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 “Threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults (aged 18 or over) who are or have been intimate partners or are family members, regardless of gender or sexuality” (Home Office, 2005)
The effects of domestic violence are widespread and thought to be one of the most damaging problems within families (Bender & Roberts, 2007). This type of violence affects children and adults of all ages but it is most common for males to abuse their female partners (Holtzworth-Munroe, Smutzler & Sandin, 1997). It is also acknowledged that domestic violence affects people of all religions and nationalities (Johnson, 2007).
In a national study carried out in America, Straus & Gelles (1990) found that more than a third of all assaults were considered serious and involved action such as:
- Punching;
- Kicking;
- Biting;
- Beating;
- Use of a Gun;
- Use of a Knife.
The Home Office (2005) have indicated that reports of domestic violence are under reported but estimate that it:
- Accounts for 16% of all violent crimes
- Has more repeat victims that any other crime
- Claims the lives of two women each week and 30 men per year
- Is the largest cause of death worldwide in women aged 19-44 (far higher than war, cancer and car accidents)
- Will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men during their lifetime.
However, it was not until the 1970s that people began to take the reports of domestic abuse seriously and for it to warrant intervention from both the police and subsequently the legal system (Johnson, 2007).
It is possible to predict whether or not domestic violence is likely to occur based on the perpetrators history of violence and whether this is something they have done before.
Further Reading: IP Library
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