannot get the help they need. For example,
seeking refuge in a shelter may require a woman
to leave her neighborhood, social support system,
job, school, and child care. In addition, teenagers
are often not welcome at shelters, particularly
teenage males. Teenage girls with children may
have difficulty finding shelter because of their
own age. And male victims of domestic violence
have trouble finding shelters that will take them.
Domestic abuse is more common in low-income populations.
Low-income victims may lack mobility and the financial
resources to leave an abusive situation.
Who abuses their spouse
or intimate partner?
Most psychological, medical, and legal experts
agree that the vast majority of physical abusers
are men. However, women can also be the perpetrators
of domestic violence.
The majority of stalkers are also men stalking
women. But stalkers can also be women stalking
men, men stalking men, or women stalking women
.
What are the results of
domestic violence or abuse?
The results of domestic violence or abuse can
be very long-lasting. People who are abused by
a spouse or intimate partner may develop:
* sleeping problemsç depression l anxiety
attacks
* low self-esteem l lack of trust in others l
feelings of abandonment l anger l sensitivity
to rejection
* diminished mental and physical health l inability
to work l poor relationships with their children
and other loved ones l substance abuse as a way
of coping
Physical abuse may result in death, if the victim
does not leave the relationship.
What is the effect of domestic
violence on children?
Children who witness domestic violence
may develop serious emotional, behavioral, developmental,
or academic problems. As children, they may become
violent themselves, or withdraw. Some act out
at home or school; others try to be the perfect
child. Children from violent homes may become
depressed and have low self-esteem.
NOW
THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE,
SEEK HELP AND GO FOR COUNSELLING. YOU MUST BREAK
THE CYCLE NOW!
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