Intimate Partner Violence Essay

1819 Words4 Pages

Introduction
Gender based violence is considered as a “universal phenomenon” as it crosses “regional, cultural, social and economic boundaries” (Dennis & Vigod, 2013). Furthermore, it was considered as a private matter, however, it has been criminalized in many countries as it causes harm both physical and psychological to the victim (Dennis & Vigod, 2013. This violence threatens the rights, dignity and equality of women especially in the home. While both men and women can be victims of intimate partner violence, women are four times likely than their male counterparts to experience spousal abuse (Dennis & Vigod, 2013. Furthermore, intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence women experience (Dennis & Vigod, 2013. The average …show more content…

Numerous people have been significantly affected by intimate partner violence in their everyday lives (Kim & Kahng, 2011). Victims of intimate partner violence are more likely to develop serious mental health issues (Kim & Kahng, 2011). Some victims do survive intimate partner violence without any harm, however, others develop extreme psychological disturbance (Kim & Kahng, 2011). Intimate partner violence is underreported crimes even though it is one of the most violent crimes perpetrated against women (Kim & Kahng, 2011). As a result, women between ages 15-45 years are more likely to experience incapacitation and sometimes death based on intimate partner violence (Harold, Trevillion & Agnew-Davies, 2010). Therefore, intimate partner violence victims often suffer from long term and severe mental health issues (Harold, et al., 2010). Intimate partner violence varies in frequency and severity which can have long lasting impact on the victim (Harold, et al., 2010). Intimate partner violence is a public health issue that has extensive consequences not only on the victim, but the families and the broader community as well (Harold, et al., 2010). It was reported in 2009 that Canada spends $7.4 million dollars for victims who have suffered intimate partner violence (Guggisberg, 2006). Most of this money was spent on services …show more content…

Victims who suffer intimate partner abuse are more likely to stay in their current abusive relationships for many reason; fear to leave the partner, there are children allowed, fear for their safety and their lives and they are dependent on the abusive partner (Dennis & Vigod, 2013). Even though social services are readily available to help and it would seem only logical that these services would be used; victims of intimate partner violence are sometimes not aware of these services (Dennis & Vigod, 2013). Furthermore, the victims are often isolated from family and friends, therefore, they are unable to seek help so they suffer alone (Dennis & Vigod, 2013). Furthermore, perpetrators of intimate partner violence are often possessive, demanding and controlling towards their victims, therefore, the violence are often consistent and increases in severity (Dennis & Vigod, 2013).
Methodology
The information for this research paper will be gathered in the form of a literature review from other existing literatures in the field regarding intimate partner violence and mental health issues in women. Literatures will form the main basis of the research paper; however, two in-depth interviews will be conducted to gather more information from professionals in the field who have

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