Domesti Domestic Violence Essay

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“The United Nations defines violence against women as any act of gender-based violence that results in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering and includes threats of such acts” (WHO, 2016). Intimate partner violence (IVP) affects women from all backgrounds. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term "intimate partner violence" describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse (CDC, 2015). However, numerous studies show that minority women experience IPV a much higher rate. “African American women experience IPV at a rate 35% higher than that of Caucasian women, yet they are less likely to use social services and battered women’s programs or seek medical attention for injuries resulting from domestic violence” (Minority, 2013). …show more content…

These social expectations “create inequalities, where one gender becomes empowered to the disadvantage of the other. Thus, in many societies, women are viewed as subordinate to men and have a lower social status, allowing men control over, and greater decision-making power than, women” (WHO, 2013). These inequalities can increase the risk of violence against women. Within some societies, both nationally and globally there are traditional beliefs that “men have a right to control women. Because of these beliefs men frequently cause physical, emotional and sexual violence towards women” (WHO, 2013). Violence against women can take several forms such as: “violence by a family member, sexual harassment and abuse by authority figures, trafficking for prostitution, child marriages, dowry-related violence, honor killings, sexual violence committed by soldiers during wars and so on” (WHO, 2013). Moreover, most of the violent acts committed against women are generally done by an intimate

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