Domestic Violence in the United States

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“Domestic violence is an emotional, physical, psychological, or sexual abuse perpetrated against a person by a person's spouse, former spouse, partner, former partner or by the other parent of a minor child” (McCue 2). While it is these things, the violence is also considered a pattern of demeanor used to establish power and control over another person with whom an intimate relationship is or has been shared through fear and intimidation (“Domestic Violence Sourcebook” 9). It has many names, including spouse abuse, domestic abuse, domestic assault, battering, partner abuse, marital strife, marital dispute, wife-beating, marital discord, woman abuse, dysfunctional relationship, intimate fighting, mate beating, and so on (2). Donna Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Accommodations, believes that domestic violence is “terrorism in the home” (2). This type of abuse involves threats, harm, injury, harassment, control, terrorism, or damage to living beings/property (2). It isn't only in relationships with spouses, it also occurs within family, elderly, and children (9). There is no simple answer as to why domestic violence occurs (McCue 9). Domestic violence can transpire to anyone, yet the problem is over looked (“Abusive Relationships”). This is especially true when the abuse becomes psychological rather than physical (“Abusive Relationships”). When the abuse becomes emotional, it is minimized, but it can leave perdurable scars (“Abusive Relationships”). Domestic violence is viewed differently by certain people (McCue 9). In a sociologist visual perceive, the violence must be viewed from a group demeanor approach (9). In order to do this our society's norms must be analyzed to determine the attitudes revealed (9). Psychologis... ... middle of paper ... ...atistics of Domestic Violence Victims.” Web. 2001- 2009. . Shannon Brennfleck, Joyce. Ed. Domestic Violence Sourcebook: Third Edition. Detroit, Michigan: Omnigraphics Inc. 2009. 9-12. Print. Shannon Brennfleck, Joyce. Ed. Domestic Violence Sourcebook: Third Edition. Detroit, Michigan: Omnigraphics Inc. 2009. 87-94. Print. "Causes, Effects, and Prevention of Domestic Violence." Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. Doak, Melissa J. Ed. Detroit: Thomson Gale. Information Plus Reference Series. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. 2007. Print. Shannon Brennfleck, Joyce. Ed. Domestic Violence Sourcebook: Third Edition. Detroit, Michigan: Omnigraphics Inc. 2009. 51-56. Print. Shannon Brennfleck, Joyce. Ed. Domestic Violence Sourcebook: Third Edition. Detroit, Michigan: Omnigraphics Inc. 2009. 276-279. Print.

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