Domestic violence occurs between current and former: lovers, partners, spouses, (Bainter, 2002), and family members; and is described as one of the most prevalent human rights abuses in the modern world (Velzeboer and Novick, 2000).
There are several forms of domestic violence including:
- physical
- emotional
- sexual
- psychological
- economic
- social
- spiritual abuse (Reachout.com, 2010).
An abusive relationship involves patterns of coercive and abusive behaviours utilised to uphold power and control over a previous or current partner or spouse (Kivel, 1992).
The extent to which a victim of domestic violence is impacted varies depending on the intensity of the abuse and the nature of the violence inflicted. While some victims may encounter psychological problems including anxiety and depression, others may endure physical injuries requiring medical attention (Bainter, 2002).
Domestic abuse has been reported to damage and diminish a woman’s identity (Hague, Mullender and Aris, 2003). Research suggests that women who have experienced domestic violence are subsequently disconnected, detached and lacking trust (Landenburger, 1989; Moss, Pitula, Campbell, and Halstead, 1997).
It is common for domestic violence offenders to discredit the woman’s experiences, question or deny the validity of her recollection of events, and minimise any injuries or effects of the inflicted violence or abuse.This has an extremely harmful affect on the victim as feelings of confusion, frustration, neglect, anger, bitterness, hostility, resentment and helplessness begin to prevail.
Women who experience domestic abuse can often feel as though they are invisible to others, including family members, who have chosen to dismiss, overlook or ignore what is going on.
Feelings of shame are predominant among women who have experienced domestic violence. These feelings are compounded by guilt, helplessness and failure, and have been found to be further exacerbated by contact with community and government services. Fear of the actions of services, for example children being taken into care or other mental health problems that can arise from the abuse can result in women continuing to suffer in silence. The shame experienced becomes a component of the women's identity which perpetuates subjugation. Women who experience domestic abuse may also be concerned at being perceived as having failed in their relationship and in their role as a mother.
Further in depth research exploring the effects of domestic abuse on the identity of women, in particular examining concepts such as shame and its effects on ability to seek help is recommended.
Sources
Bainter, T, R. (2002). Domestic Violence. Child Development, 124-127.
Crawford, E, Liebling-Kalifani, H., & Hill, V. (2009).Women's understanding of the effects of domestic abuse: the impact on their identity, sense of self and resilience. A grounded theory approach. Journal of International Women's Studies 11.2, 63.
Hague, GM, Mullender, A & Aris, R. 2003.Is Anyone Listening? Accountability and women survivors of domestic violence. Routledge.
Jacobson, N, S., & Gottman, J.M. (1998). Anatomy of a violent relationship. Psychology Today 31.2, 60.
Kivel, P. (1992). Men's work: How to stop the violence that tears our lives apart. Center City, MN: Hazelden.
Landenberger, K. (1989) A process of entrapment and recovery from an abusive relationship. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 10, 209-277.
Mills, L. J., & Daniluk, J.C. (2002). Her body speaks: the experience of dance therapy for women survivors of child sexual abuse. Journal of Counseling and Development 80.1, 14.
Moss, V., Campbell, J.C., Halstead, L., & Pitula, C. (1997). The experience of terminating an abusive relationship from an Anglo and African American perspective: A qualitative descriptive study. Issues in Mental Health Nursing. 18, (5).77.
Mulher, M. (2004). Community work with women victims of domestic, ethnic/racial and social violence in Brazil. Women's Health Journal Jan.-Mar, 32.
Reachout.com.au (2010). What is domestic violence? Retrieved November 14, 2010, from, http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/domestic-violence#toc-what-is-domestic-violence
Velzeboer, M., & Novick, J. (2000). Violence against women in the Americas. A violation of human rights and an International public health problem. Perspectives in Health, 5, 2.
