Intimate partner violence (IPV) or domestic violence is a situation in which one partner in a relationship physically or emotionally abuses his/her partner (Fredriksen-Golden, 2011). Physical abuse could be characterized by beatings while the emotional aspect of it may include threats that instill fear in the victim. In most cases, it has been women who have become victims of IPV over the years. However, in recent times, the tide has changed, and men too have been placed on the receiving end of IPV (Rolling & Brosi, 2009). Causes of IPV are many and range from individual factors to societal factors. Nevertheless, many interventions have been taken by different bodies to try curbing the vice and help the victims. In that regard, this essay briefly addresses factors to be considered when working with the victims, characteristics of IPV and the priority of approaches when dealing with such violence.
When dealing with victims of the aforementioned societal vicious, factors such as the length and type of the relationship of the partners are considered. Did the relationship binding, say, marriage? Or just a social, intimate connection between two individuals? Additionally, the economic capability of the victim in the form of social support also plays a critical role. Finally, the victim’s perception towards IPV is also a significant factor that therapists ought to consider (Rolling & Brosi, 2009). If the victim was raised in a violent family, then his/her view of IPV might differ from one who did not experience such a situation before.
As much as the LGBT community has become more appreciated in the current century, IPV remains associated with man-woman relations. In fact, most characteristics of IPV regarding their occurrence and therapies are mainly women related since the female gender remains to be the most affected (Fredriksen-Golden, 2011). However, in an attempt to deal with IPV against victims, the first approach will be to make sure the threat is eliminated, that is, the accused faces legal action (Fredriksen-Golden, 2011). After that, other approaches such as financial, psychological help and treatment may be offered to the victim.
In conclusion, IPV cases have no place in this current age where social and economic development is preached. For the society to move forward, domestic violence has to be completely alleviated, and to do that, factors such as stressor events, resources and perceptions of the victims have to be taken into consideration (Rolling & Brosi, 2009). Moreover, therapeutic approaches should also target male victims (Fredriksen-Golden, 2011).
References
Fredriksen-Golden, K. I. (2011). Resilience and disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults. National Academy on an Aging Society: Public Policy and Aging Report, 21(3), 3-7. Retrieved from http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=418
Rolling, E. & Brosi, M. (2009). A Multi-Leveled and Integrated Approach to Assessment and Intervention of Intimate Partner Violence. J Fam Viol, 25(3), 229-236. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10896-009-9286-8
