Cause and effect of domestic violence and how being in an abusive relationship impacts both people

Causes of Domestic Violence and Their Impacts on Relationship Student’s name Department: University Course: Course code Instructor’s name Date Causes of Domestic Violence and Their Impacts on Relationship Every social setup usually has its set of challenges. When it comes to relationships, domestic violence is one of the most pertinent problems. Also called intimate partner violence, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of strife and even other unwanted social ills such as crime. It can be manifested in form of hitting, kicking , shoving or humiliation, all geared towards intimidating the other party. Domestic violence can be a product of just one partner who sets it off over and over again; or in some instances both partners, when one decides to fight back on each incident. It is usually manifested by one partner over the other, in an effort to gain control or dominance in the relationship. There are other trigger factors that come into play when it comes to domestic violence, and its impacts usually run deep. Many causes of domestic violence are interrelated and work together. It is often a cocktail of individual, relational, and societal causes. However, the most critical factor behind domestic violence is gender inequality and the spread of an unhealthy culture of masculinity (Hussain & Bashir, 2018). When one gender is considered dominant while others are submissive, there is a high likelihood of power asymmetry that manifests itself in controlling, threatening, and abusive patterns. Much of the traditional social setup has been hinged on patriarchy, where a man is the head. While it has had its benefits, it has led to incidents of violence too. The society is rapidly changing and women now have an equal voice when it comes to decision making and even leadership. Looking at relationships, the voice of the woman is now being an important part of running a successful and long-lasting relationship. The problem comes in when the male partner is still strapped with the old school notion that their say is final, and that women cannot decide on anything in the relationship. Once a woman becomes empowered, the man feels threatened and resorts to violence as a form of control over the woman. Also, one’s upbringing can contribute to domestic violence. Unfavourable childhood experiences of violence or even observing graphic violence in the media can make individuals abusive while growing up (Hussain & Bashir, 2018). An individual is usually shaped by the environment that he grows in. The environment can be at home, in school or within the locality that one lives. These are the things that leave a permanent impression on a person, and can determine the temperament of the person later in life. If a child grows up seeing his parents fighting in the house, there ...