Arguably, domestic violence and abuse is tremendously increasing in society today. Actually, abuse and domestic violence can affect or happen to anyone, yet in most cases, the responsible stakeholders have overlooked, denied, or excused. Rebecca and Oscar were victims of domestic violence during their childhood; moreover, the problem has affected them until their parenthood. Oscar seems to be influenced by the past into abusing his wife and children. Rebecca, Oscar and the children have suffered physically, either psychologically, or sexually. Acknowledging and noticing the sign of an abusive relationship marks the first and important step of ending it. Just like any other woman, Rebecca at first seems to be generating and believing on myths associated with domestic violence and abuse. These myths that try to make them stay in an abusive relationship include alcohol, children will not know, there are good things that are more than abuse, as well as the past.
Undeniably, from the case study various behaviors were transmitted from one generation to another. Oscar and Rebecca are both victims of domestic violence from their childhood experience. Parent abuse and violence towards a kid increases the risk on a child developing long run effects and mental health issues. Some of the transmitted behaviors include antisocial characters and violent crimes (Lewis, Sperry, & Carlson, 2005). The types of behavior that have been transmitted through both Rebecca and Oscar’s family generation is child abuse, both sexual and physical. Alcoholism is also evident. In this case, Rebecca came from a family where violence was common. The father often beat Rebecca’s mother, especially when he was drunk. Additionally, Rebecca father would transfer his bitterness and behaviors to children. Sexual abuse is also evident; her father molested Rebecca. Oscar was also victim of physical and sexual abuse during childhood. This abusive and violent behavior transpires in among Oscar, Rebecca and their three children. Oscar takes alcohol, and abuses both wife and children. Not all behaviors are transferable from one generation to another. For example, Rebecca seems to be loving and caring parent despite the fact that she was not taken care of by her parents.
In the 21st century, alcohol is among the risk factor in family relationship. In the case study, alcohol plays an astonishing role by establishing a link between abusive and violent behaviors in a relationship. It is evident from the case study that physical and sexual abuse took place when the accomplishers were drunk (Cefrey, 2008). Rebecca’s father turned violent and could beat her mother when he was drunk. Moreover, he could sexually molest Rebecca under drunken state. Nevertheless, his father also abused Oscar when he was drunk. The behavior did not end there; Oscar began taking alcohol after some years of marriage, whereby he could violently attack Rebecca. In the early stage of marriage, Oscar was not taking alcohol, but after some time, he started taking it. Therefore, alcohol is associated to abusive and violent behaviors, as well as a way of reducing frustrations (Lewis, Sperry, & Carlson, 2005).
Conversably, the cycle of abuse mostly persist if it receives reinforcement from the family. Cutting the cycle of abuse is very complex, especially if one of the parties in the domestic violence and abuse condones the abuse. The cycle may become too strong and too violent in the long run (Cefrey, 2008). The cycle is only broken if Oscar learns to stop abusive and violent behavior, Rebecca leaves, or one of the parties die. In this case study, Rebecca is one of the family members that reinforce the abuse by remaining in an abusive relationship instead of quitting as early as possible. Since their first child was born, Oscar began his violent and abusive behavior. This is the time that Rebecca could have reported the matter and seeks for help. Additionally, Oscar reinforces his abusive behavior by his continues threats and persistent abuse. Despite the warnings Oscar still went ahead to abuse his wife and children. Oscar may be socially sanctioned to belief that he is the man; hence, he has the right to abuse his man. The parents of Rebecca and Oscar also reinforced the abuse (Lewis, Sperry, & Carlson, 2005). This is because the basis of abuse is attributed to the past events; studies show that individuals who experienced abusive and violent behavior are at risk of same behaviors. The pattern of abuse continues because the abused people tend to bond together; hence, there could be a culture of continues abuse in case these victims are not trained to understand in abusive and non-abusive characters. A thorough assessment should be conducted to ascertain the trends of abusive behaviors. Assessment consists of determining the feedback loops that preside over the flawed behavior prototype by observing recurring patterns of interactions in the family (Corby, 2005).
Oscars and Rebecca’s family have unstable marriage. Their life’s has been chaotic, leading to separation, abuse, violence, and denial. Oscar does not be life that Rebecca can leave her; hence, he is always threatening to kill her. As a MFT, I would use Family Systems therapy to help construct this family’s intervention. There are various interventions to be used based on knowledge in causes of interpersonal violence and family system theory. It is crucial to nurture development and change between Oscar and Rebecca. The theory views that personal symptoms and behaviors are related to interaction patters among the family members. In this case, involving Oscar, Rebecca and children in finding solutions is very beneficial (Lewis, Sperry, & Carlson, 2005). It will be important for the parties to participate during the therapy session, regardless of how violent they are. I will influence the conversation in an approach that speeds up wisdom, and unity. The differences and similarities of interpersonal characters are independent of the differentiation of the self. I would ensure that communication system in the family starts functioning normally. In conclusion, Family systems therapy approach remains as a suitable form of family therapy that involves moving a family from dysfunction to functionality.
References
Corby, B. (2005). Child abuse: Towards a knowledge base (3rd ed.). United Kingdom: McGraw-
hill.
Cefrey, H. (2008). Domestic Violence. New York: The Rosen.
Lewis, J. Sperry, L., & Carlson, J. (2005). Family Therapy Techniques: Integrating and
Tailoring Treatment. Milton Park: Routledge.
