Family Violence Theories

Domestic Violence is defined as aggressive behavior used to establish power and control, enlisting tactics of intimidation, fear and physical threat or action. There are seven identified models of family violence that researchers have categorized as being possible causal components in family violence; the Psychiatric, Ecological, Sociological, Social Psychological, Patriarchy, Social control/exchange and Information-processing approach. Within these models are factors that can exasperate the conditions and make a family more prone to exhibit or experience violence. The models are the overall theories of why family violence happens and the factors contribute the probability of violent actions happening. Factors include; poverty, unemployment, …show more content…
This theory links; the person, family, and their living circumstances both past and present. One component suggests that experiencing or witnessing childhood violence can attribute to participation in partner violence as an adult. Poverty is another impact in fact 500% more risk to a couple living in low income standards than that of middle or higher income. Low income usually equal crowded living conditions, struggle to meet daily needs, and substance abuse. These factors along with the limited community resources and lower law enforcement presence increase the probability of domestic violence. Less arrests being made and women not viewing the law as an option in keeping them safe. Past experiences seem to increase the rate of violence experienced, 6/10 women surveyed stated experiencing some sort of childhood abuse and astounding 97% that were currently in an abusive relationship were sexually abused as a child. Based on this research the question is asked did they subconsciously seek partners that display this behavior because that is what was modeled for them as a child? This puts the burden on the women as being capable of changing her circumstances like, she is in a sense perpetrating the abuse by staying within the relationship. Society has asked the question why women don’t just leave, if were that easy domestic …show more content…
This theory suggests that experiencing violence in the home as a child causes disruptions in development. Lack of attachment along with Ericson’s model of development suggest violence disrupts the Trust-vs Mistrust stage causing the child to group up with a distorted view when it comes to trusting the world and it surrounding. Maslow suggests that children need nurture, basic needs and social support and when those are missing a child could deviate in achieving a sense of security, creativity and spirituality. All of these theories suggest that a person missing any or all of these crucial stages could start a pattern of selecting abusive partners, the fear of being alone far outweighs the abuse suffered. The above covers a women’s perspective however men witnessing domestic violence has its ramifications also. Witnessing violence in the home creates an ideology that aggression to solve disputes is an appropriate way to act. Along with witnessing violence attachment theory suggests that a violent man is acting out against his loved one for fear of separation or abandonment. Which is the center of attachment theory, so this results fear, anxiety and unbalanced exchange of emotions within the relationship. These contributing factors women seek out aggressive partner and men see aggression as a way of expressing emotion all start the cycle of abuse which can continue on