what is domestic violence essay

Essay On Domestic Violence

500 words essay on domestic violence.

Domestic violence refers to the violence and abuse which happens in a domestic setting like cohabitation or marriage. It is important to remember that domestic violence is not just physical but any kind of behaviour that tries to gain power and control over the victim. It can affect people from all walks of life and it basically subjects towards a partner, spouse or intimate family member. Through an essay on domestic violence, we will go through its causes and effects.

Causes of Domestic Violence

Often women and children are the soft targets of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a gruesome crime that also causes a number of deaths. Some of the most common causes of domestic violence are illiteracy and economical dependency on the menfolk.

The male-dominated society plays an important role in this problem. Further, dowry is also one of the leading causes which have the consequence of violence against newly-wed brides. In many parts of the world, physically assaulting women and passing horrendous remarks is common.

Moreover, children also become victims of this inhuman behaviour more than often. It is important to recognize the double standards and hypocrisy of society. A lot of the times, the abuser is either psychotic or requires psychological counselling.

However, in a more general term, domestic violence is the outcome of cumulative irresponsible behaviour which a section of society demonstrates. It is also important to note that solely the abuser is not just responsible but also those who allow this to happen and act as mere mute spectators.

Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has many ill-effects which depend on the kind of domestic violence happening. It ranges from being physical to emotional and sexual to economic. A physical abuser uses physical force which injures the victim or endangers their life.

It includes hitting, punching, choking, slapping, and other kinds of violence. Moreover, the abuser also denies the victim medical care. Further, there is emotional abuse in which the person threatens and intimidates the victim. It also includes undermining their self-worth.

It includes threatening them with harm or public humiliation. Similarly, constant name-calling and criticism also count as emotional abuse. After that, we have sexual abuse in which the perpetrator uses force for unwanted sexual activity.

If your partner does not consent to it, it is forced which makes it sexual abuse. Finally, we have economic abuse where the abuser controls the victim’s money and their economic resources.

They do this to exert control on them and make them dependent solely on them. If your partner has to beg you for money, then it counts as economic abuse. This damages the self-esteem of the victim.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Domestic Violence

To conclude, domestic violence has many forms which include physical aggression like kicking and biting and it can also be sexual or emotional. It is essential to recognize the signs of domestic violence and report the abuser if it is happening around you or to you.

FAQ of Essay on Domestic Violence

Question 1: Why is domestic violence an issue?

Answer 1: Domestic violence has a major impact on the general health and wellbeing of individuals. It is because it causes physical injury, anxiety, depression. Moreover, it also impairs social skills and increases the likelihood that they will participate in practices harmful to their health, like self-harm or substance abuse.

Question 2: How does domestic violence affect a woman?

Answer 2: Domestic violence affects women in terms of ill health. It causes serious consequences on their mental and physical health which includes reproductive and sexual health. It also includes injuries, gynaecological problems, depression, suicide and more.

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Domestic Violence - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Domestic violence refers to abusive behaviors in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. Essays on domestic violence could discuss its prevalence, the psychological and societal factors contributing to it, the impact on victims and communities, and the legal and social services aimed at preventing and addressing domestic violence. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Domestic Violence you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Domestic Violence: the Effect it has on Children

Growing up, children need a safe environment. A home where they can feel secure, and have a sense of stability. Where parents love and protect their children. A home free of violence, and when things go wrong in the outside world, home is a place of comfort and support. But for over 1.5 million children in the United States, this is not the case. Every year, hundreds of millions of children in the United States experience one parent violently assaulting […]

Domestic Violence and the Physicological Affects

Domestic violence is presented throughout all the United States, whether the people of society recognize it, or it is under the radar and not seen. Domestic violence can be distinct in many ways because there are several diverse types of domestic abuse. Domestic violence are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married, heterosexual, gay or lesbian, living together, separated or dating (Siemieniuk, 2010). Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, […]

Gender Equality and Crime

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Domestic Violence Family Therapy Interventions

The traditional therapeutic approach to working with those who commit domestic violence has been the Duluth educational model. However, this model faces a significant amount of criticism in its gender-divided model that does not allow for relevant psychological factors to be considered. In this paper, I will review the points of the Duluth model that have been criticized and provide two alternative approaches that have shown to consider important therapeutic factors and benefits to both families and couples seeking treatment […]

What are the Possible Causes and Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a destructive issue that is very common and affects many Americans today. Abuse can occur in heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships, and occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. It is disastrous for the batterer and the battered, and can be fatal. One in four women are abused by their partners, and nearly more than 10 million people are abused every year. Domestic violence is consistent violent or aggressive behavior towards another person […]

The Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract This paper discusses the effects that childhood sexual abuse has on children. It states the basics and statistics of sexual abuse in children in our society. The immediate symptoms and signs of childhood sexual abuse are discussed as well as long term emotional effects, long lasting physical effects and psychological disorders due to sexual abuse. The treatment of childhood sexual abuse is also discussed to show how positive resources can help victims of sexual abuse. Introduction In the United […]

Domestic Violence and Women’s Mental Health

Domestic violence occurs worldwide irrespective of culture, geographical and historical period. There are many factors that cause or lead to domestic violence and they are: Unmet role expectations. Unmet role expectations on the part of the wife or husband could lead to domestic violence in the family. If women fail to fulfil basic domestic responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, managing household budgets and taking care of child, it often leads to domestic violence. Child care was a source of argument […]

Children and Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence has effected and still continues to effect the lives of many individuals. Statics on domestic violence states Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten Domestic violence is not only found amongst adults but even children and teenagers are victims of domestic violence or are the abuser in an abusive violent relationship .To briefly define and understand Domestic violence, it is an abusive relationship between individuals who abuse one another, aggressively, physically and even […]

Child Abuse and Neglect

English Composition Final Proposal Essay: Child Abuse and Neglect There have been countless studies focused around how the mind of a child is warped when transitioning into their adulthood after experiencing neglect and abuse. It's evidently very difficult for a victim of this certain issue to forget their traumatic experiences, ultimately impacting their physiological and physical health. Child abuse and neglect refer to any harmful behavior by caregivers, parents, legal guardians, and other adults that is outside the norms of […]

Domestic Violence in the United States

Abstract Domestic violence, a combination of crimes that have been perpetrated for centuries is a big concern today to the American society. The government acknowledges that the scope of domestic violence is wide as there are different forms of crimes that are termed as domestic. Example of these home abuse includes sexual, verbal, physical, and emotional abuses. According to National statistics on Domestic violence women and children form the majority of the domestic violence. Domestic violence has an adverse impact […]

The Rise of Domestic Violence in our Society and Culture

The definition of the term domestic violence is, violence or abuse of one person against another taking place in a domestic setting, for example: marriage, cohabitation, etc. Therefore the topic of domestic violence is a serious one, because it takes place in homes, in some of the most personal and intimate of settings. The truth is that violence comes closer to many families than we would like to admit. Domestic violence is America's dark little secret - Former Senator Bill […]

National Center on Child Abuse

According to the Staus, over 14 out of every 100 American children, ranging from 3 to 17, are subjected to abusive violence each year. This means that approximately six and a half million are abused each year in the United States out of the 46 million children that are categorized into the age group 3 to 17. These statistics are different from the statistic represented by the U.S. National Center on Child Abuse. According to the U.S. National Center on […]

Domestic Violence in Ethiopia

Many men claim that men and women are equal or they will say I don't abuse women and its common to hear them saying we are treated equally but the truth is very different. Many women around the world are victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is an abusive behavior usually at home that is mostly involving a spouse and a partner. Domestic violence is a serious issue all over the world especially in a country where gender inequality still […]

Various Type of Domestic Violence

This review will be divided into four-subsection to focus in explain the general factors in Domestic violence against in various type of gender and include animals. Many researchers have different opinion and summarize different factors that causes to abusive violence. Each gender have own different ability and perspectives. I analyses theses literatures in order to fulfill my understanding about Domestic Violence in various gender type and how it relate to the other living things such as animals. Mostly the article […]

The Affect Domestic Violence has on Children

Introduction The proposed research will define domestic violence focusing on children. It will outline affects domestic violence has on children and examine whether or not their physical, mental, and/or social development is delayed with prolonged domestic violence. It will also study whether or not a child's health and education is affected. The research will aim to identify different trends associated with helping those children in the midst of domestic violence within find safe alternatives to cope with the violence. Articles […]

Domestic Violence with Children

Even though domestic violence for adults is harmful enough to lead to suicide children play a tremendou role in this by affecting their development growth and high risk of depression, Exposure to domestic violence impact children in different types of ways because children exposed to domestic violence usually never recover from it and can follow up to affect their future family and this affects children's education, social, emotional, and behavioral growth though it's different with every kid. According to the […]

Family Violence and Child Abuse

Family Violence and Child Abuse Seldomly do people realize how often child are abused by parents, not always through violence, but in other various factors that can traumatize a child. The textbook Heavy Hands written by Denise Kindschi Gosselin has an entire chapter on child abuse and the different types of abuse that are involved against these children. Historical accounts tell us that children have always been abused and neglected by one or both parents; it is not uncommon or […]

The Effects of Domestic Violence: Family & Society

Unspoken, destructive, and hidden from the outside world. Domestic violence. In grade school it is rarely talked about. October is Domestic Violence awareness month, yet no one said a word. In order to prevent this, we must first understand it. What is domestic violence? It is a pattern of controlling and manipulating behavior that is meant to subdue and take all the power in a relationship. Intimate partner violence is a more specific type of domestic violence, it is any […]

How does Domestic Violence Affect Children’s Development in School

Introduction My fieldwork was done at Bolton Refuge House where women can go to seek refuge from an abuser and escape a situation of domestic violence. The mission of Bolton Refuge House is to offer tools that will empower victims and create a safe environment for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Bolton Refuge House has an emergency shelter that is available for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who do not feel safe in their own homes. […]

Types of Domestic Violence

Why Research Domestic Violence? To raise awareness about this silent killer To gather statistics that show that this can happen to anyone To Put a story and name to the numbers What is Domestic violence? Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Forms of Domestic violence: Physical abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse Financial […]

Spousal Abuse and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence or violence between intimate partners, results in the deaths of approximately four women every day and accounts for thirty-one percent of female homicides in the United States. (Mills). For a long time, domestic violence was looked at as a private and personal matter that didn't necessarily call for police and prosecution concern. In some cases, the victim would have to pay the prosecutors a fee in order to have their abuser prosecuted (Mills). Now, when it comes to […]

Exploitation and Spiteful Crimes against Women in the United States

For many years the exploitation and spiteful crimes against women in the United States was not seen as a major concern in the nation. Women were and are still being abused by their intimate partner, sexually assaulted, and stalked. Generally, domestic violence is just seen as physical abuse. However, domestic violence is a legal concept that refers to physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse. It is rare but domestic violence is not just men being abusive to women but women […]

Witness to Domestic Violence

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Mass Shootings and Domestic Violence

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Domestic Violence and Traditional Feminist Philosophy and Beliefs

Throughout the country a majority of domestic violence programs are based off the traditional feminist philosophy and beliefs. The feminist approach is defined as an approach that aims to understand gender inequality(source). The approach examines women’s and men’s social roles, experiences, interests, chores, and politics with a goal to empower the oppressed (source). Although this belief is meant to be a positive movement for all women and fight against domestic violence it is not completely ethical to just use that […]

Relationship between Police and Involvement and Domestic Violence

Literature Review Literature has suggested that domestic violence reporting and victims of domestic violence, are issues that have very little research. On top of this, the research that has been conducted is not as accurate because the definition of domestic violence has been generalized. This means that research of domestic violence could include anything from fighting with friends, to abuse within intimate partner relationships, abuse against women, and family violence. Within the relationships alone, definitions can also differ. For example, […]

The Tough Guy Image in Black Families

Poverty can lead to the black male adherence to the tough guy image in black families. The tough guy image is the leading cause of death amongst black families. The fear of black on blacks is another cause by the tough guy image. According to the book the overwhelming number of offenses committed by African American are directed towards other African Americans. Interpersonal amongst blacks is the leading cause of death for blacks. Black males are known to make up […]

A Proposal for Companion Animal Supports in a Domestic Violence Shelter in Massachusetts

Veterinary social work is an emerging field which incorporates social work practices, values, and ideals into animal care settings. Currently, most veterinary social work is concerned with animal bereavement services, including end of life counseling, pet loss support groups, and one-on-one counseling after the death of a pet. There are, however, more uses of social work in animal care settings, as well as animal care in social work settings. One such example of animal care in a social work setting […]

Faith Harper Domestic Violence Case Study

Violence Question 3~The Return/Supervised Visits1. Investigate the child protection process in your local state and county. The Texas county law demands that anyone who believes that a child is neglected or abused should report to the law enforcement organization, Child Protective Services organization of the Texas Section of Family and Protecting Services. The law gives mandate and power to CPS to investigate any report given to protect all children (Puplampu & Codjoe 2001). According to the Texas law, it defines […]

Domestic Violence in Zora Neale Hurston’s their Eyes were Watching God

In Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie faces obstacles throughout her life and ultimately learns to grow from them. Hurston portrays love, dominance, independence, discrimination, and abuse in her novel. Hurston uses domestic abuse story. During the 20’s women were not treated fairly nor with respect. Janie’s first marriage to Logan Killicks was arranged by Janie’s grandmother who valued financial security and respectability. In Janies marriage, Logan treated her with love and respect for about a year […]

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How To Write an Essay About Domestic Violence

Understanding domestic violence.

Before starting an essay about domestic violence, it's important to understand what constitutes domestic violence and its impact on individuals and society. Domestic violence refers to a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. Begin your essay by defining domestic violence, discussing its various forms, and addressing common misconceptions. It's also crucial to explore the psychological and social factors that contribute to domestic violence, as well as its short and long-term effects on victims, families, and communities.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on domestic violence should be anchored by a clear, focused thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about domestic violence. For example, you might discuss the societal factors that contribute to domestic violence, the challenges in seeking justice for victims, or the effectiveness of intervention and support programs. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

Support your thesis with relevant data, research, and examples. This might include statistics on the prevalence of domestic violence, case studies, or research findings on the effects of domestic violence on individuals and society. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Remember to consider different perspectives and include voices of survivors in your discussion.

Analyzing the Impact of Domestic Violence

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the impact of domestic violence. Discuss various aspects, such as the physical and mental health consequences for victims, the social and economic costs, and the effect on children and families. Explore both the immediate and long-term effects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of addressing domestic violence in society. You might also want to highlight areas where further research or policy development is needed, or suggest ways individuals and communities can help combat domestic violence.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and edit it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers or experts in the field to refine your essay further. A well-written essay on domestic violence will not only demonstrate your understanding of the topic but also your ability to engage with complex social issues.

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Domestic Abuse: Types, Causes, and Impact

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Yolanda Renteria, LPC, is a licensed therapist, somatic practitioner, national certified counselor, adjunct faculty professor, speaker specializing in the treatment of trauma and intergenerational trauma.

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• Supporting Someone

Domestic abuse , also known as domestic violence or family abuse, is a pattern of behavior that is used to hurt, terrorize, manipulate, or gain control over a family member.

Domestic abuse may be perpetrated by any member of the household, such as an intimate partner, parent, child, sibling, relative, or staff member. When domestic abuse is perpetrated by an intimate partner, it is referred to as intimate partner violence. When a child is a victim of domestic abuse, it is referred to as child abuse .

People from marginalized groups are at greater risk of experiencing abuse. However, it’s important to recognize that anyone can be a victim of abuse, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, class, or faith.

Domestic abuse and intimate partner violence are serious public health issues globally. In fact, it is believed that domestic abuse is the most prevalent but least reported crime in the United States.

