Domestic Violence: Feminist and Social-Bond Theory

Introduction:

We can better understand domestic violence, a pervasive issue in our society, through the lens of Social-Bond Theory. It entails any form of abuse or violent crime that occurs in a home, such as during a marriage or cohabitation. Domestic violence, involving an intimate partner or a spouse, is frequently interchangeable with other terms such as intimate partner violence. Anyone can experience domestic abuse at any age, and it can happen in both same-sex as well as heterosexual relationships. In addition to violence against adults, children, or the elderly, domestic violence can also encompass physical, psychological, sexual, and emotional abuse.

The abuser frequently believes that the abuse is appropriate or justifiable. Domestic violence victims frequently feel trapped mostly by the abuser due to the abuser’s isolation from friends and family, lack of resources, fear, humiliation, cultural acceptance, power, and control. In addition to severe psychological illnesses, victims may also experience physical impairments and ongoing medical issues.

Statistics:

An estimated amount of 10 million people in the US experience domestic violence each year. The ‘National Coalition against Domestic Violence’ estimates that an intimate partner physically abuses around 20 people per minute. A significant amount of severe intimate relationship physical violence, sexual abuse, and/or partner stalking results in injury, PTSD, STDs contracting, etc. for 1 out of 4 women and 1 out of 9 men.

The ‘US Department of Justice’ reports that domestic abuse hotlines receive more than 20,000 telephone calls nationwide every day. Also, the chance of homicide rises by 500% when a gun is present in a domestic abuse setting. The most typical age range for women who experience intimate partner abuse is 18 to 24. 19% of domestic abuse cases involves use of weapon. Depression and suicidality results with domestic victimization at higher rates.

Theoretical Analysis of Domestic Violence:

The frequency of violence in intimate relationships has been the subject of numerous theories. None of the theories fully explains all instances of domestic violence, despite the fact that each one is intuitively convincing. The theories chosen for analysis are: ‘Feminist Theory’ and ‘Social Bond Theory’.

Feminist Theory:

The idea of patriarchy as well as the institutions and social structures that support it are at the center of feminist philosophy. Patriarchal culture is one in which social conventions favor men over women. American society’s standards for defining manhood result in ‘a sexuality centered around gathering partners (scoring), emotional detachment, and risk-taking.’ As a result, sex becomes about danger, thrill, and adventure. The exploitation, as well as the objectification of women, thrive in such an environment. If women are treated more like objects than valuable human beings, then abuse and sexual assault against them become acceptable practices.

The term manly, for many men, means seeing life as a struggle to rule others. Man must be in charge in his home because the responsibilities and attitudes inside a family unit reflect those of the greater society. Men benefit from patriarchy because it gives them a group of people (mainly women) to rule and take advantage of. A man can be successful at home even if he fails in the outside world.

In accordance with the feminist viewpoint, the foundation of male aggression toward their intimate relationships is the power disparity between men and women. A cross-national test using information from the ‘International Crime Victims Survey’ and statistics from the UN corroborated this idea. Prevalence of sexual abuse against women is more common in nations where women’s standing is poor. Whereas, sexual abuse against women is less frequent in nations where women are of high status.

This theory has been criticized for the claim that this viewpoint does not adequately explain the violence that women perpetrate. Strong evidence exists to support the idea that certain women are also violent towards men.

Social-Bond Theory:

The social bond theory was introduced by sociologist Travis Hirschi in an effort to explain juvenile criminality. He was curious as to why some kids from essentially the same backgrounds engaged in criminal behavior in the future while others did not. Recognizing the interplay between Domestic Violence and Social-Bond Theory is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems to break the cycle of abuse and create safer homes and communities.

Poverty or low earnings, unemployment, substance misuse, poor communication, personality problems, rage, stress, depression, and aggressive behavior outside the house are a few risk factors promoting violent partnerships. Children acquire that they are inferior to the individuals they view as successful on television and in movies when they grow up in a violent atmosphere where they are surrounded by economic and social failure.

They are taught to expect failure and to act violently toward others, especially women. The lack of parenting as well as communication skills from the adult figures teaches and afterward promotes aggression and failure in children. Youngsters are substantially more likely to replicate the habits they have learned from adults.

The abusers who have the most to lose through their abuse might be the most susceptible to solutions (prison, anger management, drug addiction counseling, etc.), according to Hirschi’s theory applied to domestic violence scenarios. People who are employed, closely connected to their community, in committed relationships, actively involved in church, civic, sporting, or social organizations, and who believe they are respected by their peers as well as the community are those who are most likely to change their behavior.

The abuser is more strongly driven to stop abusing than an offender who does not possess much to lose when those connections and social position are threatened. Using the social bond hypothesis, we can comprehend why it is not always true that growing up in a violent environment and attitudes does not lead to becoming violent as an adult.

Domestic Violence Before and After COVID-19:

More than 243 million females are in danger of rising violence globally as a result of the ‘shadow pandemic’, which is a ‘once in a century pandemic’ that has brought enormous difficulties to economic and health systems. According to a study, domestic violence was more common overall during the COVID-19 phase of 2020 than it had been during the two years before, especially when shelter-in-place orders were in effect.

This is in line with a 42% increase in domestic abuse calls that were reported, just 2 percent of which were repeat offenders, indicating more first-time abuse during the COVID-19 period. People who are in violent relationships could have trouble asking for assistance and might be doubtful that police will be able to assist them given COVID-19.

The call data indicates that authorities are reporting to help during domestic disturbances; data on higher incident reports indicate that at least a certain proportion of people affected by violence are able to contact the police. According to a report issued by the ‘National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice’, the imposition of isolation and lockdown orders during the 2020 pandemic led to an 8.1% increase in domestic violence incidents in the United States.

References:

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