Domestic violence is an act of abuse that occurs between individuals in a close relationship such as marriage and family (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 1). It takes various forms that range from sexual, religious, and economic abuse to physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. In addition, the act occurs in the event when a person believes that they have power over others and that the act of abuse is justified and acceptable (Wendt & Zannettino, 2014, p. 10). Consequently, the act may lead to the production of intergenerational abuse cycles in family members and children, who might develop a positive sensation towards the violence acts and condone them. Therefore, there is great need to conduct research on domestic violence as a topic in order to determine its range and areas of prevalence in the world (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 3).
Conducting research on domestic violence would help in the determination of the areas where the act is profound, merged with the rate and probability of the incidences. In addition, a research on domestic violence would help in unveiling its prevalence in each sex and age group (Wendt & Zannettino, 2014, p. 8). Consequently, acts of domestic violence are presently in the increase, since quite a number of individuals and both genders tend to witness the extremities of the abusive acts (Hanmer & Itzin, 2013, p. 31). Therefore, owing to the increased incidences and the profoundness of domestic violence acts, various challenges and problems exist.
Battered women succumb to mental and physical problems owing to domestic violence, since the psychological and emotional abuse that they experience may take longer time to treat compared to physical injuries (Wendt & Zannettino, 2014, p. 12). In addition, victims of domestic violence might end up losing their jobs because of absenteeism. Incidences of domestic violence would therefore compel the victims to relocate in new areas and to attend several hospital and therapy sessions in order to treat themselves. Relocating would equally lead to a disconnection from their social lives, which include family and friends.
Other challenges include rampant impacts to other related people such as children in the event of abusing their parents. Furthermore, various individuals who witness incidences of domestic violence tend to emulate them in future, since they believe on justification of the act. Equally, several victims of domestic violence in marriages tend to forego their finances in divorce proceedings for purposes of preventing further abuse (Hanmer & Itzin, 2013, p. 32). Consequently, they lead a poor life. Conclusively, children that witness incidences of domestic violence demonstrate significant conducts and psychological problems, which include psychosomatic disorders, fear, anxiety, excessive crying, stuttering, and school problems (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 5).
Acts of domestic violence prevail within intimate and former partners (Wendt & Zannettino, 2014, p. 4). On the other hand, various forms of abuse exist, which include sexual and physical violence; intimidation and threats; economic and social deprivation; and emotional and psychological abuse. Domestic violence equally incorporates unequal power distribution whereby an individual executes maximum control over their relatives and utilizes domestic violence acts to dominate. Individuals from various races, ages, and gender tend to experience the pangs of domestic violence, which unleash themselves in various forms (Wendt & Zannettino, 2014, p. 5).
The intended outcome of research on domestic violence is to demonstrate the prevalence of the act in various parts of the world, age groups, and gender. The outcome would prove that approximately 4.7% of females experience instances of domestic violence each year and that 31% of those women succumb to domestic violence from their partners (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 6, par. 3). Additionally, the research seeks to prove that one third of females with current or former intimate partners experience various forms of domestic violence partners (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 6, par. 5).
Equally, the severity and levels of violent instances from former partners are higher than that of current partners. On the other hand, the outcome of the research would disclose the fact that a minimum number of individuals tend to report incidences of domestic violence (Hanmer & Itzin, 2013, p. 33). Consequently, the outcome of the research would explain the reason behind the low reporting rate, which majorly includes an overall justification of the abusive act, and not relating it to crime (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 2). Furthermore, the outcome of the research would prove that individuals who reside in remote and rural areas have a tendency of experiencing or witnessing instances of domestic violence, compared to individuals in urban areas and developed countries. Consequently, in order to conduct the research on the prevalence of domestic violence, various actions or approaches are relevant.
Approach for Research
Research approach includes using a qualitative method, which entails finding meaning on the data on the prevalence of domestic violence (Wendt & Zannettino, 2014, p. 3).The approach for research would equally incorporate problem identification and utilization of theoretical lens, which would in turn provide a framework for investigation. On the other hand, the collection of data would be textual and would base on interaction and observation of the participants by engaging in focus groups activities and conducting in-depth interviews. The data collection and analysis process would therefore prevail until new issues on domestic violence emerge (Morgan & Chadwick, 2009, p. 7).
Conclusion
In conclusion, incidences of domestic violence are prevalent in various countries of the world, regardless of individuals’ gender, age group, or social status. However, the incidences are extremely on the increase in females, children, and individuals that reside in remote or developing areas. Research on domestic violence would therefore explain the high rate of prevalence in certain individuals compared to others, and equally unveil the reason why most victims do not report the incidences.
References
Hanmer, J., & Itzin, C. (2013). Home Truths About Domestic Violence: Feminist Influences on Policy and Practice - A Reader. London: Routledge.
Morgan, A., & Chadwick, H. (2009). Key issues in domestic violence. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.
Wendt, S., & Zannettino, L. (2014). Domestic Violence in Diverse Contexts: A Re-examination of Gender. London: Routledge.
