It is estimated that approximately 25% of women and 7.6% of men report experiencing violence from their romantic partner during their lifetime. Additionally, in households where interpartner violence occurs, there are between 3.3 and 10 million children in the United States alone. It is important to understand the cycle of domestic violence that can occur, as it can inform us about expected outcomes across time. This study examined mothers' childhood exposure to their own parents' domestic violence. It was hypothesized that childhood exposure to domestic violence would be related to unhealthy intimate relationships and to the development of maladaptive parenting behaviors during adulthood. These experiences also were hypothesized to be related to the behaviors of the mothers' young children. For this study, 133 mothers with children who ranged in age from 1½- to 5-years participated. Results indicated that exposure to domestic violence in childhood was related significantly to the likelihood of experiencing interpartner violence later in life. Also, having a personal history of interpartner violence in adulthood was related to higher rates of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in mothers' young children. Further, findings demonstrated a relationship between mothers' parenting behaviors and behavior problems in their children. Future research is needed to investigate further the mediators and moderators in the relationship between mothers' childhood exposure to domestic violence and behavior problems in their young children to broaden the literature on this topic. This information may be critical for treatment planning and intervention development for families who experience domestic violence.

"Stay home, save lives" has been shown to reduce the impacts of COVID-19; however, it is crucial to recognize that efforts not to stress healthcare systems may have unintended social consequences for domestic violence. This commentary addresses domestic violence as an important social and public health implication of COVID-19. As a pandemic with a high contagion level, necessary social distancing measures have been put in place across the world to slow transmission and protect medical services. We first present literature that shows that among the effects of social distancing are social and functional isolation and economic stress, which are known to increase domestic violence. We then present preliminary observations from a content analysis conducted on over 300 news articles from the first six weeks of COVID-19 "lockdown" in the United States: articles predict an increase in domestic violence, report an increase in domestic violence, and inform victims on how to access services. Assessing the intersection of the early news media messaging on the effect of COVID-19 on DV and the literature on social isolation and crisis situations, we conclude the commentary with implications for current policy related to (1) increased media attention, (2) increased attention in healthcare systems, (3) promoting social and economic security, and (4) long-term efforts to fund prevention and response, as well as research implications to consider. The research is presented as ongoing, but the policy and procedure recommendations are presented with urgency.

For years, researchers, clinicians, and those working with victims/survivors of domestic abuse have overlooked the issue of same-sex partner aggression among lesbians and bisexual women. Through in-depth interviews with 19 women who identify themselves as either lesbian or bisexual, information was documented in this study demonstrating the severity of issues of power and control among some same-sex partners, as well as some if the dynamics that are unique to same-sex abusive relationships. Patterns of abuse within same-sex relationships often mirror those that are so commonly associated with partner aggression among heterosexual couples, and therefore demonstrate not only the need for further research on the topic of same-sex partner abuse, but also the urgency to provide more assistance to the victims/survivors of domestic violence.

Social disorganization theory proposes that neighborhood characteristics, such as residential instability, racial and ethnic heterogeneity, concentrated disadvantage, and immigrant concentration contribute to an increase in crime rates. Informal social controls act as a mediator between these neighborhood characteristics and crime and delinquency. Informal social controls are regulated by members of a community and in a disorganized community these controls are not present, therefore, crime and delinquency flourish (Sampson, 2012). Researchers have focused on these measures of social disorganization and the ability to explain a variety of crimes, specifically public crimes. Recently, researchers have focused their attention to characteristics of socially disorganized areas and the ability to predict private crimes, such as domestic violence. This study contributes to the research on social disorganization theory and domestic violence by examining domestic offenses at three different units of analysis: Chicago census tracts, Chicago neighborhoods, and Illinois counties. Demographic variables from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey were utilized to measure social disorganization within Chicago census tracts, Chicago neighborhoods, and Illinois counties. Data on domestic offenses in Chicago were from the City of Chicago Data Portal and data on domestic offenses in Illinois counties were retrieved from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). This study incorporated geographic information systems (GIS) mapping to examine the relationships between locations of domestic offenses and the measures of social disorganization in each unit of analysis. Results of this study indicate that different measures of social disorganization are significantly associated with domestic offenses in each unit of analysis.

Working within the field of domestic violence can result in the occurrence of vicarious traumatization. The literature supports that collegial support and supervision are effective tools organizations can implement to assist in minimizing vicarious trauma. This study, guided by constructive self development theory and feminist theory, examines whether the level of vicarious trauma is impacted by knowledge base, collegial support, and supervision. Staff within certified shelters in the state of Florida were surveyed using a research designed instrument and the Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale. A total of 112 participants were recruited using the Tailor Design Method of surveying. Findings indicate that uniquely none of the independent variables significantly impacted vicarious trauma symptoms. However, collectively knowledge base, collegial support and supervision did impact minimizing vicarious trauma. Further, five of the ten subscales of vicarious trauma showed a statistically significant relationship with the independent variables. Implications for domestic violence agencies, practitioners, and future research are drawn.

