Here are some potential cultural factors that could contribute to under-reporting of partner abuse:
- Shame and stigma - Victims may feel ashamed or blame themselves for the abuse.
- Fear of retaliation - Victims may fear further harm if they report the abuse to authorities.
- Pressure to maintain privacy/image of happy family - Cultural norms that view family problems as private matters.
- Gender roles and socialization - For example, some cultures emphasize male authority/control in relationships.
- Lack of support systems - Isolation is a tool of abuse. Victims may feel they have nowhere to turn for help.
- Language/cultural barriers - Communicating abuse issues can be more difficult for
2. Changing Attitudes
• Defined as a problem in
the 1970s
• Matters of the home were
private
•“Not my business”
• Until then, considered
necessary discipline.
• Social and family values
pressured women to stay
with abusive partners
3. Definitions
Victim – has experienced mistreatment by
their partners in the last 5 years.
(physical, emotional, sexual)
Violence – is an action
that is intended to
physically hurt someone.
Intention changes
according to context.
4. Women’s Rights
Pre 1970s
Men were allowed to punish their
children/wives using physical violence
If you left your husband you were guilty of
desertion
Lost custody of kids
No support offered
Social rejection
5. 1970s
Spousal abuse was recognized as assault.
Public opinions drastically changed.
Prompted research to determine the causes
and possible prevention measures
Until this time, women had no choice but to
stay.
7. Those who ...
Experienced violence
Observed violence
Child abuse/partner abuse
More likely, statistically, to become victims of
violence or inflict it on others.
8. Violence as Learned
If patterns of violence are learned by both
victim and perpetrator, they can be
unlearned.
Learn more effective methods of conflict
resolution.
Proactive approaches for prevention.
9. Early Research Focus:
Why do women stay in abusive relationships?
Both believe the violence will not happen again.
The Cycle of Violence
Repeating pattern of spousal violence experienced
by both victim and perpetrator.
10. The Cycle
Tension Building
Try to maintain calm, and fulfill partner’s needs.
Builds wit stress or conflict. “tip toeing”
Abusive Incident
Assaults occur, one or more (disbelief builds)
Unpredictable
May require medical help, but usually hidden
Calm and Penance
Feels remorse, apologizes, affectionate acts
11.
12. Factors Contributing
Unemployment
Financial hardship/bankruptcy
Job stress, multiple jobs
Demotions, career set backs
Downgrading accommodations
Child support payments
13. When Men are Victims
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/CTVNewsAt11/2
0030713/stastcan_violenceagainstmen_20030
713/
14. Question
Until the 1970s a “culture of silence”
surrounded matters of partner abuse.
Today, partner abuse is equally
unacceptable, yet still goes under
reported. What other cultural factors
might contribute to this under-reporting?