Domestic Violence Flashcards
(32 cards)
Family violence A pattern of behavior within an intimate or family relationship that is used to maintain power and control.<br></br>Family violence encompasses emotional
A pattern of behavior within an intimate or family relationship that is used to maintain power and control.<br></br>Family violence encompasses emotional
financial
The Duluth Model of domestic violence is not “false” in the sense of being fabricated or entirely discredited, but it has been criticized and challenged—especially for being incomplete or ideologically narrow. Whether it’s valid or useful depends on what you’re using it for and how you define “false.” Here’s a breakdown of the debate:
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✅ What the Duluth Model Is
Developed in the 1980s in Duluth, Minnesota, the model:
• Focuses on power and control as the central cause of domestic violence.
• Uses the “Power and Control Wheel” to illustrate patterns of abuse (e.g., intimidation, isolation, male privilege).
• Emphasizes that domestic violence is gendered—typically men using violence to dominate women.
• Was designed to guide batterer intervention programs (BIPs) and coordinated community responses (police, courts, advocates).
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✅ What Supporters Say
• It helped mainstream the idea that domestic violence is systemic and about control, not just isolated acts of anger.
• It shifted blame off victims and emphasized accountability for perpetrators.
• It’s been widely adopted, particularly in courts and advocacy programs.
⸻
❌ What Critics Say
1. Overly Gendered
• Critics argue it assumes men are always the perpetrators and women are always the victims.
• It doesn’t account well for same-sex violence, female abusers, or mutual violence.
2. Lacks Psychological Depth
• The model downplays mental health, substance abuse, and trauma as contributing factors.
• It focuses more on ideology (patriarchy) than on individual psychology or relational dynamics.
3. Effectiveness of BIPs Based on the Duluth Model Is Mixed
• Some meta-analyses suggest little to no effect on recidivism.
• Others argue the implementation quality matters more than the model itself.
4. Ignores Situational Violence
• Research (especially from Michael Johnson) shows that not all domestic violence is about control.
• Many cases are situational couple violence, where conflict escalates but isn’t rooted in coercive control.
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🟨 So Is It “False”?
• Not false like a hoax.
• But incomplete and ideologically driven, yes.
• Useful for understanding some cases of abuse, especially coercive control by men against women.
• Not great for all types of domestic violence, and not a scientific model in the strict sense—it’s more of a framework or philosophy
and/or psychological abuse.
Power and control tactics include intimidation
emotional abuse
isolation
minimizing
denying
and blaming
using children
economic abuse
male/gender privilege
coercion and threats
physical violence
and sexual violence
Characteristics of a batter Can’t tell
usually charming. But: Jealousy
controlling behavior
unrealstic expectations
quick involvement
isolation
blaming others for problems or feelings
getting angry for every little thing
cruelty to animals
belief in rigid gender roles.
The leading cause of injury requiring serious medical attention for women between the ages of 18-49 is…
family violence
x% of husbands who frequently assault their wives also abuse their children
50%
Barriers to leaving abusive relationship include: fear
financial
children
criminal/civil legal system response
love
religion
isolation
lack of access to resources
immigration status.
When are survivors in the biggest danger?
When they leave.
Conditions that increase lethality weapons (especially firearms)
alcohol/drug abuse
abuser is suicidal
abuser has made threats to kill
strangulation
abuser is taking greater risks (has nothing to lose).
The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by x%
500%
Effects of family violence on survivor can include Emotional withdrawal and low self-esteem
denial or minimization of the abuse
aggessiveness and anger
apprehension
fear
or helplessness
anxiety
eating or sleeping disorders
depression
suicide
ptsd
death.
X% of men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children
50 to 70%
x% of children living in homes where there is domestic violence are aware of the violence
80-90%
emotional effects of DV on children shame
guilt
and self blame. Fear of abandonment
expressing emotions. Anger and anxiety. Depression and helplessness.
Social effect of DV on children Isolation from firends and relatives
stormy relationships
difficulty trusting (especially adults)
poor anger management and problem solving skills
excessive social involvement to avoid home
engaged in exploitive relationships as perpetrator or victim.
behavioral effects of DV on children Acting out or withdrawing
aggresssive
bullying behavior
passive
refusing to go to school
excessive attention seeking
bedwetting and nightmares
inability to concentrate
dependency
mood swings.
childrfen who witness family violence are more likely to be involved in juvenile crimes?
Yes.
A person uses abuse to achieve…
power and control over the victim.
Does family violence happen regardless of income or education?
Yes
Safety plan question examples
What are you already doing to stay safe? What is the most dangerous area in your house? Can you move fights to safer areas of the house? Is there a gun in the house? Is it loaded? Where is the ammunition? Do you have access to it? Can you convince partner to get rid of it? Can you create a go bag?
Impact of phone on DV Can become digital leash (stalking
tracking
observing social media behavior
passwords).
how to tell if anger management is root of DV? Ask if they are doing it to people with more power than them. If they aren’t lashing out at their boss
police officers
etc.
then it isn’t an anger management problem.
What do abusers prey on?
Vulnerabilities. All types of them.
x% of girls between 16 and 18 say sex is expected by their partner
33%
Which
would be worse: beating beaten by your partner, or having social services take
away your children?
That’s the choice facing many parents I’ve
worked with as a social worker, and the answer is always the same. “I’d rather
take the beating than catch a CPS case,” as one said to me.</div>