Theories: Why People Commit Domestic Violence Introduction Domestic violence, also known as family violence, refers to the physical, sexual, emotional, economic, reproductive and religious abuse in a relationship, typically where spouses live together, either in cohabitation or marriage. In some cases, domestic violence may also involve the abuse of a family member such as one's children or parents. Both men and women can be victims of domestic violence. However, in most countries, it is women, predominantly, who are affected by the vice. In essence, several theories are used to explain why people commit domestic violence. These theories are important because they can be used to develop appropriate intervention strategies.
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Theories That Explain Why People Commit Domestic Violence Mental Illness One of the common explanations for domestic violence is untreated mental illness. It is perceived that some mental illnesses cause individuals to have higher than normal levels of aggression and inability to develop healthy relationships with their spouses and/or family members (Javier, & Herron, 2018). Mental illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar and depression may sometimes cause the individual to abuse the people closest to them. Biological Traits Theory The second theory that explains the cause of domestic violence is the biological traits theory. Some people are more predisposed to engage in domestic violence due to their personality traits, genetic predisposal to alcoholism and drug abuse, neurobiology and hormonal imbalances – too much testosterone is linked to aggression. The Feminist Theory The feminist theory focuses on domestic violence against women by men. Proponents of this theory state that the primary cause of the violence is gender inequality, where a man perceives himself and is also perceived by society as being superior to women. Therefore, gender-based domestic violence is caused by the need to demonstrate one's superiority over their partner. As a result of the belief that men are superior and women are inferior, men exercise power and control over women in their households. In societies where patriarchy is practiced and accepted, the rate of gender-based domestic violence is higher (Kenney, 2012). For instance, in communities, religions or families where patriarchy is exercised, men learn that women are supposed to be passive and dominant while they are supposed to be authoritative and dominant. This increases the likelihood of aggression.
Family Systems Theory One of the major determinants of an individual’s behavior is the family environment in which they grew up. Through social conditioning, the family shapes a person’s attitudes and behavior and also helps to develop one’s perspective of the world. For instance, children who grow up in a home where they witness a significant amount of domestic violence may fail to learn how to process their anger, how to interact with people harmoniously and how to accept other’s faults (Maxwell, & Blair, 2015). This, in turn, makes them more likely to either become perpetrators or victims of domestic violence in the future. The Frustration Theory This theory proposes that when some people are unable to attain their goals, they take out their frustration and anger on the people who are closest to them. This occurs mostly for people who have a poorly developed mechanism of coping with stressful situations. For example, a person who is constantly reprimanded and humiliated at work may have pent-up frustration and anger but is unable to address their ill-treatment with their supervisor for fear of losing their job. They may, therefore, take out their anger on their family. This is also referred to as displaced anger. Conclusion Domestic violence is a major societal problem. Analyzing domestic violence through various theories is crucial because it facilitates the understanding of the issues that drive violent behavior, the implications and also the correct intervention strategy to use in different situations. This can help people who have abusive tendencies to reform, and also enable selfblaming victims to understand that they are not directly the cause of the aggressor’s behavior.
This knowledge will help to identify, respond to and reduce the proportion of domestic violence in society.
References Javier, R., & Herron, W. (2018). Understanding domestic violence. Rowman & Littlefield. Kenney, K. (2012). Domestic violence. Edina, Minn.: ABDO Pub. Maxwell, S., & Blair, S. (2015). Violence and crime in the family. Emerald Group Publishing.