Domestic Violence, Women and Its Affects on Mental Illness

Approximately, one in three women report that she has been the victim of domestic

violence, at some point in their lifetime, by a known acquaintance. Domestic violence is a

relationship between two partners where one person seeks have complete power over the

other. We have cause to put domestic violence at the forefront of society as it has a history

that dates back many generations worldwide. “In the 1800's, in the United Kingdom, it was

common practice for men to chastise their wives with any reasonable instrument.” In the

United States, the same holds true that cultural beliefs have given men the right to discipline

their wives (Wadman, 2007) and to control every aspect of their lives. While domestic

violence is not prevalent only to women, women are the majority of the reporters. National

Crime Surveys indicate that 85–90% of domestic violence victims are women   (Rennsin,

2000). Domestic violence, women, and the affects on womens' mental health is a major issue

in society today.   Domestic violence while causing physical injury in women, can also be a

precursor to mental illnesses such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and underlying Major

Depressive Disorder.

    Who is the perpetrator of these violent acts? The boundaries of the perpetrator are wide,

they could be anyone from any socioeconomic, racial, educational, occupational, or religious

group. The perpetrator can be male or female. Although, statistics show that the majority of

perpetrators are men, with their victims being women. Domestic violence is not a random act,

(Mason, 2003) stated,   “ it is a “planned pattern of coercive control that includes verbal abuse,

threats, psychological manipulation, sexual coercion, and control over all economic
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resources”.   The affects of... [continues]

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