Paper Example on Family Violence

Introduction

Also referred to as domestic violence, Family violence entails all sorts of violent acts inflicted by one family member to another. While multiple cases of family violence are often reported between marital partners, some violent instances include parents against their children and children against their siblings. In rare occasions, a few cases of violence by children against their parents are reported taking the forms of emotional, physical and/or economic abuse. Additional forms of family violence include sexual abuse and social abuse through oratory variations and neglect rather known as passive abuse, which is more often than not, inflicted on children (Straus & Smith, 2017).

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Physical violence entails hurting another individual by slapping, strangling, hitting, kicking, threatening as well as using a weapon or any other physical tool to inflict pain. On the other hand, sexual violence involves coercion of one person to participate in a sexual act by another against his or her consent. Emotional violence is however considered as recurrent exposure of family members to abusive and humiliating behaviors such as intimidation, suicidal threats, extreme obsession and jealousy as well as the exhibition of physical violence on a partner before children (Straus & Smith, 2017). Neglect of children or family members can also be termed violent especially when responsible parties fail to act in instances that pose imminent risks of serious harm.

Studies reveal that the most common forms of family violence are psychological abuse and physical battering. It is therefore apparent that a majority of men regardless of their age, social a status, color, marital status, place of residence and constant threats of emotional abuse or battery thrive in the constant threat of family violence. Despite efforts to alleviate and curb the problem, family violence remains uncontrolled and unhindered, provoking serious concerns while at the same time, generating intense debates on the causes and consequences of family violence (Gelles & Straus, 2017).

Existing literature outlines a number of causes of family violence in contemporary understanding of violence in the family. The leading causes of violence in the family include drugs and alcohol abuse, infidelity suspicion, family terrorism, family background. Here alcoholism and drug abuse are considered the primary cause of family violence. Several studies have been carried out which links excessive drinking to men who exacerbate infidelity, financial challenges, and childcare problems (Gelles, 2017). Also, evidence affirms that the consumption of alcohol increases the severity of domestic violence. Therefore, alcohol and drug abuse impair a person ability to interpret social cues and clouds judgment hence family violence.

Family background also plays a pivotal role in shaping up a person as the social; learning behavior is acquired at the family set up as a child is brought up. Children who are subjected to family violence are more prone to be violent at their old age. They tend to be defensive and ready to fight a habit acquired during growth and development of a child. On the other hand infidelity suspicion among married couples has significantly resulted in numerous cases of family violence. If a husband or wife suspects infidelity they become aggressive and consequently violent ensure where the problem is not solved amicably (Gelles, 2017).

Conclusion

In conclusion, family violence results in psychological and emotional stress can lead to separation hence affecting the social life of the affected persons. Also, it leads to physical injuries and can ultimately cause death. Notably, it has been established that the prevalence and consequences of family violence are directed towards women than men

References

Gelles, R. J. (2017). Methodological issues in the study of family violence. In Physical violence in American families (pp. 17-28). Routledge.

Gelles, R. J., & Straus, M. A. (2017). How violent are American families? Estimates from the National Family Violence Resurvey and other studies. In Physical violence in American families (pp. 95-112). Routledge.

Straus, M. A., & Smith, C. (2017). Family patterns and primary prevention of family violence. In Physical violence in American families (pp. 507-526). Routledge.