Understanding Domestic Violence ______________________________________________________________
According to the caller the following occurred in apartment ______, street __ no. __: at 11.45 pm the intoxicated Mr. __ arrived at home and started yelling at his ex-wife (caller). Mr. __ went on to accuse his ex-wife of embezzlement. As a result, he became angry, threw some items, called her names, and pushed her to the floor. Then he sat on her and threatened to strangle her. In the meantime, a 6-year-old son and a 14-year-old son came into the kitchen. The 14-year-old son asked his father to leave his mother alone, whereupon the latter hit him in the face with the open palm of his hand. Because of the slap, blood began to flow from his nose. The father still sat on the mother and threatened her; both children cried and asked him to let their mother go. After a while he calmed down and lit a cigarette. The mother embraced the opportunity and took the children to their room. From there she called the police. During this time, the father smashed the kitchen inventory and shouted that they sho uld leave the apartment, otherwise he would kill them all.
Nevertheless, specific factors have been recognized to increase the probability of abusive conduct. According to Kippert, 2022, these factors include: • A history of abuse • Previous engagement in physical abuse • Insufficient coping mechanisms • Low self-esteem • Social isolation or a lack of social connections • Codependent tendencies • Untreated mental health issues • Substance abuse • Economic strains or financial pressures, which studies have linked to higher rates of abuse in low-income communities • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Prior criminal involvement • Limited skills in resolving conflicts nonviolently • Emotional dependency and insecurity • Endorsement of strict gender roles, such as advocating for male dominance and aggression in relationships • Pursuit of power and control in past relationships • History of accepting or rationalizing violence and aggression Individuals possessing one or more of these traits may not inevitably become abusive, but it is crucial for partners to comprehend the complete context. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DOMESTIC ABUSERS Mental illness alone does not serve as the primary cause of abuse. There are individuals grappling with mental health issues who do not engage in harmful behavior toward their partners. Instead, an individual who both experiences mental illness and exhibits abusive tendencies confronts two separate challenges—mental health struggles and a predisposition toward abusive conduct. However, abusers often exhibit common psychological traits, which should be considered when evaluating a new partner (Kippert, 2022). These may include: Hostility or disdain toward women: Some individuals may har- bor deep-seated misogyny, which manifests in behaviors such as social exclusion, adherence to gender norms, discrimination, hostility, privileging males, demeaning women, marginal- izing women, violence against women, and objectification of women. This culture of misogyny is believed to perpetuate partner abuse. Cruelty toward animals: Abusers may mistreat or neglect ani- mals they encounter, subjecting them to harsh punishments or unnecessary risks.
Self-Assessment Questions
1. What are the characteristics of domestic violence? A) Threats of violence (threatened to kill ex-wife) B) Use of physical force to ex wife C) Calling ex-wife names D) There are no characteristics of domestic violence. 2. Who are the victims in this scenario? A) Mr __ B) Ex-wife C) 6- and 14-year-old children in the home D) Dispatch caller 3. This case indicates the need of a report to child protective services.
A) False B) True
COMMON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF THE PERPETRATOR While it’s essential to avoid generalizing statements about all abusers sharing specific traits, insights can be gained from statistics that reveal commonalities among the majority of abus- ers. By examining the most frequently reported early warning signs and delving into the psychological underpinnings of their behavior, a tentative profile of an abuser can be constructed. THE SHARED BACKGROUND OF MANY ABUSERS Abusers consciously choose to engage in domestic violence, irrespective of their personal backgrounds, past experiences of abuse, mental health status, or the behavior of the survivor. Despite various circumstances, they still choose to inflict harm (Kippert, 2022).
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