Coping Strategies for Domestic Violence Victims: What Works?
Domestic violence is defined as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” (Domestic violence, 2015). This kind of violence affects both men and women, and it does not discriminate by race or age. Every minute of every day, people all over the country are being subjected to domestic violence; in fact, in one minute, there are almost 20 individuals being physically abused by their partner across the United States (Statistics, NCADV). For women, specifically, this is 1 in 5 who are suffering from intimate partner violence (Statistics, NCADV). There are almost 350 million people …show more content…
However, in the 1970s, the feminists were determined to put an end to the “man of the house” logic and an end to the “right” of men handling their wives as they thought was needed. In olden times, domestic chastisement (a man’s ‘born’ privilege to discipline his wife as he saw fit, made men think that their actions were justified because they were the money makers, but this was and is not true (Karmen, 2013). Women worked equally as hard with their attempts to keep the house clean, keep their children in order, and keep the food on the table. Ultimately, these feminist groups made a ripple in society and inspired a great change of opinion that spread to the rest of the world as well. This unity lead to reforms and support groups for women suffering from the mens’ assumed roles. Despite the great leaps and bounds that women have come over the past four decades, domestic violence, while no longer accepted by society, still affects so many people. This is why the subject of coping strategies is so very important due to the sheer number of victims who are left in the wake of such abuse and trauma. It is important for victims to have effective …show more content…
If someone is constantly holding on to the pain and anger they have towards his/her abuser, there will be no way to continue on through life, without fearing every relationship and person a victim comes in contact with throughout the remainder of their lives. Forgiveness therapy is designed to instill empowerment and strength into these victims who have been so torn down by their pasts (Reed & Enright, 2006). Studies have shown that forgiveness therapy has helped women by decreasing their anxiety, PTSD, and even depression (Reed & Enright, 2006). Besides the emotional fixes, forgiveness therapy was also beneficial in motivating women to take their experiences and put them forth into the world to help other survivors. Some ways that women were helped was by actively participating in making improvements in areas of women’s rights including: social services, divorces, and other benefits such as unemployment or WIC. (Reed & Enright, 2006). Forgiveness therapy really takes focus on the emotional side of coping, but there is other research that suggests problem-focused coping strategies are even more beneficial.
Problem-focused coping includes staying away from the abuser, filing for a restraining order/contacting law enforcement, and seeking help from a support system (Sabina & Tindale, 2008). These strategies of coping are
Domestic violence is defined as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” (Domestic violence, 2015). This kind of violence affects both men and women, and it does not discriminate by race or age. Every minute of every day, people all over the country are being subjected to domestic violence; in fact, in one minute, there are almost 20 individuals being physically abused by their partner across the United States (Statistics, NCADV). For women, specifically, this is 1 in 5 who are suffering from intimate partner violence (Statistics, NCADV). There are almost 350 million people …show more content…
However, in the 1970s, the feminists were determined to put an end to the “man of the house” logic and an end to the “right” of men handling their wives as they thought was needed. In olden times, domestic chastisement (a man’s ‘born’ privilege to discipline his wife as he saw fit, made men think that their actions were justified because they were the money makers, but this was and is not true (Karmen, 2013). Women worked equally as hard with their attempts to keep the house clean, keep their children in order, and keep the food on the table. Ultimately, these feminist groups made a ripple in society and inspired a great change of opinion that spread to the rest of the world as well. This unity lead to reforms and support groups for women suffering from the mens’ assumed roles. Despite the great leaps and bounds that women have come over the past four decades, domestic violence, while no longer accepted by society, still affects so many people. This is why the subject of coping strategies is so very important due to the sheer number of victims who are left in the wake of such abuse and trauma. It is important for victims to have effective …show more content…
If someone is constantly holding on to the pain and anger they have towards his/her abuser, there will be no way to continue on through life, without fearing every relationship and person a victim comes in contact with throughout the remainder of their lives. Forgiveness therapy is designed to instill empowerment and strength into these victims who have been so torn down by their pasts (Reed & Enright, 2006). Studies have shown that forgiveness therapy has helped women by decreasing their anxiety, PTSD, and even depression (Reed & Enright, 2006). Besides the emotional fixes, forgiveness therapy was also beneficial in motivating women to take their experiences and put them forth into the world to help other survivors. Some ways that women were helped was by actively participating in making improvements in areas of women’s rights including: social services, divorces, and other benefits such as unemployment or WIC. (Reed & Enright, 2006). Forgiveness therapy really takes focus on the emotional side of coping, but there is other research that suggests problem-focused coping strategies are even more beneficial.
Problem-focused coping includes staying away from the abuser, filing for a restraining order/contacting law enforcement, and seeking help from a support system (Sabina & Tindale, 2008). These strategies of coping are