This article explores the types, causes, signs, and impact of domestic abuse, as well as some ways to support someone who has been abused.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance from trained advocates. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 . For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

Types of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms. These are some of the different types of domestic abuse:

• Physical abuse , which is when someone harms the other person’s body, causing them to experience pain or suffer physical injuries. Physical abuse includes slapping, beating, hitting, kicking, punching, pinching, biting, choking, pushing, grabbing, shaking, or burning another person.
• Sexual abuse , which includes any form of touching or sexual contact without the other person’s explicit consent. Sexual abuse also includes any form of sexual contact between an adult and a person below the age of 18 .
• Emotional or psychological abuse , which includes yelling, cursing, name-calling, bullying, coercing, humiliating, gaslighting, harassing, infantilizing , threatening, frightening, isolating, manipulating, or otherwise controlling another person. Emotional/psychological abuse can be just as harmful as sexual or physical abuse.
• Neglect , which involves failing to provide a child or a dependent adult with necessities such as food, water, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision. Neglect can also be emotional, which involves failing to provide love, care, and emotional support to a family member.
• Financial abuse , which involves taking control of an individual's finances by controlling their income, restricting their ability to work, or accumulating debts in their name.
• Cultural identity abuse , which involves using aspects of a person's cultural identity to cause pain. This might involve threatening to out a person as LGBTQ+, using racial or ethnic slurs, or not permitting the person to practice traditions and customs of their faith.
• Technological abuse , which involves using technology as a means to threaten, stalk, harass, and abuse the other person. Examples of this form of abuse include using tracking devices to monitor someone's movements or online activities and demanding to have access to the person's social media or email accounts.
• Immigration abuse , which involves inflicting harm on a person by using their immigration status to threaten or restrict aspects of their life. Examples of this might involve threatening the individual's family members, destroying or hiding their immigration papers, and threatening to have them deported.

Signs of Domestic Abuse

It’s important to recognize domestic abuse because the victims are our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors.

These are some of the signs that someone is experiencing domestic abuse:

• Being upset or agitated
• Being withdrawn or unresponsive
• Exhibiting signs of fear or nervousness around certain people
• Displaying sudden changes in behavior or unusual behaviors
• Having injuries such as cuts, bruises, black eyes, or broken bones
• Having bruises, bleeding, torn clothes, or bloodstains around genital areas
• Being dehydrated, malnourished, or unkempt
• Living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
• Wearing long-sleeved clothing or sunglasses to cover up bruising
• Having unusual eating or sleeping habits
• Being extremely meek and apologetic
• Losing interest in daily activities
• Isolating from friends and family

Causes of Domestic Abuse

Research suggests that there are a number of different factors that contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence:

• Cultural factors: Historically, many patriarchal cultures have permitted the beating and chastising of women and children, who are viewed as a man’s property. Additionally, the concept of a woman’s sexuality is often tied to the family’s honor. Therefore, any actions or behaviors by a woman that are perceived as acts of dishonor toward the family are met with judgment and abuse.
• Legal factors: Law enforcement agencies tend to treat domestic abuse as a private family matter and sometimes hesitate to intervene or get involved. Acts of domestic abuse are often treated with more leniency than crimes committed by strangers. In fact, sexual abuse by intimate partners is not even recognized as a crime in many cultures.
• Economic factors: Lack of economic resources is often associated with domestic abuse.
• Environmental factors: People who have grown up in abusive environments and witnessed or experienced abuse as children may be more likely to perpetrate domestic abuse as adults. This is referred to as the intergenerational cycle of abuse .
• Social factors: Society still tends to blame victims for being abused, which can make it difficult for them to come forward and report their abusers. Victims are often scrutinized minutely, and any imperfections are held against them.
• Substance use: Excessive use of substances such as alcohol and drugs can lead to domestic abuse.

Impact of Domestic Abuse

Being abused can cause a person to:

• Think they did something to deserve the abuse
• Believe they are unwanted and unworthy of love or respect
• Feel guilty or ashamed
• Feel helpless and powerless
• Feel used , controlled, or manipulated
• Be terrified of doing something that will upset their abuser
• Behave differently in order to avoid upsetting their abuser
• Have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or participating in activities they once enjoyed
• Develop mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
• Develop physical health conditions such as heart disease, digestive issues, muscle and bone conditions, fertility problems, and nervous system disorders
• Feel responsible for regulating the emotions and behaviors of their abuser
• Feel hypervigilant and like they are constantly walking on eggshells
• Not feel good enough or capable to make it on their own
• Constantly doubt their perception and their decisions

Experiencing domestic abuse can cause physical and mental health issues that persist long after the abuse stops.

Supporting Someone Who Has Been Abused

These are some ways to support someone who has been abused:

• Listen to the person and believe them
• Honor where they are in their process and don't push your personal views
• Offer assistance and let them know they’re not alone
• Help them note down all the details they can remember
• Remind them that they’re not to blame for anything that has happened to them
• Encourage them to seek professional support, either through a confidential hotline or via other medical or mental healthcare providers
• Encourage them to speak up about the abuse and report their abuser to the authorities, because keeping it secret only protects their abuser
• Respect whatever choice they make and let them know you'll be there for them regardless of what they decide

A Word From Verywell

Domestic abuse can take many different shapes and forms. It can be extremely traumatic to experience, leaving behind physical wounds, emotional scars, and health issues. It can affect every aspect of the person’s life and make it difficult for them to function.

Recovery takes time, but speaking up about the abuse, leaving an abusive situation , and seeking treatment are important steps that can help.

United Nations. What is domestic abuse?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing intimate partner violence .

Li S, Zhao F, Yu G. Childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence victimization: A meta-analysis . Child Abuse Negl . 2019;88:212-224. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.11.012

City Government of Annapolis, Maryland. Myths about domestic violence .

Nemours Foundation. Abuse .

Women Against Abuse. Types of abuse .

Department of Human Services. Domestic violence crisis and prevention .

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Types and signs of abuse .

Yakubovich AR, Stöckl H, Murray J, Melendez-Torres GJ, Steinert JI, Glavin CEY, Humphreys DK. Risk and protective factors for intimate partner violence against women: Systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective-longitudinal studies . Am J Public Health . 2018;108(7):e1-e11. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2018.304428

Greene CA, Haisley L, Wallace C, Ford JD. Intergenerational effects of childhood maltreatment: A systematic review of the parenting practices of adult survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, and violence . Clin Psychol Rev . 2020;80:101891. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101891

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Emotional and verbal abuse .

Malik M, Munir N, Ghani MU, Ahmad N. Domestic violence and its relationship with depression, anxiety, and quality of life . Pak J Med Sci . 2021;37(1):191-194. doi:10.12669/pjms.37.1.2893

Cleveland Clinic. How to heal from emotional abuse .

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Essay on Domestic Violence Against Women

Students are often asked to write an essay on Domestic Violence Against Women in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Domestic Violence Against Women

Introduction.

Domestic violence against women is a global issue, causing harm and suffering. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, often by a partner or family member.

Forms of Violence

Violence can be physical, like hitting or pushing. Emotional abuse might involve insults or threats. Sexual abuse is another form, often within relationships.

The impacts are severe, affecting women’s mental and physical health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

Education is key in prevention. We should teach respect and equality, and offer support to those affected.

250 Words Essay on Domestic Violence Against Women

Domestic violence against women is a global issue, transcending cultural, geographical, and socio-economic boundaries. Despite its widespread prevalence, it remains largely underreported due to the stigma, fear, and societal norms surrounding it.

The Scope of the Problem

A staggering number of women worldwide experience domestic violence, with the World Health Organization estimating that one in three women has been subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. This violence takes various forms, including physical assault, sexual abuse, psychological manipulation, and economic coercion.

Underlying Causes

The root causes of domestic violence against women are deeply embedded in patriarchal norms and gender inequality. Power imbalances, reinforced by societal structures, lead to women’s subjugation and vulnerability to violence. Other factors, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse, further exacerbate the problem.

The impacts of domestic violence against women are profound and far-reaching. Beyond the immediate physical harm, victims often suffer from long-term psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, the cycle of violence can have intergenerational effects, perpetuating a culture of violence and inequality.

Addressing domestic violence against women requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing legal reforms, education, and societal change. It is crucial to challenge and transform the deeply ingrained norms and attitudes that perpetuate such violence. Only then can we hope to create a world where women are free from the threat of domestic violence.

500 Words Essay on Domestic Violence Against Women

Domestic violence encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. It is not confined to any particular political or economic system, but it is prevalent in every society in the world. It cuts across boundaries of wealth, race, and culture. The World Health Organization estimates that one in three women worldwide has experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

Underlying Factors

The roots of domestic violence lie in the patriarchal societal structures that validate and perpetuate the domination of men over women. These structures are often reinforced by cultural, religious, and social norms that condone or even encourage violence against women. Economic dependence, fear of social stigma, lack of awareness about legal rights, and inadequate support systems further trap women in abusive situations.

Consequences of Domestic Violence

Prevention and response.

Preventing and responding to domestic violence requires comprehensive, multidimensional strategies. At the individual level, empowering women through education and economic independence is crucial. At the societal level, changing attitudes and norms that perpetuate gender inequalities and violence is key. Legal measures and policies should be in place to protect victims and punish perpetrators. Moreover, support services like shelters, hotlines, counselling, and legal aid should be readily available and accessible.

Domestic violence against women is a grave violation of human rights with significant societal implications. It is a complex issue that demands concerted efforts from all sectors of society. As we move forward, it is crucial to foster a culture of respect and equality, where violence is unacceptable, and women can live free from the fear of abuse. Only then can we hope to eradicate this blight from our societies and build a safer, more equitable world for all.

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Essay on Domestic Violence

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Domestic violence, a critical social issue, plagues numerous households worldwide. It’s a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This essay seeks to explore the multifaceted aspects of domestic violence, its psychological underpinnings, and the broader implications for society.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence involves physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. It includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.

Types of Domestic Violence

• Physical Abuse : Hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair pulling, etc., are types of physical abuse. It also includes denying a partner medical care or forcing alcohol/drug use.
• Emotional Abuse : Undermining an individual’s sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem. This may include constant criticism, diminishing one’s abilities, name-calling, or damaging one’s relationship with their children.
• Economic Abuse : Making or attempting to make an individual financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, or forbidding attendance at school or employment.
• Sexual Abuse : Coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent. This includes, but is not limited to, marital rape, attacks on sexual parts of the body, forcing sex after physical violence, and treating one in a sexually demeaning manner.
• Psychological Abuse : Causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends; destruction of pets and property; and forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work.

The Psychology Behind Domestic Violence

Understanding the psychology behind domestic violence is complex. It often involves an intricate interplay of power, control, and deep-seated psychological issues.

• Power and Control : Abusers often feel the need to exert dominance over their partner, stemming from deep insecurities and a desire to control.
• Cycle of Abuse : Domestic violence usually follows a pattern known as the cycle of abuse, consisting of the tension-building phase, the abusive incident, the honeymoon phase, and calm before the cycle starts again.
• Childhood Trauma : Many abusers have histories of traumatic childhoods, including physical or emotional abuse, which can perpetuate a cycle of violence.
• Societal Influences : Societal norms and cultural backgrounds that perpetuate gender inequality and glorify aggression can contribute to domestic violence.

The Impact of Domestic Violence

The impact of domestic violence is profound and far-reaching.

• Physical and Mental Health : Victims of domestic violence suffer from various physical ailments, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and in extreme cases, death.
• Impact on Children : Children who witness domestic violence are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems, and may repeat the cycle of violence in their own relationships.
• Societal Cost : Domestic violence impacts society through increased healthcare costs, legal costs, and lost productivity.

Addressing Domestic Violence

Combating domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach:

• Awareness and Education : Raising awareness about the signs of domestic violence and educating people about its unacceptable nature is crucial.
• Support Systems : Robust support systems including hotlines, shelters, counseling, and legal assistance are vital for victims.
• Legal Framework : Strong legal frameworks that protect victims and hold abusers accountable are essential.
• Community Involvement : Community education and involvement in prevention programs are necessary to change societal norms and behaviors.

Writing About Domestic Violence

For students writing about domestic violence:

• Use a Sensitive Tone : Given the delicate nature of the topic, it’s important to use a tone that is empathetic and respectful.
• Incorporate Data and Research : Use statistics, studies, and research to provide a factual basis for the essay.
• Personal Stories : While maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity, incorporating stories can provide powerful insights into the issue.
• Discuss Solutions and Prevention : Go beyond outlining the problem to propose potential solutions and preventive measures.

In conclusion, Domestic violence is a complex issue that requires deep understanding and concerted efforts to address. It’s imperative to recognize the signs, understand the underlying causes, and work towards effective solutions. For students participating in essay writing competitions, delving into this topic is not only an academic exercise but also an opportunity to contribute to the critical discourse on this pressing social issue. By understanding and articulating the nuances of domestic violence, one can advocate for change and a safer, more equitable society.

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Essay on Domestic Violence

Introduction to Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, a prevalent and multifaceted problem, involves a recurring pattern of abusive behavior by one partner in an intimate relationship aimed at gaining and asserting power and control over the other. This form of violence transcends boundaries of age, race, gender, and socio-economic status, affecting individuals worldwide. For example, consider a scenario where a woman, Sarah, endures years of emotional and physical abuse from her husband, leaving her isolated and fearful. Such instances underscore the urgent need to address this societal ill. This essay delves into the various facets of domestic violence, including its types, causes, effects, and preventive measures, aiming to raise awareness and promote action against this deeply entrenched problem.

Importance of addressing domestic violence

Addressing domestic violence is of utmost importance, as it has wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. Here are detailed points highlighting its significance:

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• Human Rights Violation: Domestic violence is a blatant violation of human rights , depriving individuals of their right to safety, security, and dignity within their own homes.
• Health Consequences: Victims of domestic violence often suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term health issues. Addressing domestic violence is crucial for mitigating these health risks.
• Impact on Children: Children who experience domestic violence are at a heightened risk of experiencing a variety of adverse outcomes, including behavioral issues, academic challenges, and long-lasting psychological difficulties. Intervening in domestic violence can shield children from these detrimental effects.
• Cycle of Violence: Addressing domestic violence is key to breaking the cycle of violence. Without intervention, children who witness or experience violence are at an increased risk of becoming either perpetrators or victims themselves in the future.
• Economic Consequences: Domestic violence can have significant economic costs, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and the need for social services. Addressing domestic violence can help reduce these economic burdens.
• Community Well-being: Domestic violence erodes the fabric of communities, leading to increased social isolation, distrust, and fear. By addressing domestic violence, communities can promote safety, trust, and social cohesion.
• Gender Equality: Domestic violence is often rooted in unequal power dynamics between genders. Addressing domestic violence is essential for promoting gender equality and empowering women and marginalized genders.
• Legal and Social Justice: Domestic violence is a crime that should be addressed through legal and social justice mechanisms. By holding perpetrators accountable and supporting victims, we can uphold principles of justice and fairness.
• Prevention of Intergenerational Transmission: Addressing domestic violence can prevent the transmission of violent behaviors from one generation to the next, breaking the cycle of abuse within families.
• Public Health Priority: A multi-sectoral approach involving healthcare, social services, law enforcement, and community organizations is required to recognize domestic violence as a public health issue. Addressing domestic violence is essential for promoting public health and well-being.

Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence manifests in various forms, each equally destructive and harmful. These are the different types of domestic violence:

• Physical Abuse: This encompasses any type of physical harm or injury inflicted upon the victim by the abuser. It may include hitting, punching, kicking, slapping, choking, or using weapons to cause harm.
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Emotional abuse characterizes behaviors that undermine the victim’s self-worth, confidence, and emotional well-being. This can include verbal threats, insults, intimidation, manipulation, gaslighting, and isolation from friends and family.
• Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse encompasses any unwanted sexual activity or coercion imposed by the abuser. This may include rape, sexual assault, forced sexual acts or coercion to engage in sexual activities against the victim’s will.
• Financial Abuse: Financial abuse transpires when the abuser controls or exploits the victim’s financial resources to wield power and control. This can include withholding money, preventing access to bank accounts, sabotaging employment or education opportunities, or coercing the victim into financial dependence.
• Digital Abuse: The proliferation of technology has led to an increase in digital abuse. This involves using technology, such as smartphones, social media, or surveillance apps, to monitor, harass, or control the victim. It may include cyberstalking, tracking the victim’s online activity, or spreading humiliating or threatening messages online.
• Spiritual Abuse: Spiritual abuse involves the use of religious beliefs or practices to manipulate, control, or justify abusive behavior. This can include using religious teachings to justify violence, coercing the victim to adhere to specific religious practices, or preventing the victim from practicing their own faith.
• Reproductive Coercion: Reproductive coercion involves controlling or interfering with the victim’s reproductive choices, such as contraception use, pregnancy, or abortion. This may include sabotaging birth control methods, pressuring the victim to become pregnant or terminate a pregnancy against their will, or refusing to use protection during sexual activity.

