Intimate Partner Violence against Young Women

I’esha Brown

Intimate Partner Violence against Young Women

Introduction

Domestic violence can happen to anyone but Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most common violence to be committed in society (Ursa& Koehn, 2015).Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)isviolence perpetrated by one intimate partner against the other partner (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014). IPV does not include elder or child abuse.Although women are likely to be victims of domestic violence, research shows that men are victims of domestic violence as well.(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).For example, when violence is related to family conflict there is a 4:1 ratio between females and males(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).However, statistics reveals that more than 90% of violence is committed by male when violence is usedto maintain control (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).

Truman-Schram, Cann, Calhoun, &Vanwallendal (2000),estimatedthat approximately 20-37% of individuals has experienced some form of violence in dating and cohabiting couples.This includes both physical and verbal abuse.Young women thatremain in abusive relationships are often blamed and criticized for not leaving (Eckstein, 2011). According to Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin (2014), studies have shown that the media portrays domestic violence as the women’s fault and not men. Because of this assumption, some women feel responsible for the abuse and remain quiet (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).

For most women, leaving an abusive relationship is a process. Women who initially leave their abusive partners will return to the relationshipmultiple times before leaving for good (Eckstein, 2011).On average, it takes about five to seven attempts before these women successfully leave their relationship; given that each attempt is more dangerous than the other.Some women are reminded of the good times and others make up excuses for their abuser.Whatever the case may be, these women continue to remain in their abusive relationship. To suppress Intimate Partner Violence against young women, there should be more educational programs,housing, support services, and funds made available for them and/or the abuser.

Statement of the Problem (# of pages – ½)

Intimate partner violence is a worldwide problemthat leads to major health implications (Fee, Brown, Lazarus, and Theerman 2002).Because of this, millions of women lives are impacted(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014). These womensuffer from depression, post-traumatic stress,and poor health(Ursa& Koehn, 2015).Intimate partner violence among young women may also result in deaths. According to Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, (2014), there were 2,340 deaths due to domestic violence in the United States in 2007. As a result, 70% of these women were killedthat year (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).

Today, it is very important for health care professionals to look for physical indicators of IPV that might be unappealing on a woman’s body (Ursa& Koehn, 2015).For example, physical indicators that doctors may look for are hidden injuries like bruises or marks, head injuries, injuriesduring pregnancy, and/or multiple visits (Ursa& Koehn, 2015).According to Fee, Brown, Lazarus, &Theerman (2002), roughly 4 millions of American women have encountereda serious assault made by their partner during a 12 month period. With that being said, this research paper will aim to address the risks/consequences of intimate partner violence among young women.

Background and Need (# of pages – 1)

• Provide a historical view or background on your topic based on the literature.
• Based on the literature provide evidence of why the research is needed.

In medieval and modern Europe, domestic violence was

Purpose of the Project (# of pages – 1/3) 

The purpose of this project is to gain insights on why young women between the ages 18-24 choose to stay in their abusive relationships. For years, women have been assaulted by their partners. During the medieval period (476-1500), husbands were allowed to physically discipline their wives, servants, and apprentices (Fee, Brown, Lazarus, and Theerman 2002).These women were taught to be obedient to their husbands andwere not allowed to divorce them. Today, young women continueto face similar problems, but under different circumstances. For instance, a women decision to stay in an abusive relationship is due to “rewards and costs, investment size, and perceived relationship alternatives” (Truman-Schram, Cann, Calhoun, &Vanwallalendal, 2000). As a result, these women do not leavetheir partners. To fully understand why these women choose to stay in a violent relationship, thispaper will focus on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and the choices of women who choose to stay versus those who leave.

Theory (# of pages – 1)

There are three theories that can explain domestic violence among women. Those theories are learned helplessness, social learning, and gender sex role theory. The first theory to explain this social problem is learned helplessness. According to Ursa& Koehn (2015), learned helplessness theory “in humans asserts that after repeated exposure to a stressor, people stop trying to avoid it, feel like they have no control over it, will not act if there is an opportunity to escape, and will not seek for resources” (Ursa& Koehn, 2015, p. 252). In other words, a woman will not leave herabusive relationship when it becomes an ongoing cycle that she has no control over. Ursa& Koehn (2015) also theorized that repeated exposure and ineffective coping strategiesleads to a passive coping strategyfor a woman. Thiscoping strategy is usually characterized by depression, low-self esteem, and an inability to leave their relationship (Ursa& Koehn, 2015). The second theory to explain domestic violence among women is social learning. Social learning is ……(Isaacs, 2000)

It is learned by

Last but not least, sex role theory also plays a role in intimate partner violence.

