Domestic violence

Abstract

Domestic violence has become one of the most studied social problems over the last several decades. It is considered a serious and widespread public health concern that occurs in more than 10 million households in the USA each year (Black et al., 2011; Breiding et al., 2014). Domestic violence is described as a complex pattern of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and/or economic abuse that is intended to gain power and control over a current or former intimate partner (Office of Violence Against Women, 2015). It crosses all sociodemographic boundaries and affects individuals of various ages, races, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, and socioeconomic statuses. Yet one of the most consistent findings in the literature is the gendered nature of domestic violence-men are the predominant perpetrators and women are the primary victims. In fact, studies have shown that the rate of domestic violence victimization is nearly five times higher for women (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Not only are women more likely to be victimized, but they are also more likely to experience multiple forms of domestic abuse, to be seriously injured and require medical attention, and to suffer greater short-term and long-term consequences as a result (Black et al., 2011; Catalano, Smith, Snyder, & Rand, 2009). The adverse consequences of domestic violence are not limited to the individual being abused but rather extend to the entire household. Most abused women have minor children and more than 15 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year (McDonald, Jouriles, Ramisetty-Mikler, Caetano, & Green, 2006). Half of these children live in households that are characterized by severe and chronic domestic abuse. Society also suffers from the economic burden of domestic violence that has been estimated to cost billions of dollars in healthcare services and lost productivity each year (Brown, Finkelstein, & Mercy, 2008; National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2003). Statistics only suggest the enormity of the problem as domestic violence remains largely hidden due to the intimate context in which it occurs. Despite attempts at eradication domestic violence has continued to persist causing widespread physical, psychological, social, and economic damage to individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.