DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Modern Day Domestic Violence in UK

Modern Day Domestic Violence in UK

Introduction

There are many research papers that point towards the answer that there is not a difference in the prevalence of domestic violence across cultures within the United Kingdom (Richardson et al 2002, Walby & Allen 2004.) This may come as somewhat of a surprise to hear this as many of us will have preconceived ideas about domestic violence among people of different races or religions. However what may be different is the way that domestic violence is reported and experienced by women from different cultural backgrounds and minority ethnic groups.

Minority ethnic women often run the risk of quicker and greater rates of escalation of violence by the perpetrator. They also may suffer from longer 'episodes' of violence. Reports suggest that these women may also struggle to come forward and seek support because they are fearful of being stereotyped and the assumption being made that abuse is 'common' in their culture (Piispa 2002.)

Cultural Factors

Increasingly, one of the more common cultural factors to occur within specific communities is the rise of 'honour killings.' It is also not uncommon for members of the abused person's family, including mothers and sisters, to instigate or encourage the violence. Religious texts may be used as justification for violence. Both the Bible and the Koran carry passages that both condemn and justify violence against women. In some communities women face dishonour is they leave their partner, even if they are leaving because of domestic violence.

Cultural factors do not just mean differences within races and religions. A Study conducted in the Scottish highlands (MacNeil et all 2004) demonstrated how close and tight-knit rural communities can become. In the study they found that the residents of a village became distrustful of 'outside interference' and preferred to resolve all differences within their own community. Victims of domestic violence were made to feel shameful and it was considered that they had brought the violence on themselves due to 'failing to exercise family responsibilities.' It was noted that within this community that high levels of alcohol intake were the 'norm' and this affected the woman's ability to realise that abuse was occurring and also to seek help and support.

Migrant Women

Some migrant women are particularly vulnerable to abuse and victimisation. They may also find it particularly difficult to end an abusive relationship for a number of reasons. It may be that the woman is encountering language difficulties, she may not be financially independent, she may not be aware of her rights, she may not have access to services, or indeed be aware of the existence of such services. It may be that she is socially isolated, or has an insecure immigration status. In some extreme cases the woman may fear reprisal from the abuser, his family or indeed her own family if she returns to her country of origin.

Some migrant women enter the UK as a result of forced or arranged marriages. These women can be particularly susceptible to domestic ...