Shifts in Domestic Violence: How Celebs and the Economy are Playing a Role

Last week in my post "I'm the Victim!": An Exploration of Battered Women Who Kill, I ventured into the issue of battered women, exploring the causes, effects and what would lead these women to kill. Taking from this topic, my venture into the blogosphere this week focused more on the societal influences upon the increase or decrease of domestic violence. Although often viewed as an individual disease, harming loved ones is commonly a result of one's surroundings and third-party influences. Such influences vary from things such as job security, happiness in marriage, family relations, or social circles. In recent news, there has been quite a stir over the effect of the economic downturn on triggering an increase in violent acts within the home. A post by Michael Goot in The Daily Gazette explores that very issue, presents its widespread consequences, and possible remedies for stunting it's growth. He cites Amy Barasch, executive director of the state’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence in saying that "job loss can exacerbate a difficult situation and lead to violence" and that "[a] deteriorating economy can also cause a woman to stay longer with an abusive partner because of finances." Furthermore, his analysis recognizes the non-discriminant nature of such acts and how they do not only occur to those in very poor and urban areas. In the end, several different remedies are presented, in the form of YWCA resources and community involvement, acknowledging the need for involvement on both the law enforcement level and the community level. Stemming from this, the news has been buzzing about the recent appointment of Charlize Theron as a messenger of peace for the United Nations (as seen to the left). A post on World News Forum identifies Theron's desire to end violence against women, particularly rape cases in her native country, South Africa. Joining the likes of George Clooney, Yo-Yo Ma, Elie Wiesel and Michael Douglas, Theron will be using her star power to bring important social issues to the forefront of society. This decision has been met with much publicity and community support with celebrity gossip pages spewing their unending support for Theron's endeavor. I have thus decided to comment on these two topics and have copied my responses below.

"Officials fear rise in domestic violence cases"
Comment:

You bring up some very significant points in this article. I wholeheartedly agree with your idea that domestic violence is likely to increase as a result of the economic crisis, particularly as a result of stress and the included statement by Amy Barasch identifying that a "woman [is more likely] to stay longer with an abusive partner because of finances" struck me as very intriguing and easily overlooked. In response to your argument that domestic violence doesn't discriminate, I find that although this form of abuse pervades all different rungs of the socioeconomic hierarchy, many and most of the incidents stem from individuals of lower economic status, the obvious argument being the increased number of life stressors rooted in a need for financial stability. However, on the opposing side, for those of higher economic status, acts of violence may be of greater magnitude and detriment. Whereas threats of violence may be more frequent by those with little financial security, there is, in a sense, very little to lose from those who don't have money to begin with. In contrast, those with greater finances essentially have more to hold over their spouse's head and we are more likely to see cases similar to what Barasch refers to in terms of women staying longer with abusive partners.

Concerning the new police instigation of arrests, I find it to be preposterous that a person would not want the perpetrator to be arrested. If not for the safety of the individual, any violent persons should be imprisoned for the sake of society as a whole. It is a relief to hear that "police are taught to respond to domestic violence calls as any other crime in progress" and taking active strides towards its prevention. Additionally, hearing about the different resources available for victims, such as Coordinated Community Response, Elephant in the Living Room, and YWCA is also rather inspiring and brings forth the question of whether or not these programs will help the aide the future decrease in domestic violence.

"Theron joins U.N. fight to end violence against women"
Comment:

Charlize Theron's recent appointment as a messenger of peace is quite a development and it seems fitting that the news should be so enamored by this decision. Her decision seems to bring a new light to Hollywood, looking past the glitz and the glamour and utilizing fame and funds for the good of others. Her "own experience of domestic violence at the age of 15" gives her a great deal of credibility and gives a sense of hope to those who are currently being abused, demonstrating that women can escape from such a life and gain their own personal success. The work she will do is quite an inspiration in many different aspects, particularly for those battered women and also for those with a disheartened view of Hollywood and celebrity influence. Despite this, society as a whole may be conflicted in their image of her, with some who may criticize her and call her an imitation Angelina, vying for fame through humanitarian work. This leads to the question of whether or not people will take her work seriously, seeing as though she has been a long-time Hollywood star, glazing the covers of magazines and playing roles of meek women on the silver screen. However, regardless of any negative publicity she may receive, her work proves itself to be a success already, bringing light to the issues of domestic violence, a topic unknown to many. Whether or not individuals choose to act upon this new found knowledge, at least the word is being spread to the masses simply through her fame. Realizing this, imagine what she will be capable of achieving with her actual efforts.