Research Question (# of pages – 1 line)

What is the impact of Intimate Partner Violence on young women? Why do young women stay in abusive relationships?

Definitions (# of pages – ½ to 1)

The following terminology will be use throughout theliterature review.

• Intimate Partner Violence– is violence by one member of a couple against his/her partner and does not include elder or child abuse within the household(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).
• Domestic Violence -is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors and tactics by one person to gain power and control over a partner(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).
• Social Learning Theory- is learned by observing others in social situations, especially the family and the media, and by perceiving the benefits or rewards to the behavior (Isaacs, 2000).
• Learned helplessness Theory –  repeated exposure to a stressor, people stop trying to avoid it, feel they have no control over it, will not act if there is an opportunity to escape, and will not look for such opportunities (Ursa&Koeh, 2015)
• Sex Role Theory–expands upon this assumption and proposes that women and men learn appropriate gender roles through socialization within the culture of the family and wider society(Isaacs, 2000).

This concludes Part 1 of the introduction. Part 2 will include a Literature Review based on the main issues that was discussed in Part 1.

References

Chin, P. A. (1992). Factors influencing a battered woman’s perception of controllabilityinviolent intimate relationships(Doctoral dissertation).Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.(Order No. 9223371)

Coolidge, F. L., & Anderson, L. W. (2002).Personality Profiles of Women in Multiple Abusive Relationships.Journal of Family Violence, 17(2), 117-131. 

Eckstein, J. J. (2011). Reasons for staying in intimately violent relationships: Comparisons of men and women and messages communicated to self and others. Journal of Family Violence, 26(1), 21-30. 

Edwards, K. M. (2011). Leaving an abusive dating relationship: An analysis of the investment model and theory of planned behavior(Doctoral dissertation).Available from GenderWatch. (Order No. 3478434)

Halket, M., Gormley, K., Mello, N., Rosenthal, L., &Mirkin, M. (2014). Stay With or Leave the Abuser? The Effects of Domestic Violence Victim’s Decision on Attributions Made by Young Adults.Journal of Family Violence, 29(1), 35-49.

Hayes, S., & Jeffries, S. (2013). Why do they keep going back? Exploring women’s discursive experiences of intimate partner abuse. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 2, 57-71. 

Lacey, K. (2010). When Is It Enough for Me to Leave?: Black and Hispanic Women’s Response to Violent Relationships. Journal of Family Violence, 25(7), 669-677. 

Loke, A. Y., Wan, M. E., &Hayter, M. (2012). The lived experience of women victims of intimate partner violence.Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(15/16), 2336-2346. 

McDonald, P. W. (2012). Life after violence: Women’s experiences five or more years after leaving abusive partners (Doctoral dissertation).Available from ProQuest Central.(Order No. 3516427)

Orzeck, T. L., Rokach, A., & Chin, J. (2010).The Effects of Traumatic and Abusive Relationships.Journal of Loss & Trauma, 15(3), 167-192. 

Pelletier-Brown, K. (1998).Battered women: Leaving abusive relationships (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Central.(Order No. 9840224)

Ross, J. (2013). Looking back: Young adult women reflect on perceptions of their mothers’ experiences with domestic violence(Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Central.(Order No. 3553208)

Russell, B., &Uhlemann, M. R. (1994). Women Surviving an Abusive Relationship: Grief and the Process of Change. Journal of Counseling & Development, 72(4), 362-367.

Smith, M., Nunley, B., & Martin, E. (2013).Intimate Partner Violence and the Meaning of Love.IssuesIn Mental Health Nursing, 34(6), 395-401.

Ursa, M., & Koehn, C. (2015).Young Women’s Experiences of Coping with Violence in Intimate Relationships.Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 37(3), 250-267. 

