Johnson1

Tiffany Johnson

ENG 1201

Professor, Brett Sipes

March 14, 2019

Introduction

On this research I have obtained various sources that touch in a different way this difficult topic,
which is Why do women stay in abusive relationships. We will see some statistics comparing the
different types of violence and the differences between violence against women and violence
against men. Different repercussions of domestic abuse are being treated, we will see domestic
violence and its implications in the workplace, also what kind of repercussion can technology
have on this issue; The main goal of this research is to show the many ways domestic violence is
presence and to demonstrate that not everything is as it seems and that we should always be alert,
since it can be present anywhere. Just throw the deuces up and move on with your life – right?
But here’s the thing – when it comes to relationship abuse, it’s never as easy as “just leaving.”
I’m here to tell you why.

Demir, R.,S. (n.d.). Understanding the Nature of Human Destructiveness in the Context of

Domestic Violence Using the Perspective of Symbolic Interactionism and Cognitive Dissonance.

In Academia. Retrieved July 24, 2016, from

http://www.academia.edu/9467055/understanding_the_nature_of_human_destructiveness_in_the

_context_of_domestic_violence_using_the_perspectives_of_symbolic_interactionism_and_cogni

tive_dssonance

Understanding the Nature of Human Destructiveness in the Context of Domestic

Violence using the Perspectives of Symbolic interactionism and Cognitive Dissonance discusses

how symbolic interactionism and cognitive dissonance demonstrates the way domestic violence

perpetuates the cycle through self –definition and reviewing patterns in domestic violence
 2

situations. The article discusses how using symbolic interactionism to dissect domestic violence

situations could help explain on the macro level even though many believe that symbolic

interactionism explains the micro level. The paper discusses how and possible “whys”

individuals perpetuate domestic violence. The article helps build understanding as to the

continuation of the domestic abuse cycle. Understanding the reasons, the cycle continues

throughout generations helps develop possible ways to break the domestic abuse cycle.

Domestic Violence: Explore the Issue. (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2014, from

http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/domestic/link/theories.htm

The article Domestic Violence gives a brief description of the ideals behind domestic

abuse. The article discusses the different theories of domestic violence- such as learned

helplessness and family/relationship conflict model. The article reviews several different studies

on domestic violence and discusses why each is incomplete in describing reasons for domestic

violence. The article’s review of many different types of theories and models help decipher how

to apply each theory to develop a whole picture of domestic violence and its cycle.

Elliott, D., & Mihalic, W. (1997, March). A Social Learning Theory Model of Marital

Violence. Journal of Family Violence, 12(1), 21-47. Retrieved from

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1021941816102

The article Social Learning Theory and Family Violence reviews the cycle of domestic

violence. The article uses the Social learning theory to discuss domestic violence and the

perpetual cycle. The article discusses the correlation between those who experienced or

witnessed abuse as a child and the likelihood of becoming the abuser/victim. The research links
 3

children growing up in domestic violence situations as those to continue the cycle of violence

either as the victim or the abuser. The article fits the subject because the article discusses the

theories of domestic violence and the seemingly never-ending cycle. Understanding the cycle of

violence could help alleviate the cycle.

Forte, J. A., Franks, D. D., Forte, J. A., & Rigsby, D. (1997). Domestic violence and role-taking:

Collegial Inaccuracies. Social Work, 42(1), 116-8. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/215273375?accountid=8289

This empirical study tests a symbolic interactionist theory of sensitivity amongst

batterers. The women in the study who were deemed “weak” were those with oppressive living

situations (e.g. financially dependent, occupationally challenged, and domestically responsible).

These women according to the study were seen to be victims of domestic violence. The article

defends its position; that victim responsibility is not due to social challenges, or misfortune. The

articles contention is that personal deficiencies do not overshadow the true key factors; societal

power differentials (e.g. gender roles, social norms, et cetera). Moreover, the articles maintain

that societal status and power towards women would be some major deterrents against domestic

aggression. In order words, if the traditionally ideal that women are plague with societal gender

stratifications, societal norms and masculine favorability are change, then woman may have the

tools needed to overcome many of the challenges so common among battered women.

Murphy, C., PhD. (2013, June 17). Gender: How Men and Women Experience Domestic

Violence Differently. Retrieved July 24, 2016, from http://speakoutloud.net/intimate-partner-

abuse/domestic-violence-gender
 4

This article displays the many gender differences within domestic violence; differences in

motivation, severity, types of abuse (e.g. coercive, or situational), and the differences in

outcomes to name few. Like the many other quantitative based research, Dr. Murphy asserts that

men are more violent than woman with 90% of the DV victims being women. Dr. Murphy also

discusses the social norms and messages that support and justify domestic violence to abusers.

Norms like gender roles, masculinity and dominance over female and femininity to name a few.

In contrast, she also describes the growing trend of female abuser and the societal factors that

govern their reasoning.

Nicolson, P., & Wilson, R. (2004). Is domestic violence a gender issue? Views from a

British City. Journal Of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 14(4), 266-283.

This is source is an observational study of British woman in abusive relationships. The

qualitative study displays characteristics of abuser’s behaviors, the frequency of such violent

acts, and possible social explanations of them. Many of the observed responses point to cultural

context where an aggressive relationship might arise. Some of the reasons for the violence given

by women survey were environmental (e.g. drugs and alcohol), observational learning, and

mental health. The study also highlights the frequency of domestic violence and the seriousness

of it. It also depicts gender differences in explanations and expectations.

Payne, B. K., Triplett, R. A., & Higgins, G. E. (2011). The Relationship Between Self-Control,

Witnessing Domestic Violence, and Subsequent Violence. Deviant Behavior, 32(9), 769-

789. doi:10.1080/01639625.2010.538317
 5

The journal article The Relationship Between Self-Control, Witnessing Domestic

Violence and Subsequent Violence studied whether children who witnessed domestic violence

within the home were unable to control self. The study showed there is not a link in the lack of

self-control and domestic violence. The study possibly eliminates a reason for the domestic

abuse cycle. Reviewing studies to uncover reasons for the cycle of violence could help eliminate

reasons and narrow down possible solutions to the problem.

Understanding Domestic Abusers. (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2016, from

http://www.opdv.ny.gov/professionals/abusers/genderandipv.html

This source was produce by the State of New York in an effort to offer preventative tools

in the fight against domestic violence (DV). Within, it highlights aspects such as: situational

violence, abuse, and responsive violence that both, men and women display as domestic abusers.

Additionally, the source denotes that male abusers associate gender inequalities, as well as social

norms / rules for the intimate partner violence (IPV), another form or DV. Moreover, the source

also discusses coercive control, which according to the source, is primarily conducted by men in

an attempt to exert dominance in the relationship. Contrarily, women often employ violence in

the form of responsive violence; to forestall, and or defend themselves or others.

The relevancy to this source lies in the statistic it displays, which substantiate

sociological and psychological concepts such: social norms, gender roles/differences, and

situational aspects of behaviors. In addition, this source adds to the existing cognitive learning

theories of theorist such as Albert Bandura whereas DV is a learned behavior perpetuated by

observational cues. The source ties all these aspects together thru a symbolic interactionist
 6

perspective driving home the idea that the symbolism of DV to the abuser was interpreted

through intimate relationships with others.