Domestic abuse
and Violence is a phenomenon that affects societies worldwide. As mentioned
before, there is severe health consequences as a result of the abuse suffered.
These have also been identified and recognised by the World Health Organisation
(WHO) (Krug et al, 2000 as cited in Corbally, 2010).
Men and women who suffer from regular poor health (prior to abuse) are more likely to be abused than those who generally have good health (Watson & Parsons, 2005). It is important for health practitioners to be aware and recognize this fact, as they may need to treat a domestic abuse victim for pre existing medical conditions, before tackling the effects of the domestic violence (Corbally, 2010).
McHugh et al (2005) determines that society needs to change its scope of what domestic abuse and violence entails. If for example, society simply identifies domestic abuse victims as individuals who are physically assaulted by their intimate partners. This minimises the scope of domestic violence which forgets those victims who suffer a more psychological abuse. This is extremely for victims of emotional abuse as their abuse is not correctly identified and this reduces the assistance they may require. Corbally (2010) further argues that the term domestic violence is also very narrowing and can have derogatory consequences for victims seeking help and support. The term implies that the abuse occurs in the home and therefore is as a family problem and not a serious crime. On the other hand modern technologies have provided a multitude of platforms for intimate partner violence at a variety of locations. Mobiles, Internet and social networking sites have increased the tools of abuse and control for perpetrators. Abuse can now follow its victims through phone calls, text messages and cyber bullying.
Another traditional conception that needs to change within society is the common misconception that only women are abused by men. Although this is the most common form of domestic abuse, and is backed up by theoretical research papers, men can also be subject to domestic abuse and violence by their female partner. Violence and abuse also occurs in same sex relationships.
Although the amount support organisations for Domestic Abuse have increased, with shelters and protection from their abuser now available. Research suggests that immingrant and ethnic monoties are less likely to seek informal and formal support and help regarding domestic abuse. The reason behind the lack of help seeking behaviour could be due to cultural taboos, unfamiliarity with local domestic abuse laws as well as linguistic barriers (Raj & Silverman, 2007).
Research on South Asian women has discovered that the few women who do confide in friends of their predicament, by seeking support from their communities are often advised to remain in the relationship. The women are reminded of the stigmatisation of divorce and the responsibilities they have towards her family. (Abraham, 2000 as cited in Raj & Silverman, 2007). Raj and Silverman, (2007) conducted research that discovered that South Asian women often felt afraid of speaking and confiding to family and friends, afraid that they would be advised to remain in the relationship. They found that although there were cases in which the women received no support and advice from her family and community, and the women would be told to find alternative methods to please her Husband and stop the abuse. There were many cases were the victim would be supported in leaving her abuser, with family providing an alternative residence too.
Men and women who suffer from regular poor health (prior to abuse) are more likely to be abused than those who generally have good health (Watson & Parsons, 2005). It is important for health practitioners to be aware and recognize this fact, as they may need to treat a domestic abuse victim for pre existing medical conditions, before tackling the effects of the domestic violence (Corbally, 2010).
McHugh et al (2005) determines that society needs to change its scope of what domestic abuse and violence entails. If for example, society simply identifies domestic abuse victims as individuals who are physically assaulted by their intimate partners. This minimises the scope of domestic violence which forgets those victims who suffer a more psychological abuse. This is extremely for victims of emotional abuse as their abuse is not correctly identified and this reduces the assistance they may require. Corbally (2010) further argues that the term domestic violence is also very narrowing and can have derogatory consequences for victims seeking help and support. The term implies that the abuse occurs in the home and therefore is as a family problem and not a serious crime. On the other hand modern technologies have provided a multitude of platforms for intimate partner violence at a variety of locations. Mobiles, Internet and social networking sites have increased the tools of abuse and control for perpetrators. Abuse can now follow its victims through phone calls, text messages and cyber bullying.
Another traditional conception that needs to change within society is the common misconception that only women are abused by men. Although this is the most common form of domestic abuse, and is backed up by theoretical research papers, men can also be subject to domestic abuse and violence by their female partner. Violence and abuse also occurs in same sex relationships.
Although the amount support organisations for Domestic Abuse have increased, with shelters and protection from their abuser now available. Research suggests that immingrant and ethnic monoties are less likely to seek informal and formal support and help regarding domestic abuse. The reason behind the lack of help seeking behaviour could be due to cultural taboos, unfamiliarity with local domestic abuse laws as well as linguistic barriers (Raj & Silverman, 2007).
Research on South Asian women has discovered that the few women who do confide in friends of their predicament, by seeking support from their communities are often advised to remain in the relationship. The women are reminded of the stigmatisation of divorce and the responsibilities they have towards her family. (Abraham, 2000 as cited in Raj & Silverman, 2007). Raj and Silverman, (2007) conducted research that discovered that South Asian women often felt afraid of speaking and confiding to family and friends, afraid that they would be advised to remain in the relationship. They found that although there were cases in which the women received no support and advice from her family and community, and the women would be told to find alternative methods to please her Husband and stop the abuse. There were many cases were the victim would be supported in leaving her abuser, with family providing an alternative residence too.