Intimate Partner Violence against Young Women

I’esha Brown

Intimate Partner Violence against Young Women

Introduction

Domestic violence can happen to anyone but Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most common violence to be committed in society (Ursa& Koehn, 2015).Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)isviolence perpetrated by one intimate partner against the other partner (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014). IPV does not include elder or child abuse.Although women are likely to be victims of domestic violence, research shows that men are victims of domestic violence as well.(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).For example, when violence is related to family conflict there is a 4:1 ratio between females and males(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).However, statistics reveals that more than 90% of violence is committed by male when violence is usedto maintain control (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).

Truman-Schram, Cann, Calhoun, &Vanwallendal (2000),estimatedthat approximately 20-37% of individuals has experienced some form of violence in dating and cohabiting couples.This includes both physical and verbal abuse.Young women thatremain in abusive relationships are often blamed and criticized for not leaving (Eckstein, 2011). According to Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin (2014), studies have shown that the media portrays domestic violence as the women’s fault and not men. Because of this assumption, some women feel responsible for the abuse and remain quiet (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).

For most women, leaving an abusive relationship is a process. Women who initially leave their abusive partners will return to the relationshipmultiple times before leaving for good (Eckstein, 2011).On average, it takes about five to seven attempts before these women successfully leave their relationship; given that each attempt is more dangerous than the other.Some women are reminded of the good times and others make up excuses for their abuser.Whatever the case may be, these women continue to remain in their abusive relationship. To suppress Intimate Partner Violence against young women, there should be more educational programs,housing, support services, and funds made available for them and/or the abuser.

Statement of the Problem (# of pages – ½)

Intimate partner violence is a worldwide problemthat leads to major health implications (Fee, Brown, Lazarus, and Theerman 2002).Because of this, millions of women lives are impacted(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014). These womensuffer from depression, post-traumatic stress,and poor health(Ursa& Koehn, 2015).Intimate partner violence among young women may also result in deaths. According to Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, (2014), there were 2,340 deaths due to domestic violence in the United States in 2007. As a result, 70% of these women were killedthat year (Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).

Today, it is very important for health care professionals to look for physical indicators of IPV that might be unappealing on a woman’s body (Ursa& Koehn, 2015).For example, physical indicators that doctors may look for are hidden injuries like bruises or marks, head injuries, injuriesduring pregnancy, and/or multiple visits (Ursa& Koehn, 2015).According to Fee, Brown, Lazarus, &Theerman (2002), roughly 4 millions of American women have encountereda serious assault made by their partner during a 12 month period. With that being said, this research paper will aim to address the risks/consequences of intimate partner violence among young women.

Background and Need (# of pages – 1)

• Provide a historical view or background on your topic based on the literature.
• Based on the literature provide evidence of why the research is needed.

In medieval and modern Europe, domestic violence was

Purpose of the Project (# of pages – 1/3) 

The purpose of this project is to gain insights on why young women between the ages 18-24 choose to stay in their abusive relationships. For years, women have been assaulted by their partners. During the medieval period (476-1500), husbands were allowed to physically discipline their wives, servants, and apprentices (Fee, Brown, Lazarus, and Theerman 2002).These women were taught to be obedient to their husbands andwere not allowed to divorce them. Today, young women continueto face similar problems, but under different circumstances. For instance, a women decision to stay in an abusive relationship is due to “rewards and costs, investment size, and perceived relationship alternatives” (Truman-Schram, Cann, Calhoun, &Vanwallalendal, 2000). As a result, these women do not leavetheir partners. To fully understand why these women choose to stay in a violent relationship, thispaper will focus on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and the choices of women who choose to stay versus those who leave.

Theory (# of pages – 1)

There are three theories that can explain domestic violence among women. Those theories are learned helplessness, social learning, and gender sex role theory. The first theory to explain this social problem is learned helplessness. According to Ursa& Koehn (2015), learned helplessness theory “in humans asserts that after repeated exposure to a stressor, people stop trying to avoid it, feel like they have no control over it, will not act if there is an opportunity to escape, and will not seek for resources” (Ursa& Koehn, 2015, p. 252). In other words, a woman will not leave herabusive relationship when it becomes an ongoing cycle that she has no control over. Ursa& Koehn (2015) also theorized that repeated exposure and ineffective coping strategiesleads to a passive coping strategyfor a woman. Thiscoping strategy is usually characterized by depression, low-self esteem, and an inability to leave their relationship (Ursa& Koehn, 2015). The second theory to explain domestic violence among women is social learning. Social learning is ……(Isaacs, 2000)

It is learned by

Last but not least, sex role theory also plays a role in intimate partner violence.

