Domestic violence

Theories of Domestic Violence
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Abstract
The problem of domestic violence affects more than 25% of women the world over. Some research has been done, but the topic is still not well understood. The most perplexing issue revolving on domestic violence has been why? It is a question that has remained unanswered for an extended period. This paper seeks to explain and illustrate the concept of domestic violence using various theories that researchers have proposed. The article will also briefly give a reason why victimization has been so widespread. It opines that victims are weak either mentally or physically and perpetrators have taken advantage of this. The two theories explored in this paper are the feminist theory and the social and learning theories. Both attempt to explain domestic violence but from differing perspectives with one based around the domination and subjugation of women while the other is premised on the social environment and what the individual learns as he or she grows up.
Keywords: domestic violence, victimization, theories
Domestic Violence
The definitions of domestic violence vary depending on who you ask. However, a majority of the descriptions share various similarities. They are the result of years of social constructs, and a majority of them are gender biased. Consequently, the most comprehensive explanation of domestic violence is a range of behaviors by a spouse that includes physical abuse, control, and manipulation as well as sexual and mental harm.

The most significant misconception surrounding domestic violence is that men mete it to women. This paper will seek to explore the theories surrounding this seemingly inexplicable phenomenon.
Vulnerability Conceptualization Model Theory
The victimization of people who suffer at the hands of violent individuals is based solely on their vulnerability. A myriad of factors including mental and physical weakness are attributed to violence against victims. Those who suffer are seen as too weak to fight and are often meek and soft-spoken. Others are mentally vulnerable and have been convinced by those who abuse them that they deserve it. Perpetrators have played on their psychology and manipulated them into believing that the violence is their undoing.
Feminist Theory
Various theories have been advanced to explain domestic violence. One such hypothesis is the feminist theory. It is hinged on the patriarchal attitudes that have existed for ages and based on the experiences of women who have suffered at the hands of their spouses. It is the patriarchal attitude of the society that has given rise to much of the inequality that exists today, and further which has nurtured male privilege and granted men a feeling of entitlement. Therefore, men will always seek to be in control and domination of women and will use any means necessary including violence CITATION Law12 l 1033 (Lawson, 2012). Such behavior is meant to allow men to wield power and rule over women. It is fortified by the fact that domestic violence is more pronounced in societies where men are revered and seen as the head of the home as well as the breadwinners where women are assigned with roles that are traditionally seen as belonging to women CITATION Pen93 l 1033 (Pence & Paymar, 1993). Also, despite the fact that domestic violence occurs practically all over the globe, men who have a lower socio-economic standing tend to be more violent. This is a clear sign of their insecurity and an apparent attempt at regaining or maintaining dominance over their wives CITATION Bar04 l 1033 (Barnish, 2004). A change in the status quo is understood to be a significant reason for the violence. The society is to be blamed as it has created a culture where violence by men is condoned whereas women have been conditioned not to be violent. Although the proponents of this theory also recognize that women can be brutal, it is not seen as an issue and thus does not need to be addressed.
Social and learning theory
As the name suggests, this theory is based on the social norms and values that surround the individual as he or she grows up. It is premised on the fact that a person learns various things as they grow and it is such knowledge that influences them to be or not be violent. The social context, as well as the attitudes held by the people around you, should never be underestimated CITATION Eis89 l 1033 (Eisikovits & Edleson, 1989). It is such beliefs and attitudes that shape the individual and affect what he or she believes in. By extension, violence is only understood by watching and observing the behavior those who are around you. People who experience domestic violence as children are more likely to become violent themselves as they have seen the consequences and effects CITATION Sau93 l 1033 (Saunders, 1993). Whatever patterns of behavior are observed from an individual are reflective of the experiences they had as they grew up, attitudes that have been instilled in them by what they know or both. Men and women who are disturbed have issues of personality disorders, distress, and anxiety that is the result of years of experiencing violence. Apart from experiencing it as a child, people who are surrounded by other individuals who lean towards force might also be influenced to be violent. Although this theory is only seen as a ‘quick fix’ to the problem of domestic violence, it does hold true.
The remedies suggested by proponents of this theory to minimize or stop violence are a series of actions that include ensuring children are not exposed to incidences of violence as they grow up. If such preventative measures cannot be taken and individuals have already experienced and are indeed violent then, group therapy sessions should be organized. If people can learn, later they can also unlearn. They should be shown that there are other ways of solving whatever domestic issues which might exist between them and their spouses. It is a delicate process that ought to be handled with the utmost caution as people are not always willing to let go of lifelong beliefs and practices.
Conclusion
Domestic violence is one of the most prominent societal issues. It is characterized by a series of acts that range from physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse. Two of the most popular theories that explain the vice is the feminist theory and the social and learning theory. The former is premised on the feminist perspective that domestic violence is means of achieving domination over women. By contrast, the social and learning philosophies state that people are only violent because they learn it or experience it from those around them including their parents.
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY Barnish, M. (2004). Domestic Violence: A literature Review. London: HM Inspectorate.
Eisikovits, Z., & Edleson, J. (1989). Intervening with Men Who Batter: A Critical Review of the Literature. The Social Service Review, 384-414 .
Lawson, J. (2012). Sociological Theories of Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment , 572-590.
Pence, E., & Paymar, M. (1993). Education Groups for men who batter: The Duluth Model. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Saunders, D. G. (1993). Husbands Who Assault: Multiple Profiles Requiring Multiple Responses (From Legal Responses to Wife Assault: Current Trends and Evaluation. National Criminal Justice Reference Service, 9-34.