The Relation of Gender and Status in The Incidents of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cannot be attributed to a single factor as various biological and personal factors determine the quality of relationship at homes. In most cases of domestic violence, the most consistent marker is the discord in the relationship. Domestic violence, more so violence against women is because of inequality in power equations between men and women at homes. Domestic violence is also influenced by cultural factors and values that tend to give emphasis on different roles and status of men and women in the society (McKie, 2005).

Various research works suggest that gender inequality is a fundamental issue in numerous communities that exist in the developed and the underdeveloped world. According to the research, gender inequality has an impact on life expectancy and the living standards among men, women, and children in the society. The effects of gender violence are recognized globally among both men and women, with women suffering more from the unequal gender roles. Various feminist movements are active in the modern world to ensure equality in the gender roles at homes. Gender inequality that results to domestic violence is, therefore, an aspect that leads to political and international motivation (McKie, 2005).

Domestic violence is a widespread phenomenon that is considered to be a profoundly negative and distressing life event that is also associated with psychological and sociological effects on those who suffer the violence. Gender violence can lead to the trauma on both men and women, giving rise to a wide range of negative emotions, humiliation, and questions on the reason for the events. Those who have suffered domestic violence because of gender roles are said to have suffered feelings of helplessness and feeling weak in the society. The effect that the gender roles has on individuals may lead to further violence in homes as the victims may be vulnerable to more violence (McKie, 2005).

Domestic violence often arise due to gender roles that women posses in the society. The violence is witnessed because of the oppression that the women experience and their limited behavior that makes men to perceive them as objects that have no rights in the society. Women have been noted to question the actions of their husbands in homes; leading to violence as the men assume that they have to reassert their authority at home and punish their wives for the misbehavior (York, 2011).

Men have been identified globally to be the perpetrators of domestic violence while women are said to be the victims of the violence. Case studies reveal that the number of women who have suffered from domestic violence is higher than that of men. However, the data may not be accurate as most report cases have been reluctant to reveal cases of domestic violence against certain people (York, 2011).

It is also noted in the fields of sociology and psychology that the gender differences are because of structural differences that exist between men and women as opposed to biological factors. The structural differences in the society also lead to more cases of women experiencing intimate partner violence as opposed to men. With an increase in cases of domestic violence due to inequality in gender roles, school initiatives can be placed to prevent domestic violence that arises due to differences in gender roles and status. School based programs can be used to address gender norms and attitudes before becoming part of the children and the youth. School base programs address gender norms even as the students relate to their stand as teenagers and young adults in the society. The school initiatives have had a positive impact in countries such as America and Canada where the gender relationships have improved (Fa´bia´n, 2010).

In the fight against domestic violence that arises from gender roles and status, media interventions can be significant in altering gender norms and promoting the rights of both men and women. Through public awareness campaigns and other interventions that are delivered through the television and radio, there may be an impact in altering attitudes towards gender roles and status. Media interventions that understand their target audience and engage its members in developing content can be vital in reducing domestic violence (Fa´bia´n, 2010).

Domestic violence due to inequality in gender roles and social status can lead to physical health consequences among the victims of the violence. For instance, deaths may occur because of cases of homicides and suicides and other cases of indirect deaths that are linked to domestic violence. Research on health indicates that more women than men undergo operative surgery and mental health consultations in their entire life because of domestic violence.

Apart from deaths, people who have been victims of domestic violence sustain injuries that come in different ways. From the injuries sustained during domestic violence, some people become permanently disabled while others undergo chronic pain syndromes. Some couple who have been engaged in domestic violence also experience gynecological problems that are often long lasting. Those who have been abused through sexual assault can contract sexually transmitted diseases; suffer from continuous bleeding, and infections that lead to reproduction problems.

In a nutshell, gender based violence occurs against both and women because of power imbalances. In most cases, men are the perpetrators and women suffer the consequences of the violence. The causes and effects of domestic violence vary from the home setting in which the events occur. There are also many possible social responses to solve the alarming issue in the contemporary society.