Domestic Violence

• Domestic violence is often seen as a psychological problem – the work of a disturbed mind


  •Sociologists have challenged this because:–Domestic violence is too widespread to be the work of a few disturbed individuals. The Crime Survey for England and Wales found 2 million people reported being victims of domestic abuse in 2012.–Domestic violence is not random but follows social patterns – along both gender and class lines, affecting women and the working class most.
• –Wallby and Allen found women were much more likely to be victims of multiple incidents of abuse and of sexual violence.
• Domestic Violence In The Uk

  –7.3% of women and 5% of men experienced domestic abuse in the previous year.
• Victims may be unwilling to report DV to the police – it is the most violent crime least likely to be reported
• Yearnshire (1997) found on average women suffered 35 assaults before making a report
• Reasons victims are less likely to report DV

  • Emotional attachment to a partner or children
  • Fear of children being removed by social services
  • Belief that it is not a matter for the police
  • Belief that the police cannot or will not help
  • Fear of reprisals (revenge attacks)
• Under Recording By Police

  •Police and prosecutors may be less likely to record, investigate and prosecute domestic violence cases.•In the period 2006-2011, conviction rates stood at only 6.5% of reported incidents.•David Cheal argues that the police are unwilling to become involved in family life for the following reasons:–See the family as private, state shouldn’t interfere–See the family as a good thing – neglect darker sideBelieve women are free to leave abusive relationships
• Explan Of DV

  •Radical feminist explanation – emphasises patriarchal values•Materialist explanation – emphasises economic factors
• Feminist Explan DV

  •Dobash and Dobash’s research found that incidents were triggered by challenges to husbands authority.

  •They believe it is legitimised by marriage by giving men power and authority and making women dependent.

  •Prizzey 1974, sees it as resulting from patriarchy. Wives are seen as the property of their husbands and therefore using violence to control them is seen as acceptable.

  • Brookman 2008, blames masculinity. She argues that masculinity values control over others – so men resort to violence if they feel like they are losing control.
• Radical Feminists

  • Explains why women appear to be more likely to experience serious domestic violence
  • Highlights the fact domestic violence is often used as a tool of power and control
• Materialistic Explan of DV

  •Wilkinson (1996) looks at how low income and poor housing can affect the stability of a relationship.-Money worries could lead to domestic conflict-Lack of money may also mean that they do not have time to create social bonds with others who could support them through stressful times.••Mirrlees-Black (1996) have reported that certain groups are under greater risk than others:–Children and young people.–Those in lower social classes.–Low income and financial difficulties.–People who abuse drugs and alcohol.
• Eval Of Materialistic

  •Strength: does help to explain class differences in domestic violence•Doesn’t explain why women are more likely to be victims than men.•Doesn’t explain why domestic violence isn’t more widespread among low income families.