Domestic Violence Essays (1704 words) - Domestic Violence, Abuse

Domestic Violence Domestic Violence in America Introduction: Today in American society we have many social ills. Perhaps one of the most upsetting, at least to me personally, is domestic violence. Domestic violence can come in many shapes and forms and affects many different people. Reasons vary for spousal/child abuse, but none are justified. Police/community programs have recently had a more pro-active role in domestic violence, but that is not a solution to our problem at large. On the micro level, the ultimate responsibility of elimination of violence rests on the victim. On the macro level, we must look at our society critically and analyze why we have such an immense problem and how we can help correct it. In the following sections I will discuss domestic violence issues and attempt to offer some solutions. I will frequently use anecdotal evidence, as well as statistical figures. I assign genders to the abuser and victim using he and she or husband and wife frequently?this is for simplification. Although most victimization is male agains t female, I am generalizing for simplicity. Discussion: Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in the United States. There is much controversy as too how much violence actually exists in America (much of it takes place behind closed doors and is difficult to identify), but assuredly we have a problem with the issue as it is reported that almost 4% of American families experienced severe physical violence of a degree that had the probability of inflicting injury or death upon the victim (stabbed, gun used, beat up, punched) (www.silcom.com/paladin/madv/faq-dv.html). This 4% may seem like a small figure, but it equates to four million victims (and that only includes the major injury-inflicting violence). Another source states that 1 in 3 women will be assaulted by a domestic partner in her lifetime (www.npcts.edu/uo/handson/domviol/statfact.html). Another source indicates that 63% of parents have engaged in violent acts towards their children (Assaults Against Women and Children, p. 219). Truly this issue is unacceptable in a civil society such as ours. Domestic violence, when most people hear that term, think of husbands assaulting wives. This is an unfair generalization. Violence is more likely against women than men but nevertheless women are sometimes the perpetrators. Another fact left in the corner when discussing domestic violence is how much occurs between high school boyfriends/girlfriends. Figures indicate that 1 in 10 high school students has experienced physical violence in dating. The figure rises to 22% for college students (www.npcts.edu/uo/handson/domviol/statfact.html). Perhaps most importantly and tragically, children can be affected by domestic violence in both direct and indirect ways. A clear estimate of abuse is difficult to determine due to data collection methods and a precise definition of violence against children, but statistics indicate that up to 3 million children are abused/neglected each year Of this number, a mere 150,000 cases are reported. (Don't Call it Child Abuse, It's Really Poverty, p. 260). This number is astronomical and totally unacceptable. Even if children are not directly abused, many witness their parents abuse each other. As a child I witnessed domestic violence (fortunately mostly verbal) nightly when I was young. I didn't understand why they fought so much and so often. I couldn't imagine the way I would have felt had my parents truly injured each other. Most of the time they broke stuff and yelled and screamed. I remember the only way I could interpret the situation (like many other kids) was to blame myself. The emotional stress violence places on kids (even if not directed at them) is a very serious issue. There are many reasons that spouses choose to beat their wives/children. One explanation that is popular is that of frustration. The (often) male authoritarian figure in the household in today's society is often threatened by a burden of responsibilities. Even if the wife does work, often the male feels responsible to be the ?breadwinner.? If he is unable to fulfill his role, or if he feels that the role is threatened, (job problems or wife earning more), he is likely to become disgruntled. This stressful situation leaves the person feeling powerless and without control. The one place where he (again, most of the time it is a male) can have total power and control is

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Hate crimes should not be puni essays How to maintain a strong relationship How to Maintain a Strong Relationship I have been in a relationship with a guy for almost two years. I know two years is not really that long, but it has been a true learning experience. Every relationship has its ups and downs and its good and bad times. Looking at other relationships, I have observed that to maintain a strong relationship you have to recognize if certain characteristics have been acquired. Goals, love, and trust are the key to building a strong relationship. Every day I think of a new goal for myself to accomplish. I have my goals set out for me for the future. When you are in a relationship, asking your partner what his/her goals are is a very good thing. You need to know so that you dont find out five years later that he is moving to live in the mountains and fish all day, while your goal was to live in the big city and work at a law firm. People that will do some good in your life are people who maybe share similar goals and people who have set some goals. Love is the infamous word that can mean a million things. As time ticks on in a relationship you will start to realize if you love him/her. Can you tell if this person will be all that you want out of love? Make sure that this topic has been discussed. When discussing this topic see if your partner loves the conversation or is waiting to run away from it. Trust can tear your heart to pieces. If you are in a relationship trust has to definitely be there. If you have any doubts about him/her going out with their friends one night then the trust is not there. Trust is the most important part of the relationship next to love. If you cant maintain trust through your relationship, then your relationship doesnt need to exist. Set goals for your relationship, discover if there is love and make sure you can trust one another. There are so many key points in maintaining a strong relationship. Pick th ...