Causes of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a multifaceted issue with complex causes. Understanding these underlying factors is essential for devising effective prevention and intervention strategies. Here are some key causes of domestic violence:

• Historical and Cultural Factors: In many societies, there is a history of gender inequality and patriarchal norms that have normalized the use of violence against women and marginalized genders. Cultural beliefs that condone or justify violence can contribute to its perpetuation.
• Social and Economic Factors: Poverty , unemployment, lack of education, and economic stress can contribute to domestic violence. Financial dependence on the abuser can make it difficult for victims to leave abusive situations.
• Psychological Factors: Individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect in their own lives may be more likely to perpetrate domestic violence. Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and personality disorders can also contribute to domestic violence.
• Substance Abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse can lower inhibitions and impair judgment, leading to an increase in violent behavior. Substance abuse can also exacerbate existing conflicts and tensions within relationships.
• Family Dynamics: A family history of violence or exposure to domestic violence in childhood can perpetuate the cycle of violence. Unhealthy family dynamics, such as inadequate communication or boundary-setting, can also contribute to domestic violence.
• Lack of Social Support: Isolation from friends, family, and community support networks can make victims more vulnerable to domestic violence. Lack of access to supportive services can also hinder victims from seeking help.
• Cultural and Societal Norms: Beliefs and norms that prioritize male dominance and control in relationships can contribute to domestic violence. Media, religion, and social institutions may reinforce these norms.
• Lack of Legal and Social Support: Weak or ineffective legal frameworks, lack of access to justice, and stigma surrounding domestic violence can discourage victims from seeking help and enable perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior.

Effects of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can have profound and enduring effects on individuals, families, and communities. These effects can manifest in diverse ways and permeate every aspect of a person’s life. Here are some of the key effects of domestic violence:

• Physical Health Consequences: Domestic abuse victims frequently sustain wounds that range in severity from minor cuts and bruises to more serious ailments like internal injuries, fractured bones, and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, domestic violence can result in long-term health issues or disabilities.
• Psychological Effects: Domestic violence can have severe psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders. Victims may experience feelings of fear, helplessness, and low self-esteem as a result of the abuse.
• Impact on Children: Exposure to domestic violence can have negative impacts on children’s behavior, development, and emotions. They may also be at higher risk of experiencing abuse themselves or becoming abusers in the future.
• Socio-Economic Effects: Domestic violence can have significant socio-economic consequences, including loss of income, housing instability, and barriers to employment. Victims may also incur medical expenses related to injuries sustained during the abuse.
• Isolation and Alienation: Victims of domestic violence often experience social isolation and alienation from friends, family, and community due to shame, fear, or restrictions imposed by the abuser. This can intensify feelings of loneliness and helplessness even more.
• Impact on Relationships: Domestic violence can strain relationships with family members, friends, and intimate partners. Victims may have difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships in the future.
• Disruption of Daily Life: Domestic violence can disrupt every aspect of a person’s daily life, including work, school, and other activities. Victims may struggle to maintain their responsibilities and may experience difficulties in functioning on a day-to-day basis.
• Cycle of Violence: Domestic violence can perpetuate a cycle of violence, where victims may become trapped in abusive relationships or become abusers themselves in future relationships.
• Legal and Criminal Consequences: Domestic violence is a crime, and perpetrators may face legal consequences, including arrest, prosecution, and incarceration. Victims may also be involved in legal proceedings, such as obtaining protective orders or seeking custody of children.
• Impact on Community: Domestic violence can have broader impacts on communities, including increased healthcare costs, strain on social services, and a breakdown of community cohesion.

Prevention and Intervention

Preventing and intervening in domestic violence requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Here are key strategies for prevention and intervention:

• Education and Awareness: Educating individuals about the signs of domestic violence, its impact, and available resources is crucial for prevention. Awareness campaigns can assist in reducing stigma and motivating victims to seek help.
• Empowerment Programs: Empowering individuals, especially women and marginalized groups, with knowledge, skills, and resources can help them recognize and resist abusive behavior.
• Early Intervention: Early identification and intervention in abusive relationships can help prevent escalation. This can include training professionals to recognize signs of abuse and providing support to victims.
• Legal Measures: Strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms can deter perpetrators and protect victims. This can include criminalizing domestic violence, providing legal aid to victims, and enforcing protective orders.
• Support Services: Offering accessible and comprehensive support services, such as shelters, counseling, and hotlines, can assist victims in safely exiting abusive situations and rebuilding their lives.
• Counseling and Rehabilitation: Offering counseling and rehabilitation programs for perpetrators can help them address underlying issues and learn non-violent ways of resolving conflicts.
• Community Involvement: Engaging communities in prevention efforts can help change attitudes and norms that perpetuate domestic violence. This can include promoting healthy relationships and bystander intervention.
• Intersectional Approaches: It is crucial to recognize the nexus between domestic violence and other forms of oppression, such as racism , sexism, and homophobia, to prevent and intervene effectively.
• Coordination of Services: Coordinating various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups, ensures a comprehensive and effective response to domestic violence.
• Research and Evaluation: Continuously researching and evaluating prevention and intervention strategies can help identify best practices and improve outcomes for victims and perpetrators.

Challenges and Barriers

Addressing domestic violence is a complex and challenging task due to various barriers and obstacles. Some of the key challenges include:

• Lack of Awareness: Many people, including victims, perpetrators, and the general public, may not fully understand what constitutes domestic violence or may underestimate its severity. This can lead to underreporting and a lack of appropriate responses.
• Stigma and Shame: Victims of domestic violence often face stigma and shame, which can prevent them from seeking help or disclosing abuse. Cultural norms and societal attitudes that blame or discredit victims can further exacerbate this barrier.
• Financial Dependence: Economic factors can make it difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships. Financial dependence on the abuser, lack of access to resources, and fear of losing financial stability can all contribute to victims staying in abusive situations.
• Lack of Support Services: In many communities, there is a lack of adequate support services for victims of domestic violence. This includes shelters, counseling, legal aid, and other resources that are essential for helping victims safely leave abusive relationships.
• Legal Barriers: The legal system can be complex and intimidating for victims of domestic violence. Legal barriers, such as the cost of legal representation, the need to prove abuse in court, and the lack of protection for undocumented immigrants, can all hinder access to justice for victims.
• Cultural and Religious Norms: Cultural and religious beliefs that prioritize family harmony or emphasize male authority can act as barriers to addressing domestic violence. These norms can discourage victims from seeking help or speaking out against abuse.
• Lack of Coordination: Addressing domestic violence requires a coordinated response from multiple sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare, social services, and the justice system. Lack of coordination between these sectors can result in service gaps and ineffective responses.
• Perpetrator Accountability: Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions can be challenging. Factors like fear of retaliation, insufficient evidence, and lenient legal consequences can all contribute to a lack of accountability for abusive behavior.
• Limited Resources: Resources for addressing domestic violence, including funding for support services and prevention programs, are often limited. This can result in inadequate services and long wait times for victims seeking help.
• Intersectionality: Domestic violence intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism. Victims who belong to marginalized groups may face additional barriers and challenges in accessing support and services.

Domestic violence is a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue that has devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. It constitutes a violation of human rights and represents a substantial public health concern that demands urgent attention and action. Addressing domestic violence necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, intervention, support services, and advocacy efforts. By raising awareness, challenging cultural norms, providing support to survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and promoting gender equality, we can work towards creating safer and more supportive environments for all individuals affected by domestic violence. Together, we must strive to end the cycle of abuse and build a society free from violence and fear.

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What Is Domestic Violence?

A comprehensive guide to helping you understand domestic violence and abuse.

• By Amanda Kippert
• Jan 13, 2021

Domestic violence is not always easy to spot. It doesn’t always come with bruises or a black eye. Victims may not always be in imminent danger, but rather feel controlled or uncomfortable, be forced into doing something they don’t want to or be intimidated by their partner, all signs of abuse. 

Domestic Violence is Ongoing and Often Escalating

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, is identified by a pattern of continuing abusive behavior toward another person in an effort to gain and maintain power and control. Most often, the perpetrator of domestic violence is a current or former spouse or dating partner, or a person who has cohabitated with the victim, such as a family member or roommate. Sometimes, domestic violence can also be perpetrated by  a caretaker , such as someone caring for an elderly relative, or  a landlord  who has used tactics of power and control over a tenant. 

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The most definable aspect is that the abusive behavior is a pattern. An individual who gets angry and yells at their partner, but acknowledges their mistake and apologizes once they’ve cooled down, is not necessarily an abuser. But an individual who uses anger to intimidate their partner, and uses this tactic on a regular basis, may be. 

Abusers also almost always escalate the abuse over time. This escalation can be gradual or sudden, and can look like an increase in control or isolation, a more violent form of physical abuse, or something else. See “ Abuse Almost Always Escalates ” for more information. Escalation should raise a serious red flag with victims. Once abuse escalates, it becomes even more difficult to leave safely and the abuser will most likely intensify their tactics further yet.

5 Types of Domestic Violence 

There are at least five different types of domestic violence. A survivor can experience one or more of these during a relationship with an abusive partner. The abuser may start out using emotional abuse tactics, then escalate to physical and sexual abuse, and then control the money in the house as well, also known as financial abuse. Or, an abuser may just stick with one type—perhaps a survivor can’t go anywhere or do anything without fear. That’s  coercive control , a type of emotional abuse. 

Let’s look at the five different types and what sort of abusive tactics define them.

Psychological/Emotional/Verbal Abuse : demeaning a victim through a pattern of criticism, humiliation, name-calling, blame, gaslighting or threats. It may also be called coercive control and is a type of nonphysical abuse (though it can often escalate into physical abuse). Emotional abuse can include:

• Shaming, embarrassing or berating a victim behind closed doors or in a public setting 
• Calling a victim names
• Frequent possessiveness or jealousy 
• Ignoring a victim for prolonged periods of time
• Controlling or limiting where a victim goes, what they wear, who they see or whether or not they retain employment or attend school 
• Gaslighting a victim —invalidating the victim’s memories of abusive incidents or claiming the victim is blowing them out of proportion
• Threats to hurt the victim, their family or their pets
• Frequent infidelity while blaming the victim for it
• Calling a victim “crazy”
• Denying a victim sleep

Learn more with the following articles from our site:

• 10 Patterns of Emotional Abuse
• 10 Patterns of Verbal Abuse
• What is Coercive Control?
• Possessiveness: The Precursor to Power and Control
• If You’re Being Stalked

Physical Abuse : the use of physical force or bodily harm against a victim to intimidate or injure. This can include:

• Pushing or Shoving
• Strangulation (sometimes called “choking”) or Suffocation 
• Using an object or a weapon to injure someone
• Denying a victim medical treatment
• Controlling what a victim eats
• Forcing a victim to use drugs 
• Destroying a victim’s belongings 
• Beyond a Bruise
• Abusers Use Suffocation as a Power Move

Abuse Almost Always Escalates

• How Domestic Violence Can Injure the Brain
• Why Abusers May Withhold Medical Care and Medication

Sexual Abuse : when an abuser coerces or forces a victim to engage in sexual behavior they didn’t consent to. Sexual abuse often occurs in tandem with physical abuse and can include:

• Rape, including marital rape
• Physical violence followed by force sexual acts
• Violence directed at a victim’s breasts or genitalia
• Withholding intimacy as a means to control 
• Withholding birth control or condoms
• Forcing a victim to view pornography or participate in group sex
• Using sexual insults to demean a victim
• What Is Sexual Coercion?
• When Abusers Use Sexual Abuse to Control
• Sexual Assault is More Than Rape
• What is Grey Rape and Stealthing?
• When Incest Accompanies Domestic Violence

Financial Abuse : when the abuser maintains total control over shared finances as a form of controlling a victim, limiting their access to funds, bank accounts, credit cards; forbidding them from holding a job; or intentionally ruining a victim’s credit. It may look like:

• Denying a victim access to shared bank accounts
• Strictly controlling how money is spent
• Giving a victim an “allowance” to live on
• Mismanaging shared money and lying about it
• Running up large debts or opening lines of credit without a victim’s permission 
• Forcing a victim to write bad checks or file fraudulent tax returns
• Sabotaging employment opportunities for victim
• Forcing a victim to work for a family business without pay
• Demanding a victim turn over paychecks or public benefit checks
• Requiring receipts for all purchases a victim makes
• Are You the Victim of Financial Abuse?
• When Someone Else Controls the Money
• 16 Signs of Financial Abuse
• When You Can’t Afford to Leave an Abusive Partner
• 5 Ways to Get Money Matters in Order

Spiritual Abuse : This can have more than one meaning. Within a domestic situation, it can mean an abuser uses a victim’s religious beliefs to control them, or prevents a victim from practicing their religion. Within a religious organization, spiritual abuse is when a religious leader shames or controls members using their position of power. In this guide, we’re going to focus on spiritual abuse within an intimate partner relationship, which would look like:

• An abuser preventing a victim from praying, attending church, keeping kosher or otherwise practicing their religion
• An abuser ridiculing their partner’s beliefs 
• An abuser using their partner’s religion to berate them
• Manipulating a victim using religion (cherry-picking religious verses to fit an abuser’s tactics of control, aka, “The bible says you have to obey your husband.”)
• An abuser insisting your children be raised in a faith you don’t agree to
• 5 Ways to Recognize Religious Abuse
• Do You Feel Trapped by Your Faith?
• Why We Shouldn’t Be Telling Survivors to ‘Find God’

Domestic Violence Often Committed as Part of a Cycle

Abusers often, but not always, follow a pattern with victims. Certain tools have been made to illustrate this pattern—one is called the  Cycle of Violence or Cycle of Abuse , created in 1979 by psychologist Lenore E. Walker, claims abusers will often cycle through four steps:

• Tensions Build: Any typical life stressor can build tensions, from finances to children, but the victim will feel the need to reduce this by becoming compliant and nurturing in order to prevent abuse or, in some cases, may provoke the abuser knowing abuse is inevitable. 
• Incident: Where the abuser attempts to dominate the victim through outbursts of violence (though this can also include nonphysical incidents like  verbal  and  emotional abuse ).
• Reconciliation: Sometimes called the “honeymoon stage.” The abuser may shower the victim with affection, apology or gifts, sometimes in an effort to convince the victim to not report abuse, and ultimately, to keep the victim from leaving. This may also include threats of suicide from an abuser if the victim is thinking of leaving or reporting the abuse.
• Calm: A period of peace where a survivor may consider things “back to normal.”

Some advocates argue the cycle doesn't paint an accurate picture of abuse as not all abusers will follow this pattern. However, many survivors have found that the illustration can help them understand how abuse continues. 

There is also a second visual aid called the  Power and Control Wheel , developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in 1984. The wheel shows that abusers may cycle between any of eight of the most common types of abusive tactics. They include:

• Using emotional abuse (put-downs, mind games, guilt trips)
• Using isolation (controlling where a victim goes, limiting their time with friends and family)
• Using coercion and threats (making threats in order to control a victim, making a victim drop charges)
• Using economic abuse (preventing a victim from getting a job, concealing shared finances)
• Using male privilege (being in charge of defining men’s and women’s roles)
• Using children (making the victim feel guilty about the children, threatening to take them away)
• Minimizing, denying and blaming ( gaslighting tactics  that minimize or deny the abuse)

Who Do Abusers Target?

Granted, most domestic violence involves females as victims. Research from the  Bureau of Justice Statistics  shows that 85 percent of domestic violence victims are women, and those at greatest risk are between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. 

That being said, abusers can perpetrate domestic violence against  anyone — young ,  old ,  rich ,  poor ,  gay ,  straight ,  educated  or not. Any  ethnicity , any  gender , any  location . Abusers may target people who have said they would never let it happen to them. Abusers may find victims who grew up with domestic violence and vowed to never repeat the cycle. No one willingly gets into a relationship with an abuser though, so how do abusers find their victims? 

For starters, abusers are cunning individuals. Their abuse is not random, nor is it impulsive. Quite the opposite. As any advocate would attest, abusers know what they’re doing and when and how they’re going to do it. Falling for an abuser is never something a survivor should blame themselves for. 

There are certain risk factors, however, that can make someone more susceptible to intimate partner violence. Being young is one risk factor— college-age adults  experience the highest rates of domestic violence). And being  a victim of domestic violence as a child  can also increase your risk of being in a relationship with an abusive partner in adulthood. 

Who Are Abusers?

