Domestic Violence Against Women in America and Other Countries

“The guarantee of safety in a battering relationship can never be based upon a promise from the perpetrator, no matter how heartfelt,” states Judith Lewis Herman, an American psychologist and educator. Many women enter relationships and marriages with the expectation of protection and love, only to find themselves in environments of abuse. This betrayal, often perpetrated by those they trust the most, leads to domestic violence—a profound violation of safety and dignity. Historically, women have faced various forms of oppression, and experiencing abuse from a loved one is a particularly painful manifestation of this. Domestic violence stands as one of the foremost oppressors of women, not just in America, but globally.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner” according to the Women’s Advocates website. This abuse manifests in various forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual violence. The perpetrators are often individuals whom the victims love and trust deeply. The objective of such abuse is to intimidate, manipulate, and inflict harm, leading to severe psychological trauma and physical injury.

Domestic violence does not discriminate; it affects women across all demographics—age, race, economic status, education, and sexual orientation. Victims may include married couples, domestic partners, single women in relationships, and cohabiting couples. The underlying factor often relates to one partner's need for dominance and control, leaving victims feeling weak and lacking in self-confidence.

Recognizing the Signs

Red flags of domestic violence often start subtly and are easily dismissed. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, behaviors such as name-calling, threats, possessiveness, and distrust can indicate the presence of an abusive dynamic. Abusers frequently apologize for their actions, attempting to convince their partners that their behavior stems from love or concern. These manipulative behaviors can escalate into more severe violence over time.

A Historical Perspective

While domestic violence has no extensive historical timeline, it is not a new phenomenon. Legal frameworks historically permitted men to punish their wives. The Common Law of England established that a husband could beat his wife as long as the stick used was no wider than his thumb—a principle that gave rise to the term "Rule of Thumb." In America, domestic violence was once trivialized, often viewed as a joke or a valid expression of authority by husbands.

Significant changes began in the nineteenth century with the rise of feminist movements, leading to shifts in societal attitudes and legislation regarding domestic violence. Tennessee became the first state to pass a law against wife beating in 1850, paving the way for other states to follow suit. By 1920, domestic violence was illegal in all states.

Legislation and Global Awareness

The UK Matrimonial Act of 1878 allowed women to seek legal separation from abusive husbands, yet enforcement remained weak. It was not until the 1990s that domestic violence began to be treated as a serious societal issue. The 1993 United Nations manual, "Strategies for Confronting Domestic Violence," highlighted domestic violence as a criminal act, while the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 established comprehensive federal measures to combat this issue in the United States.

According to Guttmacher Policy Review, domestic violence is closely tied to sexual and reproductive health issues. The authors Kinsey Hasstedt and Andrea Rowan argue that intimate partner violence (IPV) constitutes a public health crisis, disproportionately affecting women, particularly those of reproductive age. Statistics reveal alarming rates of psychological aggression, severe physical violence, and sexual assault among women in the U.S., with a significant portion of homicides linked to domestic violence.

The Economic and Societal Impact

The financial burden of domestic violence is staggering. Medscape estimated that in 2003, domestic violence cost the U.S. $8.3 billion annually. This figure includes costs associated with physical assault, stalking, and rape, highlighting the extensive economic impact of this public health crisis.

Global Statistics

Globally, domestic violence is a pervasive issue. UN Women reports that 35% of women experience domestic violence, either physical or sexual, at some point in their lives. Children often witness these acts of violence, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. In 2017 alone, 87,000 women were intentionally killed during domestic violence incidents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support.

In the United States, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner, totaling over 10 million victims annually. Domestic violence hotlines receive more than 20,000 calls each day, indicating the scale of this crisis.

Cultural Influences and the Need for Action

Cultural factors play a significant role in domestic violence, often serving as tools for oppression and control. While domestic violence can take many forms—physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional—the underlying theme remains the same: the violation of trust and safety. From a feminist perspective, the historical oppression of women continues to manifest in these abusive relationships, revealing a societal failure to protect those most vulnerable.

It is imperative for both government and families to take action against domestic violence. We must create safe environments for women and children, ensuring that they are protected by those who have pledged to care for them. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please seek help or encourage them to do so. Together, we can work towards a society where safety and love are the norms, not the exceptions.