Domestic Violence (cont.)
What are the causes or risk factors for intimate partner violence?
Although there is no specific cause for domestic violence, women at the
highest risk for being the victim of domestic violence include those with male
partners who abuse drugs (especially alcohol), are unemployed or underemployed,
have not graduated from high school, and are or have been in a romantic
relationship with the victim. Unmarried individuals in
heterosexual relationships tend to be more at risk for becoming victims of
intimate partner abuse. A mind-set that gives men power over women puts
individuals at risk for becoming involved in an abusive relationship, either as
a perpetrator or as a victim. Domestic violence
against women tends to be reported more often by victims who are in a
relationship with a man with more conservative religious views than their own,
regardless of whether or not the couple is of the same or different religions or
denominations. Regular attendance at religious services is also apparently
associated with less reported intimate partner abuse. Research shows that those
who grew up in a household in which domestic violence took place are more likely
to become either perpetrators or victims of intimate partner violence as adults. Teenagers who suffer from mental illness are also at risk
for being an abusive relationship as young adults. African American and Hispanic
teens have been found to be at higher risk for being victims of teen domestic
violence. Another risk factor for teen dating/domestic violence include lower
grades.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of intimate partner abuse?
PscyhCentral provides a list of several questions for people who wonder if they
are the victim of any form of domestic abuse. In addition to asking questions
about whether the reader feels excessively controlled (such as having their
partner keep excessive track of daily activities and associations, or being
demeaned by critical remarks, insults and name calling), the list of questions
further explores whether more obvious acts of abuse have occurred, like kicking,
punching, or throwing objects. Abuse, Rape, Domestic Violence
Aid and Resource Collection (AARDVARC) describes a number of warning signs for
friends, family members, and coworkers for recognizing people who may be
victims of intimate partner abuse. Specifically, teens, men, or women who are
often absent from school or work, have numerous injuries they try to explain,
low self-esteem, show a change in their personality, fear of conflicts, passive
aggressive behavior, blame themselves, seem isolated, or demonstrate
stress-related physical symptoms (for example, headaches, stomach upset, sleep problems,
or skin rashes) may be experiencing abuse in their relationship.
Next: How is domestic violence assessed? »
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