It’s not as easy as one might think to spot an abuser, and just as tricky to pinpoint why someone abuses. Advocates say that abusers, when asked, will speak of a violent home during childhood where abuse was present. Some experts place blame on a culture that supports sexist behaviors and toxic masculinity . While this list of  25 Risk Factors for Domestic Violence  outlines some of the influences that may contribute to someone being abusive, the fact is that abuse is not caused by anything other than an abuser choosing to abuse. Plenty of individuals from violent childhood homes choose not to continue the cycle of abuse. Survivors of abuse should always be assured of one essential truth: abuse is never their fault and it’s never the cause of something they did or didn’t do. 

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, abusers don’t come into our lives waving big red flags. In reality, they can often be some of the most charming, thoughtful and romantic people you’ll ever meet. It’s only once you’re entrenched in the relationship that an abuser will begin to exhibit tactics of control, intimidation and violence. If we can spot an abuser before ever reaching this point, our chances of making it to safety multiply tenfold. 

One of the most important pieces of advice we’ve given on our site is to  listen to your gut . When those little hairs on the back of our neck stand up, when our stomach clenches, when we have the urge to flee upon meeting someone seemingly harmless, we should listen. 

Below, some warning signs that should give us pause when meeting someone new:

• Extreme jealousy
• Often has a confrontational attitude
• Bullies others
• Feels the world is against them
• Moves relationship fast—shares deep feelings early on, talks about “being together forever”
• Sabotages a victim’s relationships with other friends, family members
• Refuses to compromise 
• Often makes victim feel at fault
• Denies their behavior
• Is caught in lies
• Was abusive in previous relationships
• Has a history of abuse in family
• Does not respect boundaries
• Tells sexist jokes or objectifies women 
• Constantly checks in with victim; needs to know where victim is at all times
• Is cruel to animals
• Owns a weapon

You can learn more from these articles on our site:

Profiling an Abuser: 6 Signs You Should Pay Attention To

• 25 Relationship Red Flags
• Normal Jealousy or the Start of Abuse?
• From Romance to Isolation: Understanding Grooming
• Netflix’s  You  is a Roadmap to Dating Violence

It’s Not Always as Easy as Walking Out the Door

Leaving an abuser is notoriously the most dangerous time for a survivor. When an abuser senses they are losing control over their victim, they tend to ramp up the abuse in both severity and frequency. That’s why having  a comprehensive safety plan  is vital in order to separate from an abuser safely. A trained domestic violence advocate can help a survivor make a safety plan, but we also provide  a DIY worksheet  on our website. 

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Only a survivor knows when the safest time to leave is. There are often myriad barriers standing in a survivor’s way.  We list 50 on our site . Some examples include:

• Fear the abuser will retaliate by harming the survivor, her children or pets
• Lack of financial independence
• Lack of an advocate to assist the survivor in leaving, finding shelter
• Dependency on an abuser (e.g., the survivor may be disabled or may depend on the abuser for citizenship) 
• Denial that the abuse is as bad as it is
• Fear of losing custody of children in the court system 
• Pressure from family to stay
• Religious beliefs or misguided teachings

It should also be noted that should the abuser have access to a firearm, the survivor’s risk of homicide  increases 500 percent . Standard protection orders do not always require the person to relinquish weapons, but a survivor in this scenario may want to ask about  an extreme risk protection order , or ERPO. They exist in at least 19 states and require someone at risk of harming themselves or others to give up all firearms, and can be used in conjunction with an order of protection. 

Now, It’s Time to Act to Stop Domestic Violence

By taking the time to understand the complex maze of power and intimidation tactics abusers use to control their victims you’re not only more prepared to recognize an abuser, should one cross your path, but also that you’re more prepared to run in the opposite direction from such an individual. You’re also all that more ready to help others—friends, family, coworkers—who may disclose abuse to you or who may be confused, wondering  is this really abuse? Consider watching our video, “ I Know Someone Who’s Being Abused, Now What? ” for more on helping someone in your life escape an abuser. 

We've prepared a toolkit "What Is Domestic Violence"  to help you understand even more what domestic violence is so you can better assess your relationship and understand your situation. 

And when you recognize abuse, whether in your own life or in a relationship of someone close to you, there are people ready and willing to help. Advocates are available at thousands of domestic violence hotlines in virtually every populated area of the U.S. and Canada and they can help you further understand what’s happening, help safety plan, advise you on getting an order of protection and identify next steps  even if you’re not ready to leave . Visit our  Find Help page  to find a shelter and hotline in your ZIP code. 

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Domestic Violence in Marriage and Family Essay

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Domestic violence is one of the worldwide crises which are affecting marriage and families. This poses the greatest threat to the general behavior of the people’s lives. The society in which we live has for many decades endeavored to conceal the reality of domestic violence. Although in the past, people were traditionally well behaved and thus leniency and respect that quenched the anger was abundant. This is not meant to mean that torture and family abuse were things and acts unheard of. Family violence could be provoked by either one of the parents or even a child of that family. This family violence is commonly associated with men, and research has given more evidence on this. This is quite well articulated to the greatest obstacle related to gender inequality. (McIntyre, 1984)

Nowadays, family violence is quite a common phenomenon for both old and younger married men and women. Younger married women at the age of thirteen and twenties are at great risk of family violence. Men’s violence toward their wives has impacted their families’ progress mostly. Family violence takes many forms which include sexual abuse, physical assaults, and murder, emotional as well as restriction of freedoms and rights, coercion, and threats. Most of these violent acts have been reported to have been as a result of misuse of alcohol or drugs. High percentages of violent reports have been due to excessive drinking or from people addicted to alcohol.

The majority of rape cases have been observed to be a pre-planned projects. it occurs as indoor raping exclusively by men towards their wives. This is termed violence against women because there is no desire for mutual feeling. The perpetrator may either want to show that the woman is subordinate to him i.e. He tries to demonstrate how powerful over his wife. (Grann & Fazel 2004)

Family violence portrays a bad image of a family. Psychologically, men and women involved in family violence find disturb by negative questions in their daily life. They are seen to be neurotic and poor coppers. They become obsessed with things that are happening to their partner’s lifestyle rather than getting engage with developmental projects. This leads them in controlling the behavior of the other partner and this deters personal concentration on the matter of paramount importance. They are also affected such that they partner with those individuals with quake behaviors so that they may satisfy their comfort and steal their minds from the family problem realities.

While there are enormous reports of intimate partner homicides, murders, rapes, and assaults, it is important to note that victims of all this violence find it very difficult to explain the matter and incidents to their friends. They view this as something shameful of disclosing family issues to the public. This is most very common with men because the man in his thinking capacity does not admit to overpowering always by his counterpart female partner. This makes it very hard for men victims to air their problems for assistance. (Morrell, 2004)

Furthermore, children are not exceptional about the psychological effect due to family violence. When husband and wife expose the violent action to their children, they make the child learn the kind of life that they lead. The emotions of the children may be triggered and this causes either to develops a negative attitude against his /her parents. The picture that is formed back in his medulla oblongata remains a stumbling block for his future reasoning and planning. (McIntyre, 1984)

As I conclude, family violence should be discouraged for its impacts are enormously and pervasively destructive. So partner should get into controllable action which would not lead to violence.

Grann, M. & Fazel S. (2004): Substance misuse and violent crime: Swedish population study.

McIntyre, D. (1984): Domestic violence: a case of disappearing victim, ‘Australian Journal of Family Therapy, vol.5 no. 4 pp. 249-58.

Morrell, R. (2004): Ending gender-based violence: A call for global action to involve men. Stockholm.

• The "I Have a Dream" Speech by Dr. M. L. King Jr.
• The Great San Francisco Earthquake
• The Social Control Theory by Travis Hirschi
• One-Group Posttest-Only Design in the Context of Domestic Violence Problem
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• Help-Seeking Amongst Women Survivors of Domestic Violence
• Domestic Violence as a Social Issue
• Sexual Violence. Explaining Serious Offences
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Exploring factors influencing domestic violence: a comprehensive study on intrafamily dynamics

Cintya lanchimba.

1 Departamento de Economía Cuantitativa, Facultad de Ciencias Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador

2 Institut de Recherche en Gestion et Economie, Université de Savoie Mont Blanc (IREGE/IAE Savoie Mont Blanc), Annecy, France

Juan Pablo Díaz-Sánchez

Franklin velasco.

3 Department of Marketing, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador

Associated Data

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Introduction

This econometric analysis investigates the nexus between household factors and domestic violence. By considering diverse variables encompassing mood, depression, health consciousness, social media engagement, household chores, density, and religious affiliation, the study aims to comprehend the underlying dynamics influencing domestic violence.

Employing econometric techniques, this study examined a range of household-related variables for their potential associations with levels of violence within households. Data on mood, depression, health consciousness, social media usage, household chores, density, and religious affiliation were collected and subjected to rigorous statistical analysis.

The findings of this study unveil notable relationships between the aforementioned variables and levels of violence within households. Positive mood emerges as a mitigating factor, displaying a negative correlation with violence. Conversely, depression positively correlates with violence, indicating an elevated propensity for conflict. Increased health consciousness is linked with diminished violence, while engagement with social media demonstrates a moderating influence. Reduction in the time allocated to household chores corresponds with lower violence levels. Household density, however, exhibits a positive association with violence. The effects of religious affiliation on violence manifest diversely, contingent upon household position and gender.

The outcomes of this research offer critical insights for policymakers and practitioners working on formulating strategies for preventing and intervening in instances of domestic violence. The findings emphasize the importance of considering various household factors when designing effective interventions. Strategies to bolster positive mood, alleviate depression, encourage health consciousness, and regulate social media use could potentially contribute to reducing domestic violence. Additionally, the nuanced role of religious affiliation underscores the need for tailored approaches based on household dynamics, positioning, and gender.

1. Introduction

Intimate partner violence is a pervasive global issue, particularly affecting women. According to the World Health Organization ( 1 ), approximately 30% of women worldwide have experienced violence from their intimate partners. Disturbingly, recent studies indicate that circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupt daily lives on a global scale, have exacerbated patterns of violence against women ( 2 – 4 ). Data from the WHO ( 1 ) regarding gender-based violence during the pandemic reveals that one in three women felt insecure within their homes due to family conflicts with their partners.

This pressing issue of intimate partner violence demands a thorough analysis from a social perspective. It is often insidious and challenging to identify, as cultural practices and the normalization of abusive behaviors, such as physical aggression and verbal abuse, persist across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. However, all forms of violence can inflict physical and psychological harm on victims, affecting their overall well-being and interpersonal relationships WHO ( 5 ). Furthermore, households with a prevalence of domestic violence are more likely to experience child maltreatment ( 6 ).

In this context, the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on individuals, families, and communities worldwide, creating a complex landscape of challenges and disruptions. Among the numerous repercussions, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated issues of domestic violence within households. The confinement measures, economic strain, and heightened stress levels resulting from the pandemic have contributed to a volatile environment where violence can escalate. Understanding the factors that influence domestic violence during this unprecedented crisis is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

This article aims to explore the relationship between household factors and domestic violence within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. By employing econometric analysis, we investigate how various factors such as mood, depression, health consciousness, social media usage, household chores, density, and religious affiliation relate to violence levels within households. These factors were selected based on their relevance to the unique circumstances and challenges presented by the pandemic.

The study builds upon existing research that has demonstrated the influence of individual and household characteristics on domestic violence. However, the specific context of the pandemic necessitates a deeper examination of these factors and their implications for violence within households. By focusing on variables that are particularly relevant in the crisis, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that contribute to intrafamily violence during the pandemic.

The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers involved in addressing domestic violence. By identifying the factors that either increase or mitigate violence within households, we can develop targeted interventions and support systems to effectively respond to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Furthermore, this research contributes to the broader literature on domestic violence by highlighting the distinct influence of household factors within the context of a global health crisis.

The structure of this paper is organized as follows. Section 2 provides a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on household violence. Section 3 presents the case study that forms the basis of this research. Section 4 outlines the methodology employed in the study. Section 5 presents the results obtained from the empirical analysis. Finally, Section 6 concludes the paper, summarizing the key findings and their implications for addressing domestic violence.

2. Literature review

2.1. violence at home.

Throughout human history, the family unit has been recognized as the fundamental building block of society. Families are comprised of individuals bound by blood or marriage, and they are ideally regarded as havens of love, care, affection, and personal growth, where individuals should feel secure and protected. Unfortunately, it is distressingly common to find alarming levels of violence, abuse, and aggression within the confines of the home ( 7 ).

Domestic violence, as defined by Tan and Haining ( 8 ), encompasses any form of violent behavior directed toward family members, regardless of their gender, resulting in physical, sexual, or psychological harm. It includes acts of threats, coercion, and the deprivation of liberty. This pervasive issue is recognized as a public health problem that affects all nations. It is important to distinguish between domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), as they are related yet distinct phenomena. DV occurs within the family unit, affecting both parents and children. On the other hand, IPV refers to violent and controlling acts perpetrated by one partner against another, encompassing physical aggression (such as hitting, kicking, and beating), sexual, economic, verbal, or emotional harm ( 9 , 10 ). IPV can occur between partners who cohabit or not, and typically involves male partners exerting power and control over their female counterparts. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there are cases where men are also victims of violence ( 11 ).

Both forms of violence, DV and IPV, take place within the home. However, when acts of violence occur in the presence of children, regardless of whether they directly experience physical harm or simply witness the violence, the consequences can be profoundly detrimental ( 12 , 13 ).

Understanding the intricacies and dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on individuals and families is of paramount importance. The consequences of such violence extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting the overall well-being and social fabric of society. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the various factors that contribute to domestic violence, including those specific to the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. In the following sections, we will examine the empirical findings regarding household factors and their association with domestic violence, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of this pervasive issue.

2.2. Drivers of domestic violence

As previously discussed, the occurrence of violence within the home carries significant consequences for individuals’ lives. Consequently, gaining an understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to this violence is crucial. To this end, Table 1 provides a comprehensive summary of the most commonly identified determinants of domestic violence within the existing literature.

Determinants of domestic violence.

Adapted and improved from the classification proposed by Visaria ( 16 ).

Identifying these determinants is a vital step toward comprehending the complex nature of domestic violence. By synthesizing the findings from numerous studies, Table 1 presents a consolidated overview of the factors that have been consistently associated with domestic violence. This compilation serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to address and mitigate the prevalence of domestic violence.

The determinants presented in Table 1 encompass various variables, including socio-economic factors, mental health indicators, interpersonal dynamics, and other relevant aspects. By examining and analyzing these determinants, researchers have made significant progress in uncovering the underlying causes and risk factors associated with domestic violence.

It is important to note that the determinants listed in Table 1 represent recurring themes in the literature and are not an exhaustive representation of all potential factors influencing domestic violence. The complex nature of this issue necessitates ongoing research and exploration to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play. Thus, we categorize these factors into two groups to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Group A focuses on variables that characterize both the victim and the aggressor, which may act as potential deterrents against femicide. Previous research by Alonso-Borrego and Carrasco ( 17 ), Anderberg et al. ( 18 ), Sen ( 19 ), and Visaria ( 16 ) has highlighted the significance of factors such as age, level of education, employment status, occupation, and religious affiliation. These individual characteristics play a role in shaping the dynamics of domestic violence and can influence the likelihood of its occurrence.

Group B aims to capture risk factors that contribute to the presence of violence within the home. One prominent risk factor is overcrowding, which can lead to psychological, social, and economic problems within the family, ultimately affecting the health of its members. Research by Van de Velde et al. ( 21 ), Walker-Descartes et al. ( 23 ), Malik and Naeem ( 2 ) supports the notion that individuals experiencing such distress may resort to exerting force or violence on other family members as a means of releasing their frustration. Additionally, Goodman ( 32 ) have highlighted the increased risk of violence in households with multiple occupants, particularly in cases where individuals are confined to a single bedroom. These concepts can be further explored through variables related to health, depression, anxiety, and stress, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying domestic violence.

By investigating these factors, our study enhances the existing understanding of the complex dynamics of domestic violence within the unique context of the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated various stressors and challenges within households, potentially intensifying the risk of violence. Understanding the interplay between these factors and domestic violence is essential for the development of targeted interventions and support systems to mitigate violence and its consequences.

2.3. Demographic characteristics (A)

2.3.1. education level (a1).

According to Sen ( 19 ), the education level of the victim, typically women, or the head of household is a significant antecedent of domestic violence. Women’s access to and completion of secondary education play a crucial role in enhancing their capacity and control over their lives. Higher levels of education not only foster confidence and self-esteem but also empower women to seek help and resources, ultimately reducing their tolerance for domestic violence. Babu and Kar ( 33 ), Semahegn and Mengistie ( 34 ) support this perspective by demonstrating that women with lower levels of education and limited work opportunities are more vulnerable to experiencing violence.

