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Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Violence. Defining Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors that one partner uses against a current or former intimate partner.
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DefiningDomesticViolence Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors that one partner uses against a current or former intimate partner. Domestic violence occurs in intimate relationships where the perpetrator and the victim are currently or previously have been dating, living together, married or divorced. They may or may not have children in common
DomesticViolenceStatistics • Department of Justice statistics show that 85% of victims of domestic violence are female. • An estimated 52.3 million women are physically assaulted and 17.7 million women are raped or sexually assaulted at least once in their lifetimes. • Three U.S. women die every day at the hands of an intimate partner. • 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence at one point in their lifetime.
DomesticViolenceStatistics • A woman’s risk of getting killed goes up 75% when she leaves the relationship or has left. • 99% of victims report having experienced some form of economic abuse and victims often cite finances as a barrier to escaping abuse.
TheCostsofDomesticViolence • For women, homicide was the second leading cause of death on the job in 2003. • Employers absorb a large portion of the health care costs related to domestic violence, which total nearly $4.1 billion each year. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the annual cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence equals $727.8 million, with more than 7.9 million paid workdays lost each year.
PowerandControl Domestic violence is purposeful behavior. The batterer’s pattern of abusive acts are directed at achieving compliance and control over the victim. Tactics that work to control the victim are selectively chosen by the batterer. This power permeates every aspect of the victim’s life.
MethodsofPower&Control • Isolation • Verbal abuse & threats • Destruction of property • Physical battering • Sexual abuse and coercion • Stalking • Financial control
The Cycle of Violence • This early theory was developed by Lenore Walker to explain and phenomenon of a “honeymoon” phase that followed a battering incident. • NNEDV no longer uses this model as it does not fit the experience of many battered women. • What is helpful to explain is that the batterer may revert to his initial charming tactics to keep the partner entrapped in the relationship and to create confusion.
PerpetratorsofDomesticViolence • Come from all walks of life. • Extremely jealous and possessive. • Have the capacity to be very charming. • Move quickly into relationships. • Has a need for power and control. Uses both charm and assault behaviors to gain control.
VictimsofDomesticViolence • Come from all walks of life. • Predominantly female. • Develop low self esteem as a result of the battering relationship. • Are often somehow vulnerable when meeting the batterer • Are likely to take the blame for the battering or feel responsible.
TheBatteringRelationship • Does not start out violent • There are “red flags” but they are often disregarded or mistaken for love. • Isolation: He doesn’t want me to hang out with other people = he loves me so much he wants me all to himself • The early charming behavior of the batterer is a control tactic to get the victim into the relationship and under control.
Red Flags Someone who: • Seems too good to be true • Wants the relationship to move too quickly • Uses frequent criticisms and put downs • Blames past failed relationships entirely on former partner “my ex was a total bitch” • Says one thing and does another • Is extremely jealous and possessive • Has history of violence in relationships
HowBatterersUseChildren • Direct mistreatment/endangerment • Require children to monitor and report • Create an atmosphere in which they directly witness violence or the aftermath of an attack • Threats: harm, take children, hotline • Win custody • Vehicles for communication • Sow divisions within the family
Exercise • Think of a time in your life when you needed to make a change • Why didn’t you make the change right away? • What did you need to make the change?
External Factors Lack of housing Lack of money Religion Family Community Lack of support Police Courts Clergy Internal Factors Maintain household Children’s relationship Feeling responsible for partner’s welfare Love Fear Leavingisn’teasy
Leavingishighrisk! • Batterers escalate in their assaultive and coercive behaviors when the victim is trying to separate • The majority of homicides occur when the victim has left the abuser or is attempting to leave. • The risk of being assaulted or stalked at the workplace increases as this may be the one place the batterer knows where to find the victim.
TheEffectsofDomesticViolence • Last long after the bruises have healed. • The average divorce involving domestic violence takes 2-4 years. • The financial impact can go on for 10-20 years. • The emotional impact and long-term health complications can last a lifetime.
What Helps • Honor the woman as the “expert” on her own life • Let her know the abuse is not her fault and she doesn’t deserve to be abused • Stay in contact to break isolation • Offer support, resources and help identify options • Facilitate safety planning • Let her know her feelings are normal • Listen
