Contributing Factors to Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic violence is a global problem, which, unfortunately, is faced by a large number of both women and men. Of particular concern is that not all victims are willing to talk openly about what is happening behind closed doors. Due to this circumstance, it is still impossible to determine the exact picture of how much the problem of domestic violence is widespread in modern society. This is the first reason why there is an increase in domestic violence in intimate relationships.
In her TED Talks speech, Leslie Morgan Steiner highlights that one of the reasons is the lack of knowledge and awareness in society (TEDx Talks, 2012). Thus, people do not know the basic warning signs and patterns characteristic of domestic violence and become hostages of the situation. The third reason is the past abuse that rapists experience in the family, especially at an early age.
Effective Interventions for Domestic Violence
One of the interventions in domestic or intimate violence is the passage of psychological help. This is the most crucial step since this type of abuse focuses on creating dependence on the rapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to provide the most effective assistance. Another intervention is the direct involvement of the police and legal authorities to impose mandatory arrest. The third intervention, which can be preventive, is the implementation of educational programs to spread awareness in society.
Rethinking the Question: “Why Doesn’t the Victim Just Leave?”
In many cases of domestic or intimate violence, people ask the question, “Why doesn’t the victim of intimate violence just leave?” Leslie Morgan Steiner, the survivor of domestic abuse, says that getting out of this situation poses a danger to the victim (TEDx Talks, 2012). This is because people who have been subjected to violence are afraid of being killed by their abusers, subsequent persecution, and manipulation by the family court. This feeling leads them into a state of horror, which prevents them from thinking clearly and realizing that staying out of such a relationship is impossible.
Reference
TEDx Talks. (2012). Living through crazy love | Leslie Morgan Steiner | TEDxRainier [Video]. YouTube. Web.