P2 Families and Households - Domestic Violence Flashcards
What is domestic violence?
Defined as a pattern of abusive behaviours by one partner agaisnt another in an intimiate relationship such as marriage, dating, family or cohabitation. It can include:
- Physical aggression or assault threats (sexual abuse)
- Emotional abuse (controlling)
- Intimidation (stalking)
- Passive/covert abuse (neglect)
- Economic deprivation
What does Sclater argue?
That not everyone is aware of the full extent of what domestic violence can involve, therefore Sclater points out many do not recognise certain behaviours as domestic violence.
What is domestic violence like in the UK?
Sociologists see domestic violence as the power of men to control women by physical force.
It is estimated to be the most common form of violence in the UK, but as most happens behind closed doors it is extremely hard to measure and document
How have sociologists challenged these ideas?
A common view of domestic violence is that it only occurs among a few sick individuals. Sociologists have challenged this view:
- Too widespread (Womens Aid Federation 2014 domestic violence accounts for 1/4 of all crime)
- Not random (follow social patterns and has social causes)
What does Coleman argue?
He argues that women experience intimate violence across all groups, 1/3 of all female homicide victims are killed by a partner or ex partner
What does Stanko argue?
One incident is reported (by women) to the police every minute in the UK
What was found in the British Crime Survey?
70% of domestic violence is men against women
- These figures are said to be underestimated because women are reluctant to come forward. This can be due to love, blame themselves, not taken seriously, afraid
What did the Crime Survey discover?
There was reported to be a much narrower gender gap:
- 7.3% women
- 5% men
What does Ansara and Hindin argue?
That women suffer more severe violence and psychological control
What is female violence towards men like?
There is an increase in reports but only at a level of 5% of reported cases.
Nazroo argues wives will live in fear of husbands threats but husbands rarely feel frightened or intimidated by their wives potential violence.
What are radical feminists problems of patriarchy?
Males justification of attacks is often that women have failed to be good partners. As long as men have capability to commit violence then there will always be inequality in marriage.
What are radical feminists views on gender expectations?
Gender expectations can be affected if women becomes the breadwinner.
- Many males feel the traditional role is for them to be financially responsible for the family leading to a crisis of masculinity
- Violence may be an outlet of males anxiety and an attempt to re exert their power in a rapidly changing world
What do radical feminists believe about male domination?
Male domination of state institution helps to explain the reluctance of the police and courts to deal effectively with cases of domestic violence:
- Reluctance to report
- Believe that they won’t be believed
- Fear of standing up in court
- Fear of being alone with men
What are Elliot’s criticisms?
Rejects radical feminists that claim that all men benefit from violence not all men are violent
What are other criticisms?
- Fails to explain female violence - child abuse, violence towards men, lesbian relationships
- Wrongly assume that all women are equally at a risk of patriarchal violence
