Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
A few months ago I began working at a women’s shelter for
victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. With safety and
confidentiality concerns in mind, I will not speak to any specifics about the
program; however, I will speak to the affects this new position is having on me.
Before this position, I remember hearing service announcements about the high
rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska, but it wasn't really
something that caused me alarm. I just accepted it as statistics. But now,
those radio ads are no longer faceless. Upon beginning my position I soon
realized that I recognized the individuals that were coming to the shelter; I
have seen previous co-workers, as well as former parents from the childcare's that I have worked in. Not only that, I have come to the realization that I too
have personal experience with domestic violence and sexual assault; yet, I simply hadn't classified my experiences as such.
Following this realization I have begun to wonder why had I not considered my own
experiences to be in this realm of violence? Therein lies a large issue with Domestic Violence; if I can’t see that there is something wrong with my
situation, why would I try to get out? And even if I had realized that there
was a problem, what would that have
done for me? Would that have helped me get
out, being a young adult without knowledge of services for help? The problem is
that many individuals have little to no knowledge about the pervasiveness of
domestic violence or what to do about it, even when we are aware that exists.
There are also many misconceptions about domestic violence and sexual assault.
Hopefully I will be able to shed some light here.
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| Here is a 15 minute documentary of a Domestic Violence 911 response |
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| This image was taken from the Alaska Network of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Website at http://www.andvsa.org which is a great resource concerning domestic violence education, prevention and related resources that are specific to Alaska. |
Domestic Violence Basics
We commonly hear about domestic violence in relation to a
man abusing a women, yet domestic violence does not occur in a clear cut
fashion as this example suggests. There are many forms of domestic violence. Men
and women can both be perpetrators and victims of men or women. For instance a
woman may be a perpetrator of a man or a woman, the same way a man may be a
perpetrator of a women or a man. The violence that occurs does not occur in a
typical fashion either. Stereotypically we imagine someone who is a victim of
ongoing violence, but in some cases the violence may be an isolated incident.
That is not to say that a one incident is any less important, though,
because in some cases these incidents may lead to death.
Four Types of Individual Partner Violence
Following are terms from an article by Michael P. Johnson that looks at the different types of relationship formats that domestic violence occurs within in relation to gender (2006).Intimate Terrorism: Occurs when there is one perpetrator who is violent and controlling and one victim who is not violent or controlling within a relationship.
This is the type of violence that we typically hear of in which men are most often the perpetrators with women being the victim. Although this is frequently the case women can be perpetrators of intimate terrorism against their partner as well.
Violent resistance: Occurs when there is a partner who becomes violent as a result of the violence and control they experience from their partner.
In this type of violence women are often the ones who inflict violence, without control, while men typically exert violence and control. Again, that is not to say that the tables cannot be turned the other way around; I am simply trying to describe what is typical.
Mutual Violent Control: In this type of violence both partners use violence and control in their relationship.
This type of violence occurs equally between genders.
Situational Couple Violence: In this type of domestic violence, violence occurs by one partner, without controlling aspects. The other partner may be violent without control, or they may be controlling but not violent.
In cases like this men are only slightly more likely to be the perpetrator.
Four Types of Individual Partner Violence Chart
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PARTNER 1
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PARTNER 2
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Violent
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Controlling
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Violent
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Controlling
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|
Intimate Terrorism
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yes
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yes
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no
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no
|
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Violent
Resistance
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yes
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yes
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yes
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no
|
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Mutual Violent Control
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yes
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yes
|
yes
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yes
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Situational Couple Violence
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yes
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no
|
yes
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no
|
|
no
|
yes
|
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Hopefully the distinctions regarding of the different types of partner violence were not too confusing. Either way, I hope what is visible is how domestic violence occurs with different circumstances; there are different types which are not as gender based as we typically imagine or see in the media.
Types of Abuse
Domestic Violence occurs in many forms, including physical, sexual and emotional violence. Physical violence can include hitting, pushing, pinching, choking, etc... basically any form of unwanted physical touch. Physical violence also includes violence against objects or pets. Sexual Abuse can involve forcible sex, yet, coercion or intimidation that makes someone fearful to say no is also included. Emotional Violence may be taken for granted because it occur without physical harm, yet, it involves, manipulation, isolation and intimidation. It is a tactic used to employ power and control which can cause a victim to believe that they are the reason for their perpetrators actions. Other forms of domestic violence involve using a persons at risk status for control. For instance individuals with mental imparements, those with immigration status or other economic or social disadvanteged individuals may be targets for perpetrators. |
Domestic Violence is something that remains unseen for various reasons. Individuals may have grown up with violence and believe it is normal in their adult relationships. The public may dismiss it, with individuals being afraid to overstep their bounds. Families and individuals may keep it hidden for fear of embarrassment. Whatever the reason may be, domestic violence is something that is hurting many families in our society. If you know someone who may need help, please seek help it is out there. No one should have to live in fear.Resources for Domestic Violence
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
The Domestic Violence Helpline for Men and Women 1-888-7HELPLINE or1-888-743-5754
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References
Laing, L., Humphreys, C., & Cavanagh, K. (2013). Social work and domestic violence.
London: Sage.
Smith, M. & Segal,J. (2014). Domestic violence and abuse: Signs of abuse and abusive
relationships. Helpguide.http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
Johnson, M.P., (2006). Conflict and control: Gender symmetry and asymmetry in
domestic violence. Violence Against Women, 12(11),
1003-1018.
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