Domestic Violence The largest study of domestic violence was carried out by Dobash and Dobash in 1980, and they analysed statistics collected in Scotland. Statistics showed that 25% of all serious assaults were carried out by men. These results are still underestimating the extent of ‘wife-battering’- many cases are not reported.

Who else suffers from domestic abuse? Same-sex couples sometimes suffer from domestic violence. Women have also been accused of battering their husbands/partner, and safe houses for men have now been set up.

Why do people use violence, and why do they return to abusive relationships? A common reason for wife-battering is that the husband believes that they haven’t completed domestic tasks to a satisfactory level. Women are dependent on the men’s wages. There is a lot of stigma surrounding marriage and divorce.

How many people suffer? 25% of the women in the world suffer domestic violence. 5 women are burned to death in India every day over dowry disputes. Over a million baby girls are murdered or left to die every year. 90 million girls have endured genital mutilation.

Why don’t people help? Cheal (1991) said that the police and courts see the family as a private institution, so they are reluctant to get involved. Individuals can act as ‘free agents’- women can leave when they want to. Women’s interests are subordinate- it is thought that they should act in the interests of the whole family.

How can people help? Connors (1992) thought that women should be made aware that legal advice is freely available. Women’s aid and other organisations have been opened to give support, and these are considered to be effective.

What do the feminists think of domestic violence? They think that people try and justify the abusive. People make the excuse that male domination and patriarchy within the family is supported by force. Others say that men can’t help their actions.

How can Domestic Violence be reduced? There are now organisations and shelters for victims of domestic abuse. These are available to children and adults who are involved in an abusive relationship with someone in their family. One of the main sources of help within these organisations is counselling, which helps the victim to share their thoughts and feelings.

Sources used The sources I used are the internet, and a book called “sociology in perspective, AQA edition”.