When women assume the role of the head of the household, the likelihood of violence within the household, whether domestic or intimate partner violence, increases significantly. This has severe physical and mental health implications for both the woman and other family members, and in the worst-case scenario, it can result in the tragic loss of life ( 22 , 23 , 35 ).

Conversely, men’s economic frustration or their inability to fulfill the societal expectation of being the “head of household” is also a prominent factor contributing to the perpetration of physical and sexual violence within the home ( 36 ).The frustration arising from economic difficulties, combined with the frequent use of drugs and alcohol, exacerbates the likelihood of violent behavior.

These findings underscore the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting gender equality in preventing and combating domestic violence. By enhancing women’s access to education, improving economic opportunities, and challenging traditional gender roles, we can create a more equitable and violence-free society. Additionally, interventions targeting men’s economic empowerment and addressing substance abuse issues can play a pivotal role in reducing violence within the home.

2.3.2. Employment and occupation (A2)

Macroeconomic conditions, specifically differences in unemployment rates between men and women, have been found to impact domestic violence. Research suggests that an increase of 1% in the male unemployment rate is associated with an increase in physical violence within the home, while an increase in the female unemployment rate is linked to a reduction in violence ( 37 ).

Moreover, various studies ( 34 , 35 , 38 , 39 ) have highlighted the relationship between domestic violence and the husband’s working conditions, such as workload and job quality, as well as the income he earns. The exercise of authority within the household and the use of substances that alter behavior are also associated with domestic violence.

Within this context, economic gender-based violence is a prevalent but lesser-known form of violence compared to physical or sexual violence. It involves exerting unacceptable economic control over a partner, such as allocating limited funds for expenses or preventing them from working to maintain economic dependence. This form of violence can also manifest through excessive and unsustainable spending without consulting the partner. Economic gender-based violence is often a “silent” form of violence, making it more challenging to detect and prove ( 40 ).

Empowerment becomes a gender challenge that can lead to increased violence, as men may experience psychological stress when faced with the idea of women earning more than them ( 14 , 18 ). Lastly, Alonso-Borrego and Carrasco ( 17 ) and Tur-Prats ( 41 ) conclude that intrafamily violence decreases only when the woman’s partner is also employed, highlighting the significance of economic factors in influencing domestic violence dynamics.

Understanding the interplay between macroeconomic conditions, employment, and economic control within intimate relationships is crucial for developing effective interventions and policies aimed at reducing domestic violence. By addressing the underlying economic inequalities and promoting gender equality in both the labor market and household dynamics, we can work toward creating safer and more equitable environments that contribute to the prevention of domestic violence.

2.3.3. Religion (A3)

Religion and spiritual beliefs have been found to play a significant role in domestic violence dynamics. Certain religious interpretations and teachings can contribute to the acceptance of violence, particularly against women, as a form of submission or obedience. This phenomenon is prevalent in Middle Eastern countries, where religious texts such as the Bible and the Qur’an are often quoted to justify and perpetuate gender-based violence ( 20 ).

For example, in the book of Ephesians 5:22–24, the Bible states that wives should submit themselves to their husbands, equating the husband’s authority to that of the Lord. Similarly, the Qur’an emphasizes the importance of wives being sexually available to their husbands in all aspects of their relationship. These religious teachings can create a belief system where women are expected to endure mistreatment and forgive their abusive partners ( 15 ).

The influence of religious beliefs and practices can complicate a woman’s decision to leave an abusive relationship, particularly when marriage is considered a sacred institution. Feelings of guilt and difficulties in seeking support or ending the relationship can arise due to the belief that marriage is ordained by God ( 15 ).

It is important to note that the response of religious congregations and communities to domestic violence can vary. In some cases, if abuse is ignored or not condemned, it may perpetuate the cycle of violence and hinder efforts to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. However, in other instances, religious organizations may provide emotional support and assistance through dedicated sessions aimed at helping all affected family members heal and address the violence ( 20 ).

Recognizing the influence of religious beliefs on domestic violence is crucial for developing comprehensive interventions and support systems that address the specific challenges faced by individuals within religious contexts. This includes promoting awareness, education, and dialog within religious communities to foster an understanding that violence is never acceptable and to facilitate a safe environment for victims to seek help and healing.

2.4. Presence of risk factor (B)

2.4.1. depression, anxiety, and stress (b1).

Within households, the occurrence of violence is unfortunately prevalent, often stemming from economic constraints, social and psychological problems, depression, and stress. These factors instill such fear in the victims that they are often hesitant to report the abuse to the authorities ( 42 ).

Notably, when women assume the role of heads of households, they experience significantly higher levels of depression compared to men ( 21 ). This study highlights that the presence of poverty, financial struggles, and the ensuing violence associated with these circumstances significantly elevate the risk of women experiencing severe health disorders, necessitating urgent prioritization of their well-being. Regrettably, in low-income countries where cases of depression are on the rise within public hospitals, the provision of adequate care becomes an insurmountable challenge ( 21 ).

These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support systems and targeted interventions that address the multifaceted impact of domestic violence on individuals’ mental and physical health. Furthermore, effective policies should be implemented to alleviate economic hardships and provide accessible mental health services, particularly in low-income settings. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to violence within households and ensuring adequate care for those affected, society can take significant strides toward breaking the cycle of violence and promoting a safer and more supportive environment for individuals and families.

2.4.2. Retention tendency (B2)

Many societies, particularly in Africa, are characterized by a deeply ingrained patriarchal social structure, where men hold the belief that they have the right to exert power and control over their partners ( 31 ). This ideology of patriarchy is often reinforced by women themselves, who may adhere to traditional gender roles and view marital abuse as a norm rather than recognizing it as an act of violence. This acceptance of abuse is influenced by societal expectations and cultural norms that prioritize the preservation of marriage and the submission of women.

Within these contexts, there is often a preference for male children over female children, as males are seen as essential for carrying on the family name and lineage ( 43 ). This preference is also reflected in the distribution of property and decision-making power within households, where males are given greater rights and authority. Such gender-based inequalities perpetuate the cycle of power imbalances and contribute to the normalization of violence against women.

It is important to note that men can also be victims of domestic violence. However, societal and cultural norms have long portrayed men as strong and superior figures, making it challenging for male victims to come forward and report their abusers due to the fear of being stigmatized and rejected by society ( 16 ). The cultural expectations surrounding masculinity create barriers for men seeking help and support, further perpetuating the silence around male victimization.

These cultural dynamics underscore the complexity of domestic violence within patriarchal societies. Challenging and dismantling deeply rooted gender norms and power structures is essential for addressing domestic violence effectively. This includes promoting gender equality, empowering women, and engaging men and boys in efforts to combat violence. It also requires creating safe spaces and support systems that encourage both women and men to break the silence, seek help, and challenge the harmful societal narratives that perpetuate violence and victim-blaming.

2.4.3. Density (B3)

Moreover, the issue of overcrowding within households has emerged as another important factor influencing domestic violence. Overcrowding refers to the stress caused by the presence of a large number of individuals in a confined space, leading to a lack of control over one’s environment ( 44 ). This overcrowding can have a detrimental impact on the psychological well-being of household members, thereby negatively affecting their internal relationships.

The freedom to use spaces within the home and the ability to control interactions with others have been identified as crucial factors that contribute to satisfaction with the home environment and the way individuals relate to each other. In this regard, studies have shown that when households are crowded, and individuals lack personal space and control over their living conditions, the risk of violence may increase ( 45 ).

Furthermore, investigations conducted during periods of extensive confinement, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed light on the significance of other environmental factors within homes ( 46 ). For instance, aspects like proper ventilation and adequate living space have been found to influence the overall quality of life and the health of household inhabitants.

These findings emphasize the importance of considering the physical living conditions and environmental factors within households when examining the dynamics of domestic violence. Addressing issues of overcrowding, promoting healthy and safe living environments, and ensuring access to basic amenities and resources are crucial steps in reducing the risk of violence and improving the well-being of individuals and families within their homes.

2.4.4. Reason for confrontation (B4)

Another form of violence that exists within households is abandonment and neglect, which manifests through a lack of protection, insufficient physical care, neglecting emotional needs, and disregarding proper nutrition and medical care ( 47 ). This definition highlights that any member of the family can be subjected to this form of violence, underscoring the significance of recognizing its various manifestations.

In this complex context, negative thoughts and emotions can arise, leading to detrimental consequences. For instance, suspicions of infidelity and feelings of jealousy can contribute to a decrease in the partner’s self-esteem, ultimately triggering intimate partner violence that inflicts physical, social, and health damages ( 32 , 48 ).

Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the intimate connection between domestic violence and civil issues. Marital conflicts, particularly when accompanied by violence, whether physical or psychological, can lead to a profound crisis within the relationship, often resulting in divorce. Unfortunately, the process of obtaining a divorce or establishing parental arrangements can be protracted, creating additional friction and potentially exacerbating gender-based violence ( 49 ).

These dynamics underscore the complex interplay between domestic violence and broader social, emotional, and legal contexts. Understanding these interconnected factors is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems that address the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, promote healthy relationships, and safeguard the well-being of individuals and families within the home.

Finally, despite the multitude of factors identified in the existing literature that may have an impact on gender-based violence, we have selected a subset of variables for our study based on data availability. Specifically, our analysis will concentrate on the following factors reviewed: (A3) religion, (B1) depression, health consciousness, and mood, (B2) retention tendency as reflected by household chores, and (B3) density.

The rationale behind our choice of these variables stems from their perceived significance and potential relevance to the study of domestic violence. Religion has been widely acknowledged as a social and cultural determinant that shapes beliefs, values, and gender roles within a society, which may have implications for power dynamics and relationship dynamics within households. Depression, as a psychological construct, has been frequently associated with increased vulnerability and impaired coping mechanisms, potentially contributing to the occurrence or perpetuation of domestic violence. Health consciousness and mood are additional constructs that have garnered attention in the context of interpersonal relationships. Health consciousness relates to individuals’ awareness and concern for their own well-being and that of others, which may influence their attitudes and behaviors within the household. Mood, on the other hand, reflects emotional states that can influence communication, conflict resolution, and overall dynamics within intimate relationships.

Furthermore, we have included the variable of retention tendency, as manifested through household chores. This variable is indicative of individuals’ willingness or inclination to maintain their involvement and responsibilities within the household. It is hypothesized that individuals with higher retention tendencies may exhibit a greater commitment to the relationship, which could influence the occurrence and dynamics of domestic violence. Lastly, we consider the variable of density, which captures the population density within the living environment. This variable may serve as a proxy for socio-environmental conditions, such as overcrowding or limited personal space, which can potentially contribute to stress, conflict, and interpersonal tensions within households.

By examining these selected factors, we aim to gain insights into their relationships with domestic violence and contribute to a better understanding of the complex dynamics underlying such occurrences. It is important to note that these variables represent only a subset of the broader range of factors that influence gender-based violence, and further research is warranted to explore additional dimensions and interactions within this multifaceted issue.

3. Data collection and variables

The reference population for this study is Ecuadorian habitants. Participants were invited to fill up a survey concerning COVID-19 impact on their mental health. Data collection took place between April and May 2020, exactly at the time of the mandatory lockdowns taking place. In this context governmental authorities ordered mobility restrictions as well as social distancing measures. We conduct three waves of social media invitations to participate in the study. Invitations were sent using the institutional accounts of the universities the authors of this study are affiliated. At the end, we received 2,403 answers, 50.5% females and 49.5% males. 49% of them have college degrees.

3.1. Ecuador stylized facts

Ecuador, a small developing country in South America, has a population of approximately 17 million inhabitants, with a population density of 61.85 people per square kilometer.

During the months under investigation, the Central Bank of Ecuador reported that the country’s GDP in the fourth quarter of 2020 amounted to $16,500 million. This represented a decrease of 7.2% compared to the same period in 2019, and a 5.6% decline in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of the previous year. However, despite these declines, there was a slight growth of 0.6% in the GDP during the fourth quarter of 2020 and 0.7% in the first quarter of 2021 when compared to the previous quarter.

In mid-March, the Ecuadorian government implemented a mandatory lockdown that lasted for several weeks. By July 30, 2020, Ecuador had reported over 80,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The statistics on the impact of the pandemic revealed a death rate of 23.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking Ecuador fourth globally behind the UK, Italy, and the USA, with rates of 63.7, 57.1, and 36.2, respectively. Additionally, Ecuador’s observed case-fatality ratio stood at 8.3%, placing it fourth globally after Italy, the UK, and Mexico, with rates of 14.5, 14, and 11.9%, respectively ( 50 ). As the lockdown measures continued, mental health issues began to emerge among the population ( 51 ).

The challenging socioeconomic conditions and the impact of the pandemic on public health have had significant repercussions in Ecuador, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address both the immediate and long-term consequences on the well-being of its population.

3.2. Dependent variable

The dependent variable in this study is Domestic Violence, which is measured using a composite score derived from five items. These items were rated on a 7-point scale, ranging from 1 (never) to 7 (very frequent), to assess the frequency of intrafamily conflict and violence occurring within the respondents’ homes. The five items included the following statements: “In my house, subjects are discussed with relative calm”; “In my house, heated discussions are common but without shouting at each other”; “Anger is common in my house, and I refuse to talk to others”; “In my house, there is the threat that someone will hit or throw something”; and “In my house, family members get easily irritated.”

To evaluate the internal consistency of the measurement, Cronbach’s Alpha was calculated and found to be 0.7. This indicates good internal consistency, suggesting that the items in the scale are measuring a similar construct and can be considered reliable for assessing the level of domestic violence within the households under investigation.

3.3. Independent variables

3.3.1. mood.

The mood construct, based on Peterson and Sauber ( 52 ), is measured using three Likert scale questions. The respondents rate their agreement on a scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The questions included: “I am in a good mood,” “I feel happy,” and “At this moment, I feel nervous or irritable.” The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for this construct is 0.7757, indicating good internal consistency.

3.3.2. Depression

The depression construct, based on the manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales by Lovibond S and Lovibond P, is measured by summing the results of 13 Likert scale questions. The scale ranges from strongly disagreeing to strongly agreeing. The questions include: “I feel that life is meaningless,” “I do not feel enthusiastic about anything,” “I feel downhearted and sad,” and others. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for this construct is 0.9031, indicating high internal consistency.

3.3.3. Health consciousness

The health consciousness construct, based on Gould ( 53 ), is measured using four Likert scale questions. The respondents rate their agreement on a scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The questions include: “I’m alert to changes in my health,” “I am concerned about the health of others,” “Throughout the day, I am aware of what foods are best for my health,” and “I notice how I lose energy as the day goes by.” The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for this construct is 0.7, indicating acceptable internal consistency.

3.3.4. Household chores

The respondents were asked to rate their involvement in various household chores on a scale from “not at all” to “a lot.” The listed household chores include cooking, washing dishes, cleaning restrooms, doing laundry, home maintenance, and helping with children/siblings. It can serve as a proxy for Retention Tendency.

3.3.5. Density

It is measured as the number of people per bedroom, indicating the level of overcrowding within households.

3.3.6. Religion

The religion construct is measured as the sum of four Likert scale items based on Worthington et al. ( 54 ). The respondents rate their agreement on a scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The items include: “My religious beliefs lie behind my whole approach to life,” “It is important to me to spend periods in private religious thought and reflection,” “Religion is very important to me because it answers many questions about the meaning of life,” and “I am informed about my local religious group and have some influence in its decisions.” The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for this construct is 0.8703, indicating good internal consistency.

3.4. Control variables

3.4.1. social media.

The respondents were asked to indicate the number of hours they spend on social networks during a typical day. The scale ranges from “I do not review information on social networks” to “More than three hours.”

Sex is measured as a binary variable, where 1 represents female and 0 represents male.

Age refers to the age of the respondent.

3.4.4. Age of householder

Age of householder refers to the age of the individual who is the primary occupant or head of the household.

3.5. Describe statistics

Table 2 reports the means, standard deviation, and correlation matrix. Our dataset has not the presence of missing values.

Summary statistics.

* p < 0.01.

Descriptive statistics reveal that the variables in the sample exhibit a considerable degree of homogeneity, as evidenced by the means being larger than the standard deviations. Moreover, the strong correlation between Depression and mood suggests that these two variables should not be included together in the same model.

