Spousal Abuse

Abstract

Spousal abuse is considered as the pattern of abuse that is used by one partner to maintain control over the other partner in a spousal relationship. The aim of this paper is to discuss about the spousal abuse along with its types and prevalence in men and women. The paper initially describes the notion of spousal relationship. Subsequently it discusses different manner in which spousal abuse occurs. The paper then discusses the prevalence of spousal abuse in men and women both. In the end, the paper discusses some impact of spousal abuse.

Abstractii

Introduction1

Spousal Abuse1

Types of Spousal Abuse2

Physical Abuse2

Psychological and Emotional Abuse2

Sexual Abuse3

Verbal Abuse3

Economic Abuse4

Prevalence of Spousal Abuse in both Men and Women4

Impacts of Spousal Abuse5

Conclusion6

References7

Spousal Abuse

Introduction

Spousal abuse is a universal problem which is entrenched in many societies all around the world. Many studies have been conducted, which illustrate that spousal abuse have adversely affected the lives of many people. Even though, many societal awareness and condemnation has increased over the years, spousal abuse is considered to be hidden and persistent issue in the society. Various studies have been conducted in United States which has stated that out of every three woman, one woman is killed by her husband or boyfriend every day (NCADV, 2007).

Studies have been conducted which have revealed that abuse can be physical, emotional, economic and verbal. Many spouses tend to stay in abusive relationship due to their fear, children and lack of financial resources. According to a recent study, every nine seconds in united sates, every woman is beaten by their husband and their boyfriend. Over the years, the cost of domestic violence have exceeded more than 5.8 billion, which shows that many people are falling victim to spousal abuse (NCADV, 2007).

Spousal Abuse

The term “Spousal Abuse” or “domestic violence” refers to an action entailing hostility amid adult close romantic partners. The term has been defined more thoroughly from one clinical source as “a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviour, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks, as well as economic coercion, that adults and adolescents use against their intimate partners” (Kenney, 2012).

Spousal abuse is conceivably pre-eminently regarded as a range of behaviour varying from psychological, sexual and physical abuse to social abuse (that is segregation and rule of relations) and economic (that is detention of resources including money). Spousal abuse pervades all regions of the populace, not considering socioeconomic status, age, nationality, race, educational background or religion. The consequences of spousal abuse are damaging, not merely for those who survive, but also for the children, over and above the entire society (Kenney, 2012).

Types of Spousal Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is probably the most recognizable of abuse. It can lead to physical injury and it may pose a threat to life in some cases (Benedictis et.al, n.d.). This type of abuse encourages the abuser to harm his or her partner in a physical manner. The most important thing to know is that physical violence does not always leave visible marks or ...