Research Question (# of pages – 1 line)

What is the impact of Intimate Partner Violence on young women? Why do young women stay in abusive relationships?

Definitions (# of pages – ½ to 1)

The following terminology will be use throughout theliterature review.

• Intimate Partner Violence– is violence by one member of a couple against his/her partner and does not include elder or child abuse within the household(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).
• Domestic Violence -is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors and tactics by one person to gain power and control over a partner(Halket, Gormley, Mello, Rosenthal, &Mirkin, 2014).
• Social Learning Theory- is learned by observing others in social situations, especially the family and the media, and by perceiving the benefits or rewards to the behavior (Isaacs, 2000).
• Learned helplessness Theory –  repeated exposure to a stressor, people stop trying to avoid it, feel they have no control over it, will not act if there is an opportunity to escape, and will not look for such opportunities (Ursa&Koeh, 2015)
• Sex Role Theory–expands upon this assumption and proposes that women and men learn appropriate gender roles through socialization within the culture of the family and wider society(Isaacs, 2000).

This concludes Part 1 of the introduction. Part 2 will include a Literature Review based on the main issues that was discussed in Part 1.

References

Chin, P. A. (1992). Factors influencing a battered woman’s perception of controllabilityinviolent intimate relationships(Doctoral dissertation).Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.(Order No. 9223371)

Coolidge, F. L., & Anderson, L. W. (2002).Personality Profiles of Women in Multiple Abusive Relationships.Journal of Family Violence, 17(2), 117-131. 

Eckstein, J. J. (2011). Reasons for staying in intimately violent relationships: Comparisons of men and women and messages communicated to self and others. Journal of Family Violence, 26(1), 21-30. 

Edwards, K. M. (2011). Leaving an abusive dating relationship: An analysis of the investment model and theory of planned behavior(Doctoral dissertation).Available from GenderWatch. (Order No. 3478434)

Halket, M., Gormley, K., Mello, N., Rosenthal, L., &Mirkin, M. (2014). Stay With or Leave the Abuser? The Effects of Domestic Violence Victim’s Decision on Attributions Made by Young Adults.Journal of Family Violence, 29(1), 35-49.

Hayes, S., & Jeffries, S. (2013). Why do they keep going back? Exploring women’s discursive experiences of intimate partner abuse. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 2, 57-71. 

Lacey, K. (2010). When Is It Enough for Me to Leave?: Black and Hispanic Women’s Response to Violent Relationships. Journal of Family Violence, 25(7), 669-677. 

Loke, A. Y., Wan, M. E., &Hayter, M. (2012). The lived experience of women victims of intimate partner violence.Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(15/16), 2336-2346. 

McDonald, P. W. (2012). Life after violence: Women’s experiences five or more years after leaving abusive partners (Doctoral dissertation).Available from ProQuest Central.(Order No. 3516427)

Orzeck, T. L., Rokach, A., & Chin, J. (2010).The Effects of Traumatic and Abusive Relationships.Journal of Loss & Trauma, 15(3), 167-192. 

Pelletier-Brown, K. (1998).Battered women: Leaving abusive relationships (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Central.(Order No. 9840224)

Ross, J. (2013). Looking back: Young adult women reflect on perceptions of their mothers’ experiences with domestic violence(Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Central.(Order No. 3553208)

Russell, B., &Uhlemann, M. R. (1994). Women Surviving an Abusive Relationship: Grief and the Process of Change. Journal of Counseling & Development, 72(4), 362-367.

Smith, M., Nunley, B., & Martin, E. (2013).Intimate Partner Violence and the Meaning of Love.IssuesIn Mental Health Nursing, 34(6), 395-401.

Ursa, M., & Koehn, C. (2015).Young Women’s Experiences of Coping with Violence in Intimate Relationships.Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 37(3), 250-267.