______________________________________________________________ Understanding Domestic Violence
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL NORMS Social and cultural norms wield a substantial impact on indi- viduals’ behavior in intimate relationships. In specific cultural contexts, violence within relationships may be implicitly condoned or even promoted, with some considering it accept- able or rational for men to exert dominance over women. Patriarchal gender norms and societal standards exacerbate the problem of domestic abuse. Men who believe they are entitled to authority and dominance over their partners are inclined toward engaging in abusive behavior. Generally, abusers use abusive tactics to gain and keep control over a partner for personal benefit. An abuser wants a survivor to (Kippert, 2022): • Comply with their demands • Cater to them • Be subservient or submissive to them • Allow unlimited access to a survivor’s time and attention, money, and body • Keep the survivor’s life centered around the abuser CHILDHOOD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE For many abusers, abuse became normalized to them in child- hood. They believe that is how adult relationships play out, and they feel justified in controlling others. The Childhood Domestic Violence Association reports children who witnessed domestic violence in their childhood home were three times more likely to commit domestic violence as adults. The Asso- ciation calls CDV the most significant predictor of domestic violence later in life. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON VICTIMS AND CHILDREN WHO WITNESS ABUSE Between three and ten million children and adolescents wit- ness violence between their parents or caregivers each year. Parents or caregivers engaged in a violent relationship might believe that their children remain unaffected by the conflict (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2023). However, even if children do not witness domestic vio- lence directly, they can still be impacted by the family’s discord. This can lead to the development of significant emotional and behavioral issues in children, which may not always be acknowledged by their caregivers. Consequently, children may not receive the necessary support and assistance they require. Moreover, when domestic violence occurs between partners, it often coincides with child abuse. In some cases, children may sustain injuries unintentionally. Hence, it is crucial to assess children for their well-being and safety whenever domestic violence is present.
• Jealousy: Initially portrayed as concern for the partner’s well-being, jealousy can transform into stalking behavior, with abusers monitoring their partner’s activities and relationships. • Controlling tendencies: Abusers may assert control under the guise of caring, dictating what their partner can or cannot do. • Inability to take responsibility: Abusers often deflect blame and refuse to acknowledge their faults, preferring to shift responsibility onto their partner or external circumstances. They may perceive themselves as victims of their surroundings. Rapid progression in relationships: Abusers may rush the relationship, professing love early on, suggesting cohabitation shortly after meeting, or using terms like “soulmate” to quickly establish emotional dependence and isolation. • Hypersensitivity: Many abusers react strongly to minor inconveniences or perceived slights, interpreting benign remarks or actions as personal attacks. Understanding these psychological dynamics can help identify potential warning signs in relationships. ABUSERS AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS Individuals who perpetrate abuse may exhibit symptoms or be diagnosed with one or more of the following mental health disorders (Kippert, 2022). It’s important to note that while these disorders may be present, abuse remains a choice and is not caused by mental illness. Many individuals managing mental health challenges do not engage in abusive behavior. • Narcissistic personality disorder: Characterized by a lack of empathy, a constant need for validation, and arrogant or grandiose behavior. Narcissists often demean others to boost their own sense of superiority, exaggerate their abilities, and dominate conversations to belittle others. • Borderline personality disorder: While this disorder doesn’t cause abuse, its traits can contribute to abusive tendencies. Individuals with borderline personality disorder struggle with self-image, emotional instability, fear of abandonment, mood swings, impulsivity, and inappropriate anger. • Psychopathy: Psychopaths lack guilt, shame, or remorse, and their brains show increased activity in the ventral striatum when imagining others in pain, according to ScienceDaily . • Antisocial Personality Disorder (Sociopathy): Similar to psychopathy, individuals with antisocial personality disorder, also known as sociopathy, exhibit a lack of remorse and understanding of moral principles. They enjoy dominating others and crave power and control. Unlike psychopathy, which is believed to have genetic roots, sociopathy often stems from past traumatic experiences.
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