Family Violence Research and Analysis Paper

For instance, in Canada, family violence is considered as “abusive nature of neglecting or mistreating a family member” (Sinha, 2012). Similarly, in the US, abuse refers to the “use of tactics such as emotions, verbal or sexual to achieve and have internal control over a partner” (Straus, Gelles, Steinmetz, 2017). However, all countries consider family violence to be a form of abuse that calls for prevention by the state. The research paper gives an analysis of different types of DV, the perspectives of family violence and an examination of relevant theories of family violence, with an aim to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the topic. Forms of Family Violence According to Roberson & Wallace, the act of domestic violence leads to injuries and takes up many forms such as physical, sexual, financial, emotional and psychological violence (Roberson & Wallace, 2016).

For instance, if one is forced by the partner to use contraceptives or abortion pills, then that person is a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse also includes sexual harassment, rape and all other types of sexual assault by the intimate partner Financial Abuse Financial maltreatment takes into account matters concerning finances in the family. Most people do not report the financial abuse because they do not know its true meaning. Financial abuse is common in families where one person is the breadwinner and the other has to ask money for food or any other personal use. It is also common where the couples have combined their money into a joint account, and only one person is authorized to transact. Therefore, the theories of domestic violence are the key factors in shaping the beliefs and provision of insights from diverse perspectives of family violence.

For that reason, various theoretical approaches have been developed to facilitate the understanding of the complex nature of family violence. The following are some of the theories that have been developed to explain family violence. Substance Abuse Theory According to Substance abuse theory, some family violence is caused by excessive use of substance and alcohol, which results in out-of-control behavior. The person who has used the substance excessively lacks control of their emotions. In the modern societies, some cultures still embrace this myth that men are more powerful than women and therefore should control all the family resources. On the other hand, women are also getting enlightened by the developed policies against any form of violence. Eventually, men and women are in constant struggle for family power, hence accelerating the rate of domestic violence.

Also, the less powerful will always feel abused by the family including the children. Violent Upbringing Theory Violent upbringing theory focuses on explaining violence against women, using sociology and criminology concepts. Consequences of Family Violence Research studies have indicated that domestic violence not only has implications on the victims but also to the people who regularly witness the act of abuse (Chowdhury, Bohara & Horn, 2015). Chowdhury, Bohara & Horn, gave a detailed report on the health consequences of domestic violence, after a study of the statistics developed by World Health Organization. The authors claim that intimate partner violence causes depression and mental health disorders. Cumulatively, the medical costs of healthcare for such diseases are also very high that the victim of violence cannot afford.

Furthermore, domestic violence results in physical injuries and mental health problems and reproductive health issues that result in loss of employment by the victim. In addition to the above consequences, the victims of domestic violence usually have trouble bringing up their children right from conception to adult level. Any form of abuse on pregnant women results in preterm deliveries of low-birth-weight babies with poor cognitive and physical development. Such effects permanently affect the baby and may lead to permanent disabilities. Additionally, the domestic violence affects the intellectual development of the children typically thus resulting in poor performance in education and social life (Igelman, Geffner, & Zellner, 2014). Further, family violence also develops emotional problems in children. Another impact on the victim may compel the judge to issue a permanent or temporary restraining order so that the defendant can stay away from the victim without communicating.

Legal consequences also extend on child issues for couples with children. The offender may lose the custody of children and even visitation since all courts aim at protecting the children. Therefore, legal consequences on abusers are extensive and have resulted in a reduction of domestic violence in the modern world. Helping Victims of DV As illustrated above, the victims of family violence are at higher risk of health problems and development challenges. Many theories have explained the nature and causes of family violence. The discussed theories include substance abuse, power dynamic, and excellent upbringing theory. All the theories help in understanding the nature of abusers and hence can be used to identify signs of family violence in the society. The issue has consequences for both the victims, children, and abusers.