4. Methodological approach

Our empirical identification strategy comprises the following linear model:

We employed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques to examine the relationship between our selected exogenous variables and household violence during the period of mandatory lockdowns. To ensure the robustness of our regression model, we conducted several diagnostic tests. Firstly, we tested for heteroscedasticity using the Breusch-Pagan test, yielding a chi-square value of 223.58 with a value of p of 0, indicating the presence of heteroscedasticity in the model. Secondly, we assessed multicollinearity using the variance inflation factor (VIF), which yielded a VIF value of 1.07, indicating no significant multicollinearity issues among the variables. Furthermore, we conducted the Ramsey Reset test to examine the presence of omitted variables in the model. The test yielded an F-statistic of 2.06 with a value of p of 0.103, suggesting no strong evidence of omitted variables. Lastly, we checked the normality of the residuals using the skewness and kurtosis tests, which yielded a chi-square value of 97.9 with a value of p of 0, indicating departure from normality in the residuals.

Hence, our analysis revealed the presence of heteroscedasticity issues and non-normality in the residuals. Consequently, it is imperative to employ an alternative estimation technique that can handle these challenges robustly. In light of these circumstances, we opted for Quantile Regression, as proposed by Koenker and Bassett ( 55 ), which allows for a comprehensive characterization of the relationship between the input variable(s) x and the dependent variable y.

4.1. Quantile regression

While an OLS predicts the average relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable, which can cause the estimate to be unrepresentative of the entire distribution of the dependent variable if it is not identically distributed, Quantile Regression allows estimating parts of the dependent variable. Distribution of the dependent variable and thus determine the variations of the effect produced by the exogenous variables on the endogenous variable in different quantiles ( 56 ). The Quantile Regression methodology also presents the benefit that, by providing them with a weight, the errors are minimal. Quantile Regression is defined as follows:

where: Y i is dependent variable, X i is vector of independent variables, β(ϑ): is vector of parameters to be estimated for a given quantile ϑ, e ϑ i : is random disturbance corresponding to the quantile ϑ, Q ϑ ( Y i ) is qth quantile of the conditional distribution of Y i given the known vector of regressors X i .

The Quantile Regression model provides predictions of a specific quantile of the conditional distribution of the dependent variable and is considered the generalization of the sample quantile of an independent and identically distributed random variable ( 57 ). By considering a range of quantiles, Quantile Regression offers a more nuanced understanding of the conditional distribution, making it a valuable technique for analyzing various aspects of the relationship between variables.

The estimation results are reported in Table 3 . The regressions 1 and 3 consider individuals who are not household heads, while regressions 2 and 4 involve the respondent being the household head. In regressions 5 and 6, the respondent is not the household head and is also female, whereas in regressions 7 and 8, the respondents are household heads and male. The regressions exhibit a coefficient of determination ranging between 9 and 11.

Standard errors in brackets. * p < 0.1, ** p < 0.05, *** p < 0.001.

The effects of the different variables studied on violence are presented below: Across all regressions, it can be observed that the mood of a person, which indicates whether they are in a good mood or feeling cheerful, nervous, or irritated, is statistically significant at all levels of confidence. This implies that violence decreases when the mood is good. On the other hand, depression has a positive and significant sign. This tells us that, on average, an increase of one unit in the depression, anxiety, and stress scale is associated with an increase in the measurement of conflict and intrafamily violence in a household, whether the respondent is a household head or not.

On the other hand, Health Consciousness has a negative and significant sign, indicating that violence decreases as Health Consciousness increases. However, it is noteworthy that it loses significance when the survey respondent is a woman, regardless of whether she is a household head or not.

Regarding Household chores, which refers to the time spent on household tasks, it can be observed that it is only significant and negative when the respondent is not a household head, and this significance holds even when the respondent is male. In other words, less time spent on household chores decreases violence in households where the respondent is not a household head.

The variable religion generally has a positive and significant sign in most regressions, but loses significance in regressions (1) and (5), where the respondent is not the household head and is female, respectively. This suggests that being religious would increase the levels of violence.

In general, density increases violence in the surveyed households, as indicated by a positive and significant sign. However, it is interesting to note that it is only significant again when the respondent is not a household head and is female, or when the respondent is a household head and is male.

As for the control variables, the variable Social media, which indicates the number of hours a person spends on social media, is positive and significant whether the respondent is a household head or not, and even when the respondent is male. This suggests that violence decreases with access to social media, possibly due to increased access to information. Finally, the variables sex, age of the respondent, and age of the household head were not significant.

6. Discussion

Interestingly, the prevalence and intensity of domestic violence appear to vary across different segments of society. Goodman ( 33 ) have highlighted the existence of variations in episodes of domestic violence among social strata. They have also identified several factors that act as deterrents to domestic violence, including income levels, educational attainment, employment status of the household head, household density, consumption of psychotropic substances, anxiety, and stress. These factors increase the likelihood of experiencing instances of violence within the home.

Within this context, the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching implications for individuals and families worldwide, with significant impacts on various aspects of daily life, including domestic dynamics. This study explores the relationship between household factors and violence within the context of the pandemic, shedding light on the unique challenges and dynamics that have emerged during this period.

Our findings highlight the importance of considering mental well-being in the context of domestic violence during the pandemic. We observe that positive mood is associated with a decrease in violence levels within households. This suggests that maintaining good mental health and emotional well-being during times of crisis can serve as a protective factor against violence. With the increased stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, policymakers and practitioners should prioritize mental health support and interventions to address potential escalations in violence within households.

Furthermore, our results indicate that depression exhibits a positive association with violence. As individuals grapple with the impacts of the pandemic, such as job loss, financial strain, and social isolation, the prevalence of depression may increase. This finding underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health resources and support networks to address the heightened risk of violence stemming from increased levels of depression.

The study also reveals that health consciousness plays a crucial role in reducing violence within households. As individuals become more aware of the importance of maintaining their health amidst the pandemic, violence levels decrease. This suggests that promoting health awareness and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices can serve as protective factors against domestic violence. Public health initiatives and educational campaigns aimed at fostering health-conscious behaviors should be emphasized as part of comprehensive violence prevention strategies.

Interestingly, our analysis uncovers a mitigating effect of social media usage on violence levels during the pandemic. With the increased reliance on digital platforms for communication and information sharing, access to social media may provide individuals with alternative channels for expression and support, ultimately reducing the likelihood of violence. Recognizing the potential benefits of social media, policymakers and practitioners should explore ways to leverage these platforms to disseminate violence prevention resources, provide support, and promote positive social connections within households.

Additionally, our findings highlight the role of household chores and density in shaping violence levels during the pandemic. Less time spent on household chores is associated with decreased violence, indicating that redistributing domestic responsibilities may alleviate tension and conflict within households. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routines and added new challenges to household dynamics, making it essential to consider strategies that promote equitable distribution of chores and support mechanisms for individuals and families.

Moreover, the positive association between household density and violence emphasizes the impact of living conditions during the pandemic. With prolonged periods of confinement and restricted mobility, crowded living spaces may intensify conflicts and escalate violence. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that address housing conditions, promote safe and adequate living environments, and provide resources to mitigate the negative effects of overcrowding.

In this line, our study delves into the intricate relationship between household factors and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily within our specific context. However, it is valuable to consider how our findings align or diverge when juxtaposed with research from developed countries, where economic, social, and healthcare systems are typically more advanced. In developed countries, the impact of crises, such as the pandemic, could manifest differently due to varying levels of financial stability, access to support networks, and well-established healthcare systems.

For instance, while we observe that maintaining mental well-being serves as a protective factor against violence, developed countries might have better access to mental health resources and support networks, potentially magnifying the impact of positive mental health on violence prevention ( 58 ). Similarly, the positive association between health consciousness and reduced violence levels could be influenced by different perceptions of health and well-being in developed countries, where health awareness campaigns are more prevalent ( 51 ).

The mitigating effect of social media on violence levels during the pandemic might also vary across contexts. Developed countries might have more widespread and equitable access to digital platforms, leading to a stronger impact on violence reduction through alternative channels for communication and support ( 59 ). Conversely, regions with limited digital infrastructure could experience a smaller effect.

Additionally, comparing the role of religious affiliation and its influence on violence with findings from developed countries could reveal cultural variations in the interplay between religious teachings, gender dynamics, and violence ( 60 ). While our study suggests the need for interventions promoting peaceful religious interpretations, it is crucial to examine whether similar efforts have been successful in developed nations with distinct cultural norms and religious landscapes.

In this context, this study makes a significant contribution to the field of gender-based violence research by intricately examining the intersection of diverse socio-economic and psychological factors within the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The uniqueness of this article lies in its holistic approach to comprehend domestic violence dynamics amidst a global crisis. By dissecting and analyzing how mental health, health awareness, social media utilization, household chore distribution, living space density, and religious affiliation interact to influence violence levels, this study provides a deeper and nuanced insight into the factors contributing to the manifestation and prevention of gender-based violence. Moreover, by pinpointing areas where traditional gender norms and religious beliefs might exacerbate violence, the article suggests novel avenues for research and intervention development that account for cultural and contextual complexities. Ultimately, this work not only advances the understanding of gender-based violence during a critical period but also offers practical and theoretical recommendations to inform policies and preventive actions both throughout the pandemic and in potential future crises.

In considering the limitations of our study, we acknowledge that while our findings provide crucial insights into the role of religious affiliation in shaping violence levels during the pandemic, there are certain aspects that warrant further investigation. Firstly, our analysis primarily focuses on the association between religious beliefs and violence without delving deeply into the underlying mechanisms that drive this relationship. Future research could employ qualitative methodologies to explore how specific religious doctrines and practices interact with broader cultural norms to influence gender dynamics and contribute to violence within households. Additionally, our study does not extensively address variations in religious interpretations across different communities, which could lead to distinct outcomes in terms of violence prevention efforts. To address these limitations, scholars could conduct comparative studies across religious affiliations and denominations to uncover nuanced insights into the interplay between religious teachings, cultural contexts, and violence dynamics.

Furthermore, while our study suggests that policymakers and practitioners should consider developing targeted interventions promoting peaceful religious interpretations to mitigate violence, the precise design and effectiveness of such interventions remain areas ripe for exploration. Future research could involve collaboration with religious leaders and communities to develop and test intervention strategies that align with both religious teachings and contemporary gender equality principles. This interdisciplinary approach could yield actionable insights into fostering cultural change and enhancing the role of religion in promoting non-violence within households.

In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of domestic violence within households during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health, promoting health consciousness, leveraging social media, redistributing household chores, improving housing conditions, and considering the nuanced role of religious beliefs. By incorporating these findings into policy and intervention strategies, policymakers and practitioners can work toward preventing and mitigating domestic violence in the context of the ongoing pandemic.

Data availability statement

Author contributions.

CL played a crucial role in this research project, being responsible for the data collection, conducting the econometric analysis, contributing to the literature review, introduction, and discussion sections of the manuscript. JD-S made significant contributions to the project and assisted in the data collection process, contributed to the literature review, and provided insights in the discussion section. FV assisted with the data collection process and reviewed the article for accuracy and clarity. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

This project receives funding from Vicerrectorado de Investigación y Proyección Social, Escuela Politécnica Nacional.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Escuela Politécnica Nacional for this support on this project.

The Dangers of Domestic Violence and the Importance of Prevention

In light of National Public Health week, I decided to focus on a topic that has received limited attention as a health issue. Domestic violence is a serious public health concern and it deserves to be discussed. We join together with the American Public Health Association in creating a healthier community and healthier nation.

Violence or abuse in any form has serious health consequences for the victim. It can lead to negative health outcomes such as chronic pain, increased risk of stroke, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or gynecological problems. 1,2 There are also behavioral health concerns like depression, alcohol and substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behaviors. 2 Additionally, domestic violence is linked to absenteeism and poor performance in the workplace, which may result in social isolation, housing and financial concerns, and further health risks for the victims and their families. 2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in four women and one in nine men experience a form of domestic violence. 3 Children witness more than half of domestic assaults and have a 45 to 60 percent chance of experiencing child abuse if their parent is being assaulted. 4

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Domestic violence is a form of abuse used to harm or control others. Different forms of abuse include: physical, emotional, sexual, reproductive, financial, or digital. 5 Although victims of domestic abuse can be of any gender, race, age, or sexual orientation, violence is most common in women ages 18 to 34 and among women and men of color. 6 In addition, the chances of experiencing abuse almost doubles for bisexual, gay, and lesbian adults in California. 6

Abuse occurs when a domestic partner wants to control, physically harm, or have power over their partner. 7 In addition to a desire for control, abusive behavior can also result from exposure to being abused themselves, history of witnessing domestic violence, social and emotional isolation, absence of healthy role models and relationships, and a lack of emotional and nonviolent social skills. 6

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Preventing violent behavior can often seem impossible, but there are many approaches that have proven to be effective.

The CDC developed a social-ecological model that shows the intersection of four factors that influence domestic abuse: individual, relationship, community, and societal. 8

• Individual factors include age, education, income, substance abuse, or history of abuse.
• Relationship factors include peers in a social group, domestic partners, and family members.
• Community factors include schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
• Societal factors include health, economic, educational, and social policies that create social inequity in society.

This framework suggests making changes to each factor separately and together through education, life skills training, prevention programs, and policy change to prevent domestic violence. For example, changes in individual factors will result in better attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, which can prevent domestic violence. Attending parent or family-focused prevention programs can help strengthen relationships and reduce conflict that may spark violent behavior. Changes to policy and processes in social settings can strengthen community relationships and minimize violence. Similarly, changes in health, economic, educational, and social policy lead to equity amongst society and can contribute to lower violence rates. 8

The CDC also developed six strategies to prevent intimate partner violence: 3

• Teach safe and healthy relationship skills;
• Engage influential adults and peers;
• Disrupt developmental pathways toward partner violence;
• Create protective environments;
• Strengthen economic supports for families; and
• Support survivors to increase safety and lessen harms

The Prevention Institute (PI) recommends yet another approach to prevent domestic violence by focusing on creating health equity and improving the community environment that fosters safe relationships. 6 Health equity affirms that everyone deserves to be safe in their relationship. PI suggests that improving health equity and community environment is a group effort that requires advocacy, increased access to affordable housing, community support, delivery of healthcare and social services; for example, providing emergency food, child care and safe shelter, and prevention programs. 6

POLICY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

As mentioned above, group advocacy can have a large impact on preventing domestic violence and creating safer relationships. Advocating concerns to policymakers can lead to positive change and ensuring the safety of many domestic violence victims and their families. Below are a few examples of policy that are making a difference in millions of lives.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 is a federal law that provides protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault crimes, date violence, and stalking. This law offers free rape exams, housing protections, and programs especially for immigrant women, women with disabilities, and children/teens. 9

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) offers resources and shelter to families experiencing domestic violence. 9 This Act expired in 2015, but has been reintroduced to extend through 2023. The FVPSA was approved by the House and it still awaiting action from the Senate.

The Violence Against Women Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 973) is a federal bill that has been introduced to the House of Representatives to provide additional grant-funded programs for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 10 This pending bill builds off of Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) strategy to address intimate partner violence. HRSA’s key priorities include training the public health workforce, developing partnerships for intimate partner violence awareness, increased access to health care for domestic violence services, and increased knowledge for risks, impacts, and interventions of abuse. 10

One last important resource to note is the National Domestic Violence Hotline , funded by the Violence Against Women Act. This hotline offers free 24/7 support, information, resources, and answers questions for domestic violence victims or those who feel they may be in an unsafe relationship. 11 Everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship and the various resources available today make that possible.

Author bio:

Kaitlin brehaut, mph, ches.

Kaitlin Brehaut serves as IHPL’s Health Policy Assistant, providing administrative, programmatic and research support to the Institute team. Ms. Brehaut completed her undergraduate education in Health Science with a concentration in Health Care Management at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). She then received her Master of Public Health degree at CSUSB. She is also certified as a Health Education Specialist.

For more information, contact Kaitlin at:  [email protected] .

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/publichealthissue/strategicvision.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fviolenceprevention%2Foverview%2Fstrategicvision.html
• https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/HRSA-strategy-intimate-partner-violence.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/technical-packages/infographic/ipv.html
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/progress-notes/201902/alarming-effects-childrens-exposure-domestic-violence
• https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/
• https://www.preventioninstitute.org/publications/health-equity-and-multisector-approach-preventing-domestic-violence
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/domestic-violence
• https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/publichealthissue/social-ecologicalmodel.html
• https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/laws-violence-against-women
• https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/973/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22domestic+violence%22%5D%7D&r=6&s=3
• https://www.thehotline.org/

160 Domestic Violence Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on domestic violence, ✍️ domestic violence essay topics for college, 👍 good domestic violence research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot domestic violence ideas to write about, 🎓 most interesting domestic violence research titles, ❓ domestic violence research questions.

