Domestic Violence

7 Pages 1786 Words

m of assault in American today. However, it remains a hidden problem because it occurs within the privacy of the home and those involved are usually reluctant to speak out (Healey 1993). Actually, it extends far beyond merely physical abuse and also includes a range of behaviors aimed by the male to his partner. These behaviors include assault, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, spiritual abuse, social abuse and economic abuse. The belief that the perpetrators of domestic violence are typically stupid, mentally ill, aggressive males with criminal records and a generally vicious and barbaric nature is surprisingly incorrect. According to McCue (1995), many of the men who present most violently in the household portray themselves quite differently to the rest of society. They are generally not lawbreakers, but rather appear to be charming, often handsome law-abiding citizens outside of their own homes who maintain an image as friendly and devoted family men. In fact, it is likely that many such aggressors aren't even aware of the major impact their actions have upon their partners. Violence occurs in families of all kinds and from all cultures and socio-economic profiles (McCu...