1. Violence and Divorce HHS 4M

2. Cycle of Violence Was first defined as a problem in the 1970’s. This was perhaps a result of the 1968 divorce act which empowered women to speak out to the many injustices that were happening within marriages. In its definition spousal violence was differentiated between ineffective conflict resolution – or arguments the ‘got our of hand’ and systematic violence.

3. History of Violence Hitting a wife or a child was considered acceptable, or even necessary discipline in the past. The expression rule of thumb dates back to the nineteenth century common law which gave a man the right to use a stick no thicker than his thumb to discipline his wife, children or servants.

4. History continued Police could only lay charges if they witnessed the violence. Violence was considered a private matter. Police charges could only lay charges if they actually witnessed the assault themselves In other words – it was next to impossible for police to lay charges This mentality reflects the patriarchic society

5. Following the divorce act of 1968… The opinion of violence changed. Violence was now deemed “Assault”. Police are now required to respond to domestic violence calls and lay charges when they see evidence of assault.

6. Intergenerational Cycle of Violence When individuals are abused when they are younger (or witness abuse), there is a far greater likelihood that they will become abusers themselves. This suggests that the behaviour that is modeled for children is precedent setting. – What people witness is learned behaviour. It is deemed to be normal behaviour.

7. 1993 Violence Against Women Study The following key risk factors were identified as triggers of spousal violence: Unemployment for more than one month Personal bankruptcy A drop in wage or salary Taking an additional job to make ends meet Child support or alimony payments that he did not have before A move to less expensive accommodations