Domestic Violence

Question 1

Patterns of DV

Answer 1

• Mainly men abusing women.
• Coleman et al (2007): Higher rates of abuse for women.
• Coleman & Osborne (2010): 2 women killed weekly.
• Dobash & Dobash: Violence triggered by women challenging authority.

Question 2

Victims

Answer 2

20% of adults experience DV; 25% of women, 15% of men

Question 3

Working class and Domestic Violence

Answer 3

-Working Class and Domestic Violence:
- Working-class individuals are more likely to experience domestic violence compared to other social classes.
- Women with low incomes are disproportionately represented among survivors of sexual violence.

Question 4

Marxist feminists

Answer 4

-violence results from capitalist inequality.
- Ansley=Describes wives as “takers of shit,” suggesting that domestic violence is a way for exploited male workers to vent frustration.
- Domestic violence is seen as a product of capitalism rather than patriarchy, with men taking out their work-related frustrations on their wives.

Question 5

Criticisms AO3

Answer 5

• This perspective explains why domestic violence is often male violence against females.
• However, it does not account for why not all male workers commit domestic
violence.
• It also fails to explain instances of female domestic violence.

Question 6

Material explanation for DV

Answer 6

1.Wilkinson and Pickett
• Domestic violence is caused by stress from social inequality.
• Stress from low income and overcrowding increases conflict and violence.
2. Examples of Stress Factors:
• Money, job, and housing worries lead to domestic conflict.
• Limited resources reduce social support.
3. Risk Factors:
• Those with less power, status, or income are at greater risk of experiencing domestic violence (Wilkinson and Mirlees-Black).

Question 7

Wilkinsons AO3

Answer 7

Wilkinson’s approach is useful in showing how
social inequality produced stress and triggers conflict and violence in families. As those in lower social classes face greater hardships and hence stress, this helps to explain the class differences in the statistics on domestic violence.
However,
unlike radical feminists Wilkinson does not explain why it is women, rather than men, who are at greatest risk of domestic violence.

Question 8

Radical fem explanation of DV

Answer 8

• Millet & Firestone: Men use violence to dominate women.
• Dobash & Dobash: Cultural support for men “disciplining” women; limited institutional support for battered women.
2. Precipitating Factors:
• Assaults often linked to dissatisfaction with domestic duties.
• Gender roles make women vulnerable to criticism and violence.
3. Economic Dependency:
• Many women are financially dependent on men, leading to return to abusive partners.
• Stigma and financial issues force women to stay or return to abusive relationships.
4. Systemic Issues:
• Domestic violence is an inevitable feature of patriarchy.
• Low conviction rates and lack of prosecution reinforce patriarchy.