Domestic Violence

• What are some domestic violence statistics?

  • 1.2 million women and 700,000 men experience domestic violence each year.
  • 1 in 5 adults experience Domestic Abuse in their life times.
• Why do sociologists challenge the view that domestic violence is only carried out by the ‘disturbed’ or the ‘sick’

  • domestic violence is far too widespread for it simply to be the work of a few disturbed individuals.
  • Domestic violence does not occur randomly, but follows particular social patterns- such as mostly violence from men against women.
• What are the issues with Crime statistics when it comes to Domestic Violence?

  • Crime Statistics are the cases that are reported, though the actual number of cases is thought to be much higher, as many are reluctant to report the crime.
  • There is also a reluctance from police to get involved in cases of domestic violence as they are often not prepared to get involved in family-life, many believe family is a private sphere that should have minimal state intervention.
  • Family is often seen as a good thing to people, so police are often reluctant to explore the ‘ dark side’ of family.
• What did Dobash & Dobash find about Domestic Violence?

  • (Dobash & Dobash) Violent incidents could be set off by what a husband saw as a challenge to his authority, E.g - a wife asking a husband why he was late for a meal.
  • They argue that marriage legitimises violence against women by giving power and authority on husbands by also dependency on wives.
• What did Wilkinson find about Domestic violence?

  • (Wilkinson)- People that are in poverty are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence.
  • Poverty is a greater indicator of Domestic Violence.
• What did Mirrlees-Black find about Domestic Violence?

  • (Mirrlees-Black)- Most victims are women 99% of all incidents against women are committed by men.
  • nearly 1 in 4 women have been assaulted by a partner, 1 in 8 repeatedly so.