• Domestic Violence and Its Environmental Influences
• Domestic Violence, Consequences and Solutions
• Effects of Domestic Violence on Children and Youth
• Legislation to Stop Domestic Violence Against Women
• Domestic Violence Against Women in India
• Domestic Violence in “Othello” by W. Shakespeare
• Impact of Domestic Violence on Society
• Domestic Violence against Women: Problem Solutions Domestic violence against women is one of the most common social problems that many societies across the world face in modern society.
• Societal and Gender Construction Affecting Incidents of Domestic Violence The paper intends to explore how societal and gender construction can affect the incidences of domestic violence.
• Domestic Violence: Causes and Effects Domestic violence disrupts regular patterns of communication and provides children with behavior models that ruin relationships and suggest the role of an abuser or a victim.
• Domestic Violence Issue in Modern Society Neutralization theory presents freedom in a relationship, condemns deviant behaviors and aims to eliminate oppressive cultures and safeguard ethical human activities.
• Domestic Violence: Justification Is Unacceptable Domestic violence affects all segments of society, but women and children. In the absence of law enforcement oversight, domestic violence continues to increase.
• Feminism and Domestic Violence The paper analyzes the progress made in treating domestic violence, using multiple theories explaining this topic as an example.
• Causes and Consequences of Domestic Violence This literature review aims to discuss the scope of the problem, mention previous findings from academic literature, and assess the available information on the issue of violence.
• Domestic Violence in the Modern Society Domestic violence is an acute and prevalent problem in society which requires research and effective solutions. The incidence of domestic violence is increasing exponentially.
• Revealing Marital Rape as Domestic Violence Marital rape entails sexual action with one’s partner devoid of his or her consent. Failure to get consent is the fundamental component that results in the involvement in violence.
• Domestic Violence and Feminism in Bell Hooks’ Theory The main purpose of this paper is to summarize and assess the ideas of hooks’ theory regarding domestic violence.
• Domestic Violence in America Governmental and non-governmental agencies have often argued that domestic violence is a serious social problem in America.
• Protective Orders and Domestic Violence Review The article provides a vivid introduction with discussion in the current status of the legal status of prevention of family violence.
• Environmental Influences of Domestic Violence and Potential Interventions This paper propose a study on what are the potentials drivers for the increasing rates of domestic violence, and how can different social and healthcare institutions intervene.
• Domestic Violence Issues and Interventions The fact that domestic abuse victims often do not report their cases to the authorities leads to a difference between the actual number of incidents and the official statistics.
• Domestic Violence Forms: Cases Analysis In the cases described in the current research paper, an elderly woman and a six-year-old girl endured several forms of domestic violence.
• Defining Domestic Violence Reasons – Family Law The social phenomenon of domestic violence has given rise to scholarly debates concerning its main causes and consequently the methods for handling the issue.
• The Impact of Domestic Violence on Victims’ Quality of Life Domestic violence (DV) is currently one of the major public health concerns that need to be discussed and analyzed.
• Domestic Violence in the Military Domestic violence is a pervasive problem connected with PTSD, subsequent substance abuse, and occupational hazards that increase stress and result in marital conflict.
• Domestic Violence. “No Visible Bruises” by Snyder A review of the book “No Visible Bruises” by Snyder provides an opportunity to assess the diverse nature of the manifestations of domestic violence in families.
• Abusive Relationships and Domestic Violence Treatment One of the most apparent examples of how exposure to abusive relationships can have adverse outcomes is the nurse practitioner who experienced abuse and manipulation in the past.
• The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Cultural Norms The topic of domestic violence was a natural choice for me, as I have witnessed the results of domestic violence in my work and have done a lot of research on the topic already.
• The Problem of Domestic Violence in Modern Society The unwillingness to report instances of domestic abuse leads to a steep rise in the intensity of violence and the negative experiences that victims suffer.
• Effect of Domestic Violence on Children Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for the development of children that grow up in such environments.
• Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Maternity Domestic abuse directly impacts maternity as women experiencing a hostile environment feel that the conditions are dangerous to personal health and the well-being of a child.
• Domestic Violence and Abuse Countermeasures At the moment, the civilized world condemns domestic violence and has introduced different measures to protect people from this remnant of the past.
• Domestic Violence: The American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a set of rules that describe different components of scientific writing.
• Domestic Violence in Nursing Despite legal repercussions and the established support systems, a large share of victims avoids reporting incidents of domestic violence.
• Effects Of Domestic Violence on Children According to this paper, a child is anyone below the age of eighteen, and it aims at discussing the effects of domestic violence on these children.
• Battered Woman Syndrome as a Theoretical Explanation of Domestic Violence Effects Battered Woman Syndrome is an inductive theory that seeks to explain the reactions of women when they are subjected to domestic violence.
• Resilience and Growth in the Aftermath of Domestic Violence In this paper, the discussion centers on the concept of resilience, spirituality, and its application in the aftermath of domestic violence.
• Violence Against Women: Annotated Bibliography Women who earn more than their spouses have a lower chance of experiencing violence and abuse in their marriages.
• Reducing Domestic Violence: Family Law The current paper states that domestic violence and abuse present a substantial public health problem for different societies worldwide.
• Domestic Violence Against South Asian Women This research essay aims to analyze the concept of domestic violence against South Asian women, its premises, and its impact on modern women’s lives.
• Alcohol and Its Effects on Domestic Violence Alcohol was invented as a beverage drink just like the others, such as soda and juice. Of late, alcohol has been abused because people are consuming it excessively.
• How Non-Profits Address Domestic Violence Both law enforcement agencies and organizations focusing on public health can contribute to the action plan of addressing domestic abuse.
• Domestic Violence: Analysis and Evaluation of Articles This paper evaluates peer-reviewed articles that touch on the subject of domestic violence, and addresses ethical issues related to the use of secondary data.
• The Root Cause of Domestic Violence Domestic violence had great implications on the physical and mental health of the victim. There are many attempts that have been put in place to deal with domestic violence.
• Domestic Violence Effects – Psychology This paper seeks to examine the principles of critical thought in relation to domestic violence. It considers the importance of ethics and moral reasoning.
• Projects or Stop Violence Programs: Domestic Violence The violence mainly happens between the families, dating, cohabitation, marriages, as well as intimate relationship.
• Domestic Violence in Prince Edward County There is a need to establish effective measures to curb the issue of domestic violence since it has been on the rise in the recent past, with women being victimized more.
• Child Domestic Violence Abuse Documentation Past studies have investigated the prevalence of child domestic violence abuse, and the results conclude that there is an average fatality rate of 2.2 children for every 1000.
• Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Children Domestic violence is a complex phenomenon, which has emotional, behavioral, social, cognitive, and physical consequences for children.
• Domestic Violence and Workplace Environment Domestic violence worsens employees’ performance. The entire workplace environment suffers if a single employee is subject to domestic violence.
• Female Victimization and Domestic Violence The paper explores the subject of domestic violence, the long-term effects domestic violence has on victims, and how criminal justice addresses the issue.
• Domestic Violence and Its Main Categories When it comes to domestic violence, there are many categories. These include economic abuse, male privilege use, verbal abuse, isolation, emotional abuse, and intimidation.
• Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Domestic abuse and intimate partner violence presents a significant public health problem, and individuals from different backgrounds can be exposed to it.
• Domestic Violence: Prevalence, Types, and Risk Factors Domestic violence may be experienced by a variety of people regardless of age, sex, gender or any of the other numerous factors that might play a role in its manifestation.
• Domestic Violence: Case Study Description Proponents of this model argue that some men will apply diverse tactics to manipulate and control women, such as domestic abuse and violence.
• Domestic Violence in Melbourne: Impact of Unemployment Due to Pandemic Restrictions The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent does unemployment due to pandemic restrictions impact domestic violence against women in Melbourne.
• Domestic Violence and Cyber Abuse This paper discusses the issue of domestic violence and elder abuse, including the types of abuse and the vulnerability of elders with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• The Domestic Violence Effects on Witnessing Children This paper analyzes the effects that domestic violence has on children that bear witness to it. It causes a child to develop severe physical and/or mental problems.
• Domestic Violence Intervention Programs Identification of the weaknesses portrayed by domestic violence programs promotes the provision of adequate strategies to mitigate the problem.
• Working With Victims of Domestic Violence Domestic violence is nowadays a talk of the day; new cases emerge daily. Families have issues that most can amicably resolve while others cannot and can advance to violence.
• Domestic Violence: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Domestic violence, meaning a violent act committed against a person in a domestic relationship such as a spouse, a relative, or a dating or sexual partner.
• Domestic Violence: “Crime in Alabama” by Hudnall et al. The consequences of domestic violence can be associated with deterioration in the population’s quality of life, psychological problems, or even the victim’s death.
• The #Metoo Movement Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse In opposition to the injustice toward women, the #MeToo movement emerged to fight sexism and harassment, including the struggle for the detention of gender-based violence.
• The Problem of Domestic Violence As a global public health and human rights concern, domestic violence affects the lives of millions of individuals throughout the entire world.
• An Inside View of Police Officers’ Experience with Domestic Violence “An Inside View of Police Officers’ Experience with Domestic Violence” is an article authored by Horwitz et al., published in 2011.
• Domestic Violence During COVID-19 Pandemic The paper reviews the articles: “Home is not always a haven: The domestic violence crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic”, “Interpersonal violence during COVID-19 quarantine.”
• Domestic Violence and COVID-19 Connection This paper aims to recognize the connection between domestic violence and COVID-19 and unmask the possible cause of the rapid growth of violence issues in marriages.
• Domestic Violence in the US During the COVID-19 The more physically or psychologically vulnerable groups of the population are often subjected to various forms of violence by the more resistant groups.
• Domestic Violence in the African American Community Black women have suffered domestic violence mostly because of gender, race, and poverty, the poor economic conditions have fueled domestic violence in families and fighting.
• Domestic Violence and Survivors Support Domestic violence is a type of violence or any other form of abuse in a domestic setting, victims of which can be both adults and children.
• Racialized Rhetoric: Domestic Violence and Muslim Community The work analyzes the rhetoric in the news article, which discusses forced marriage and compares it to the existing research regarding violence against women and racialization in the media.
• The Bill of Rights: the Case of Domestic Violence Jessica Gonzales is a case of domestic violence. She is a lady that has fallen victim to being shut out of court.
• Reducing Cases of Domestic Violence at All Stages of Pregnancy This essay suggests that intervention mechanisms should be established to reduce cases of domestic violence at all stages of pregnancy.
• Volunteering in the Social Project Providing Legal Assistance to the Domestic Violence Victims Although the U.S. is a progressive country, one in four its women experiences severe partner physical violence.
• The Importance of Domestic Violence Law Domestic violence is a big problem of many families, especially taking into consideration that many victims do not report it as they are not aware of domestic violence laws.
• Domestic Violence and Its Impacts on Children Domestic violence has serious impacts on children. When they grow up in a violent environment, they get affected psychologically and sometimes physically.
• The Reluctance of Gay, Lesbian Victims to Report Domestic Violence Members of the gay community suffer from domestic violence in almost the same magnitude as members of the heterosexual community.
• Community Action vs. Domestic Violence Against Australian Women Strengthening community action in the area of domestic violence against Australian women is one of the greatest decisions which are provided now in Australian society.
• Community and Domestic Violence: Elder Abuse Perhaps the most common type of elder abuse is neglect; this refers to the refusal or failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter or healthcare to vulnerable adults.
• Ku Klux Klan Ban and Domestic Violence and Race Issues Ku Klux Klan should be declared a terrorist organization and banned for the benefit of the community as a whole.
• Community and Domestic Violence: Violence Against Women The most known form of domestic violence is physical or battering, which causes pain and injury and it involves beating, choking, pushing, biting, kicking, and others.
• Domestic Violence Problem Overview and Analysis The macro-sociological theory tells that the root of violence in families lies within the core system of society and is a reaction to harmful events inside and outside the family.
• New York State Domestic Violence Statics Family violence has been revealed to cause a lot of problems in which; family issues remain unsolved for long, once spouses get into frequent domestic violence.
• Domestic Violence – A Grave Societal Concern Our community faces issues that relate to violence committed on women and for every reason to enjoy conjugal life there is also the need to bear with violence.
• Involving the Health Care System in Domestic Violence “Involving the Health Care System in Domestic Violence: What Women Want” points out the importance of integrating socially accepted means to break the silence related to domestic violence.
• Nurses Caring for Domestic Violence Victims The past experiences of family violence certainly allow nurses to become aware of the nature and processes involved in these situations.
• Changing Course in the Anti-Domestic Violence Legal Movement To address the problem of domestic violence, it is necessary to propose a complex program as a response to this social issue.
• The Realities of Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Our Society The topic of domestic violence was chosen not only for its relevance but also because of the hope to shed light on the adverse influence that the issue has on people.
• Domestic Violence and Non-Therapeutic Interventions In the United States, the issue of domestic violence is closely related to other misfortunate circumstances in people’s lives.
• Domestic Violence as a Topic for Academic Studies The topic selected for the research deals with family issues and is critical for society. Domestic violence is reported all over the world that is why it should not be ignored.
• Domestic Violence in the US of the Last Decade The issue of domestic violence is a global societal problem. In most cases, women are the main victims of this uncivilized behavior with men being the perpetrators.
• Domestic Violence: Control and Prevention Domestic violence occurs when a person is abused by another in the same family. This form of violence is common in relationships, marriages, and families.
• Domestic Violence Experienced by Psychiatric Patients Oram et al. believe that the incidence of domestic violence and abuse can be associated with the victimization among the patients with psychiatric disorders.
• Domestic Violence Problem: Psychiatric Patients The problem of domestic violence experienced by psychiatric patients is particularly acute now that the statistics show the rapidly growing number of the cases of family abuse.
• Domestic Violence as a Research Topic The family abuse that took place in the community, often affected women, elder members of the family, and children.
• Domestic Violence in Federal and State Legislation Despite the fact that much remains to be done to solve the problem of violence in the family, the state and society have contributed to changing the current situation.
• Domestic Violence as a Pressing Issue This work examines a course project on the topic of domestic violence as a pressing issue on which the public cannot come to an agreement.
• Domestic Violence Article and Conservation Model This essay examines the article “Violence against women and its consequences” and assesses the article’s strengths and weaknesses using the conservation model.
• Domestic Violence in Same/Opposite-Sex Relationships In their article, Banks and Fedewa investigate counselors’ attitudes toward domestic violence in same-sex versus opposite-sex relationships.
• Child Corporal Punishment as Domestic Violence The public widely accepts a differentiation between domestic violence and corporal punishment, although the latter can be damaging to children’s health and well-being.
• Domestic Violence in Same-Sex Relationships The article “A Same-Sex Domestic Violence Epidemic Is Silent” by Shwayder addresses the issue of domestic abuse as one of the key concerns of contemporary societal concerns.
• Domestic Violence Typology and Characteristics The typology of domestic violence is based on the nature of the abusive act and provides clues to the underlying reasons for it.
• Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Practitioners aim pharmacology-based IPV intervention strategies at relieving the effects of abuse that victims encounter, which may range from mild distress to PTSD.
• Domestic Violence Among Black Immigrant Women This study shows that domestic violence is more prevalent among black immigrant women as compared to other women in the United States.
• Domestic Violence Victims’ Needs Assessment To address domestic violence, it is important to perform a needs assessment and collect the data to develop an effective strategy to withstand domestic violence.
• Nurse’s Help and Policy for Domestic Violence Victims Nurses often found themselves deprived of opportunities to help their patients who are victims of violence because of policy restrictions.
• Domestic Violence Negative Impact on the People Psyche The question of the project is whether children who have experienced domestic violence demonstrate irreversible changes in their mentalities that shift their behaviors to deviant.
• Domestic Violence in the US: Effects on Children Domestic violence is a common practice in many countries. This study finds out how domestic violence affects children in the USA.
• “Addressing Domestic Violence Against Women” by Kaur and Gang Kaur and Gang present arguable aspects regarding ways of addressing the problem of domestic violence against women. Different individuals have divergent views on this subject.
• Domestic Violence Problem and the Impact on the Children’s Psyche The research question of this paper is whether domestic violence results in irreversible changes in children’s mentality and psyche and how its negative impact could be mitigated.
• Domestic Violence and Victims’ Resistance This paper defines, discusses, and solves the problem of domestic violence to guarantee the improvement in the sphere and victims’ ability to resist this problem.
• Domestic Violence, Its Existing and New Solutions Domestic violence is a problem that is researched and monitored by various agencies. Different social care establishments try to create a system for possible interventions.
• Domestic Violence Study and Lessons Learnt Apart from shedding a lot of light on the nature of abusive relationships, the project on domestic violence and abuse helped me develop new research skills.
• Domestic Violence in the Health Policy Domestic violence is a crucial issue that has to be addressed in order to eradicate abuse and help the patients to overcome the issue of retained supremacy.
• Mental Health and Domestic Violence in Bangladesh The paper reviews Ziaei et al.’s article “Experiencing lifetime domestic violence: Associations with mental health and stress among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh.”
• Domestic Violence by an Intimate Partner Most people, especially women, are rejecting any form of violence in intimate relationships as a legitimate social norm. The major factor is the diffusion of global norms.
• Domestic Violence and Public Awareness This academic research increases the audience’s understanding of the severity of the topic of domestic violence and raises public awareness.
• Domestic Violence Intervention in Health Care Domestic violence is a concept that can be described as emotional, verbal, sexual or any other existing kind of abuse that may scare the victim.
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Domestic Violence It is important to note that domestic violence can be discussed as aggressive acts of the physical, psychological, or sexual nature against any family member.
• Conservation Model and Domestic Violence The analysis reveals that domestic violence provokes a chain of negative reaction in females’ structural, social, and personal integrity, and energy.
• Nursing and Midwifery Recognizing Domestic Violence The paper reviews the article “Are We Failing to Prepare Nursing and Midwifery Students to Deal with Domestic Abuse?” by Bradbury-Jones & Broadhurst.
• Domestic Violence in America, Asia, and Africa The paper investigates the issue of domestic violence in the United States and several other cultures, namely, in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Peru, and Brazil.
• Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence The histories of child abuse and neglect form the present behavior of a person a define his administering treatment needs regarding the fact of whether a person was sexually or emotionally abused.
• The Origin of Domestic Violence The present research is to define the origin of domestic violence and the measures that can be taken in order to lessen the influence of the discovered reason.
• Domestic Violence in Florida The mission of the Florida Department’s Domestic Violence Program is to contribute to creating the safe environments for the victims of domestic violence.
• African American Women: Domestic Violence and Integrity At present, gender profiling still remains an issue, and the present-day African American communities are infamously known as a graphic example of women abuse in society.
• The Impact of Abusive Experiences on Nursing Practitioner’s Performance With the Victims of Domestic Violence This paper aims to discuss positive and negative tendencies that could emerge in the mentioned circumstances.
• Domestic Violence with Disabilities Domestic violence is a kind of act that happens when a member of the family or ex partner tries to harm the other by dominating them physically or psychologically.
• Problems of the Domestic Violence Domestic violence is gaining notoriety each passing day. More and more women are falling victims to this social ill at an alarming rate.
• Child Abuse, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence The paper analyzes three types of victimization: child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. It gives definitions, describes causes and effects of these crimes.
• What Is Meant by Domestic Violence?
• What Do You Feel About Domestic Violence?
• Why Do We Have Domestic Violence?
• Does Domestic Violence Affect a Child’s Future?
• Should Domestic Violence Always Be Prosecuted?
• What Are the Causes of Domestic Violence?
• What Are the Factors Influencing Domestic Violence Against Women in Jamaica?
• Can Domestic Violence Abusers Be Rehabilitated?
• How Far Can Children Be Said to Be Affected by Domestic Violence?
• Are Men Also Subject to Domestic Violence?
• Can the Police Reduce Domestic Violence?
• Does Economic Empowerment Protect Women Against Domestic Violence?
• Does Women’s Labor Force Participation Reduce Domestic Violence?
• What Are the Differences Between Domestic Violence and Family Violence?
• When Did Domestic Violence Become Illegal?
• What Are the 5 Signs of Emotional Abuse and Domestic Violence?
• How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Person Emotionally?
• Where Does Most Domestic Violence Occur?
• Where Is Domestic Violence Most Common in the US?
• How Widespread Is Domestic Violence?
• How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Woman Mentally?
• How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Man?
• What Type of Relationship Has the Highest Domestic Violence Rate?
• What Country Has the Lowest Rate of Domestic Violence?
• What Is the Punishment for Domestic Violence in Canada?
• Can Domestic Violence Cause a Nervous Breakdown?
• Does Domestic Violence Lead to Depression?
• What Do People Need to Know About Domestic Violence?
• Does Domestic Violence Affect the Brain?
• Does Domestic Violence Cause Mental Illness?

