Domestic violence often results when one partner feels the necessity to control and dominate the other. Domestic violence, which is also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, has become a significant public health issue due to its rapid increase among intimate partners. Statistics indicate that more than 2 million women and more than 800,000 men in adult relations are affected by domestic violence across the United States (World Health Organization 2012). Global statistics indicate that more than 30% of women who have been in an intimate relationship report experiencing a form of violence from their intimate partners (World Health Organization 2012). There are several reasons why domestic violence prevalence has been on the rise.
Studies show that domestic violence is more likely to occur in a relationship where one of the partners abuse drugs (Goldsmith, 2020). The most commonly abused drug is alcohol, which often triggers violent behavior. A drunk partner is less capable of controlling their violent impulses towards their partners, which may result in violence (Goldsmith, 2020). Another possible reason for the increased domestic violence prevalence is economic stress in the relationship. The strain can result from unemployment or underemployment. The pressure may trigger violent behavior towards a partner. Closely related to financial stress is the low level of education, which results in limited access to decent employment (World Health Organization 2012). The situation is likely to worsen if the woman has a higher level of education than their male partners. The man may feel intimidated; hence he shows dominance through violence.
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Studies have also found past exposure to violence as a child as a factor that contributes to domestic violence among intimate partners. A partner may have witnessed violence against their parents or may have experienced violence, which triggers their violent behavior (Goldsmith, 2020). For instance, a boy who regularly saw his father abuse the mother may think it’s morally acceptable to abuse women. Such a boy is more likely to perpetrate violence against their intimate partners in their adulthood. Also, conservative views such as male dominance and acceptance of violence as a conflict resolution mechanism may promote domestic violence. Some cultures accept that men are superior to women and accept violence against them. The violence is viewed from the lens of disciplining women for their wrongdoings.
References
Goldsmith T. (2020, January 14). What Causes Domestic Violence? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-causes-domestic-violence/
World Health Organization. (2012). Understanding and addressing violence against women: Intimate partner violence (No. WHO/RHR/12.36). World Health Organization.