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Domestic Violence — Domestic Violence: Uncovering the Dark Reality

Domestic Violence: Uncovering The Dark Reality

• Categories: Domestic Violence

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Published: Jul 17, 2018

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What Loper Bright Might Portend for Auer Deference

• Thomas E. Nielsen
• Krista A. Stapleford

Last week, the Supreme Court overruled the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo , declaring that courts can no longer defer to agency interpretations of law simply because the statute is ambiguous and the interpretation is reasonable. Rather, courts must use their own “ independent judgment ” to determine the “best” reading of a statute. That best reading, the Court explained, could be that the statute has clearly delegated discretionary authority to an agency.  But it could also be that the statute has not. In such cases, only a court’s construction of the statutory language is permissible, and the agency’s construction gets no automatic deference. In the wake of Loper Bright , lawyers and academics have begun to question what the decision portends for administrative law more broadly , including its effect on a distinct but related doctrine known as Auer (or sometimes Seminole Rock ) deference. That doctrine, which the Court recently reaffirmed , states that a court should defer to reasonable agency interpretations of their own ambiguous regulations under certain conditions.

The same arguments the Loper Bright majority advanced for overruling Chevron appear to apply just as readily to Auer . But when the Court was presented with those arguments only five years ago in Kisor v. Wilkie , it rejected the invitation to overrule Auer , instead emphasizing stare decisis considerations and imposing new conditions on Auer ’s use to “reiterate its limits.” Notably, a core part of Kisor ’s stare decisis analysis focused on the uniquely destabilizing effect that the majority believed would come from overturning a deference doctrine that formed the backbone of thousands of precedents — but this concern did not dissuade the Court in Loper Bright . 

Even though Loper Bright ’s stare decisis analysis appears to undermine Auer , Loper Bright ’s logic supports preserving that doctrine in some form. This is so because when a statute actually empowers an agency to interpret a particular provision, the statute necessarily also authorizes the agency to exercise a subsidiary power: to interpret its own pronouncements about the statute’s meaning. An agency’s interpretive authority is not boundless, however. The APA still requires that the agency’s actions not be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.  Loper Bright seems to contemplate this limit by emphasizing that even when interpretive discretion has been validly delegated, the agency’s actions must still reflect “ reasoned decisionmaking .”  For Auer to be sustainable under Loper Bright on a “subsidiary power” theory, it, too, would have to take account of this limit. As we explain below, the Kisor decision does just that, offering a useful framework for how to impose the limitations of arbitrary-and-capricious review within the context of Auer deference.  Thus, Auer may not need stare decisis to save it after all.

Kisor and Loper Bright confronted nearly identical questions: did the stare decisis factors weigh in favor of overruling decades-old deference doctrines that have formed the basis of countless lower-court decisions and are important parts of the fabric of administrative law? But faced with the same basic arguments, the Kisor and Loper Bright Courts came to opposing conclusions. In Loper Bright , Chief Justice Roberts, writing for a 6–3 Court, argued that three stare decisis factors — the quality of the reasoning, the workability of the doctrine, and reliance interests — weighed in favor of overruling Chevron .

Consider the quality of the reasoning. The Chief Justice emphasized that Chevron had “sustained a cottage industry” of scholars trying to determine its meaning, and that even its earliest proponents, such as Justice Scalia, had come to doubt its validity as time went by. Moreover, the Court “ continually limit[ed]” Chevron ’s application, creating new conditions for agencies to be eligible for deference.  Finally, Chevron and its progeny failed to grapple with what appeared to be the plain text of the APA’s judicial review provision , 5 U.S.C. § 706, which mandates that reviewing courts, not agencies, decide “all relevant questions of law.” But these arguments were rejected in Kisor , though they apply identically to Auer deference. As with Chevon , some of Auer ’s biggest proponents, such as Justice Scalia, came to question its merit. Additionally, various cases , including Kisor itself, limited Auer ’s use. Finally, like Chevron , Auer and Seminole Rock failed to wrestle with how Auer deference squared with the demands of § 706. Nonetheless, four Justices writing for a plurality in Kisor concluded that § 706 posed no barrier to Auer deference because the APA does not specify a de novo standard of review for “determin[ing] the meaning or applicability of the terms of an agency action.”

Next, consider workability. In Loper Bright , the majority argued that Chevron ’s core inquiry, which hinged on an “ identification of statutory ambiguity,” raised more questions than it answered because “ambiguity” is an “impressionistic and malleable” concept that is “wholly in the eye of the beholder.”  Presumably, the exact same issue applies to Auer deference, which is similarly premised on the existence of some regulatory ambiguity. True, the Kisor Court attempted to resolve this issue by emphasizing that a judge should exhaust all “traditional tools of construction” before concluding that a regulation was ambiguous. But apparently, the Loper Bright Court did not think that this kind of cautionary language was sufficient to resolve the workability concerns it had with Chevron . Rather, it found the prospect of that kind of warning itself to be unworkably ambiguous.

Third, consider reliance interests. The Loper Bright majority roundly rejected the idea that Chevron produced the kind of “stable background rule” that fostered reliance. The Court had limited Chevron ’s domain through a series of precedents that declined to apply the doctrine to, inter alia, pronouncements made without a sufficient degree of procedural formality and questions of “ vast economic and political significance .” Likewise, Chevron afforded agencies the discretion to alter their interpretations over time. Consequently, the Court found it “hard to see how anyone” could expect Chevron deference in any given case. Of course, the same arguments might ring true for Auer deference as well. In Kisor itself, the Court drastically cabined Auer ’s reach, instructing courts to withhold deference, for example, where an agency’s interpretation was not the “authoritative” or “official position” of the agency or the product of the agency’s “substantive expertise.”

Tellingly, the Loper Bright majority rejected the argument that Chevron should be preserved because decades of opinions and agency rules were predicated on it. That argument featured prominently in Kisor , which emphasized that overruling Auer would destabilize decades of opinions that “pervade[] the whole corpus of administrative law” and call the validity of countless agency interpretations into question. It is significant that these concerns, which could have been cited just as readily to preserve Chevron , did not stand in the Loper Bright majority’s way. Instead, it purported not to disturb prior Chevron cases deferring to various agency rules, emphasizing that these decisions were entitled to statutory stare decisis notwithstanding the Court’s “change in interpretive methodology.”  

Even though it appears that Loper Bright ’s stare decisis analysis significantly undercuts Auer , that doctrine might be justifiable under Loper Bright itself. Specifically, Loper Bright preserved the idea that statutes can validly delegate agencies discretion to interpret vague or standard-driven statutory language.  That holding provides an independent basis for the notion that courts should defer to agency interpretations of their own rules — so long as such interpretations are the product of “reasoned decisionmaking.”

In overruling Chevron , Loper Bright focused on what it perceived as an unjustified legal fiction underpinning that doctrine: the notion that statutory ambiguity in an agency’s organic statute constitutes an implicit congressional delegation of interpretive authority to the agency to resolve the ambiguity. But Loper Bright emphasized that Congress can still delegate this sort of interpretive authority to agencies, so long as the existence of such a delegation is clear from the text. A statute could, for instance, expressly direct an agency to “ define ” the meaning of a statutory term. It could “empower” an agency to “ fill up the details ” of a regulatory regime.  And it could authorize an agency to “ regulate subject to the limits imposed ” by a vague term, like “appropriate” or “reasonable,” that “leaves agencies with flexibility.”

To be sure, Kisor justified Auer deference on the same grounds that Loper Bright found to be logically flawed: the idea that “Congress intended for courts to defer to agencies when they interpret their own ambiguous rules.” But under Loper Bright , if a court has determined that a statute validly confers discretion to an agency to implement a statutory regime, a court does not need to assume the existence of a fictive congressional delegation. The delegation exists because Congress explicitly said so. And because an agency can exercise that discretion initially (say, by way of a notice-and-comment rule), it can also exercise that discretion by later clarifying what it first meant (say, in a formal adjudication applying that rule). The greater power, in other words, includes the lesser.

Consider, for example, a statute that authorizes an agency to “determine” the meaning of “unemployment” “in accordance with standards prescribed” by the agency. That express delegation gives the agency the authority to give meaning to that statutory term — not only in the first instance, when it promulgates its initial rule defining “unemployment,” but also in the second instance, when it later clarifies the confines of that interpretation. 

Importantly, however, the APA does not contemplate that interpretive discretion is boundless. Rather, § 706 prohibits agency action that is “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” In other words, an agency’s exercise of validly delegated discretion — whether exercised in the first instance or in the second — must occur within certain boundaries. It must be “reasonably” apparent to a court that the agency has acted within the “range” of discretion granted to it by Congress. The agency cannot “ entirely ” fail to consider “an important aspect of the problem.”   Its decision must be supported by the evidence before it. Its decision also cannot be “ so implausible that it could not be ascribed to a difference in view or the product of agency expertise.” And if the agency was departing from a prior interpretation, it must have displayed an “ awareness ” of that change and articulated “good reasons for the new policy.”

Both Loper Bright and Kisor articulate conditions on agencies’ exercise of validly delegated discretion that evoke various features of arbitrary-and-capricious review.  Under Loper Bright , a court is obligated to respect an agency’s interpretation of duly delegated authority, but only if the agency has engaged in “reasoned decisionmaking” within the bounds of its statutory authorization. The Court tellingly cites Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Ass’n v. State Farm — a canonical arbitrary-and-capricious case — for that proposition, suggesting that the Loper Bright majority might intend for this limit to be effectuated using a form of arbitrary-and-capricious review. It is of course true that administrative law courses teach arbitrary-and-capricious review as applying to an agency’s policy decisions. But scholars have long observed that arbitrary-and-capricious review overlaps significantly with review-of-law doctrine (specifically, the second step of Chevron , which focused on “reasonableness”). This makes sense: § 706 not only covers actions that are arbitrary and capricious but also those which are “ otherwise not in accordance with law .”

Kisor likewise imposes restrictions on agency interpretations of their own pronouncements that echo arbitrary-and-capricious review. The agency’s gloss on the rule must be “ reasonable ”: that is, it must be within the “outer bounds of permissible interpretation” (language that mirrors the review-of-law component of arbitrary-and-capricious review). But that’s not all. The agency’s statement must be “ authoritative ,” rather than “ad hoc,” and it must be the product of the agency’s “substantive expertise” (which recalls the manner in which courts applying arbitrary-and-capricious review scrutinize the evidence and decisionmaking process underlying an agency action). Finally, the interpretation must reflect the agency’s “ fair and considered judgment .” Thus, if an agency “ substitutes one view of a rule for another,” that decision will be treated with skepticism unless the agency provides a compelling justification for the flip-flop. (This, of course, recalls the component of arbitrary-and-capricious review set forth in FCC v. Fox Television Stations, Inc . that considers whether an agency has reversed a prior position). What these similarities mean is that if an agency’s interpretation of its own regulation fails under Kisor , then ipso facto, the agency has failed to engage in “reasoned decisionmaking” within the boundaries of the statute that granted it discretion. That is precisely what Loper Bright prohibits.

In the coming months, Loper Bright will likely usher in new calls to overturn Auer deference. Indeed, because much of the majority’s stare decisis analysis advances arguments that likely apply as readily to Auer as they did to Chevron , litigants may think they stand on firm footing calling for Auer ’s demise.  But they should think again. Loper Bright expressly preserved Congress’s ability to give agencies the discretion to issue pronouncements giving meaning to particular statutory terms, so long as the agency has engaged in “reasoned decisionmaking” within the statute’s bounds. Under the logic of Loper Bright , if an agency can exercise that discretion in the first instance to interpret a statute, it should be able to do so in the second instance, too — to clarify what it meant, so long as that clarification reflects the “reasoned decisionmaking” required of it. Auer , read in this way, will live to fight another day.

• Administrative Law
• Stare Decisis

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