This sociological study delves into the enduring social and psychological consequences of domestic violence on women in Sweden. Through a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews with seven survivors, the research uncovers the multifaceted aftermath of such violence in their lives. Central to this inquiry is the exploration of changes in self-esteem, trust in relationships, and mental health, framed within the context of existential sociology and coping theory. The findings reveal a significant shift in the women's perception of self and others, marked by increased vigilance, skepticism in new relationships, and a profound impact on mental well-being. The study employs existential sociology to interpret these shifts, viewing them as part of a broader existential crisis and a reevaluation of life’s meaning post-trauma. Coping theory is also utilized to understand the varied strategies these women adopt in response to their experiences, highlighting the role of individual coping capacities in their recovery processes. Economic impacts were found to be diverse among the participants, with some experiencing financial exploitation, underscoring the intersection of economic and personal abuse. A critical examination of the role of support systems, including women's shelters, social services, and legal frameworks, reveals gaps and challenges in addressing the complex needs of domestic violence survivors. This thesis contributes to the sociological understanding of domestic violence, emphasizing the necessity for nuanced support systems and policies that acknowledge the long-term sociopsychological challenges faced by survivors. It advocates for a comprehensive approach, integrating sociological theories to better comprehend and address the aftermath of domestic violence in women’s lives.

Little or nothing is really known about a man’s victimization in a domestic violence situation. Generally domestic violence is viewed from the lens of a women with the typical idea that women are the victim while men, the perpetrators of violence. Overtime, this societal perception is beginning to subside as researchers have proven that men are also victims of domestic violence (Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz,1980). Despite this revelation, not much is known about male victimization as most men prefer not to report their victimization. This study seeks to examine the reasons for not reporting victimization and the effect of this decision on men. The study does so by employing a cross sectional research carried out in 1994-1996, that was designed to assess the prevalence and impact of violence and threat of violence on women and men across the United States.

Introduktion: Våld i nära relation är ett stort samhällsproblem. 35 procent av alla kvinnor i världen har blivit utsatta för våld av en partner. Våldet kan vara psykiskt, fysiskt eller sexuellt och medför konsekvenser för både kvinnan och samhället. Vården och vårdpersonalen har en viktig roll för de våldsutsatta kvinnorna och rätt bemötande är viktigt för att de ska känna sig trygga. Syfte: Syftet var att belysa hur kvinnor som blivit utsatta för våld i nära relation upplever bemötandet från vårdpersonal. Metod: Litteraturöversikt baserad på tio kvalitativa studier i originalartiklar. Datainsamlingen genomfördes på databaserna CINAHL och PubMed. Studierna analyserades och utifrån det skapades kategorier och subkategorier. Resultat: Resultatet visar betydelsen av att vårdpersonal hade tillräckligt med tid samt att kvinnorna skulle få tala i enrum för att känna sig trygga. I bemötandet var empati och kunskap hos vårdpersonal viktigt då det fick kvinnorna att känna sig förstådda vilket underlättade för dem att tala ut om våldet. Studierna visade även att kvinnorna hade skilda inställningar till att få frågan om våld i nära relation. Slutsats: Resultatet visade att kvinnorna upplevde att personalen inte visade tillräckligt med empati och stöd för att kvinnorna skulle våga öppna upp sig om våldet. Vårdpersonal bör arbeta med evidensbaserad kunskap och gott bemötande för att kvinnan ska känna att hon blir respekterad och tagen på allvar. Spridning av information kring våld i nära relation bör utökas och det behövs mer forskning i ämnet. / Background: Intimate partnership violence is a big social problem. 35 percent of all women in the world have been exposed to violence by a partner. The violence can be psychological, physical or sexual and affects both the woman and the society. Medical care and medical staff play critical roles for abused women, and a proper approach is essential to put them at ease. Aim: The purpose of this study was to define how women who have been exposed to intimate partnership violence experience the encounter with medical staff. Method: Literature review based on ten qualitative studies in original articles. Data was collected from the databases CINAHL and PubMed. The studies were analyzed and then sorted into categories and subcategories.  Result: The results show the importance of ensuring sufficient time for medical staff to interact with women and allowing women to speak in a private room to feel comfortable and safe. In the encounter, empathy and knowledge among the medical staff were important in order to make women feel understood, which made it easier for them to speak out about the violence. The studies showed that there were different attitudes to be asked about intimate partnership violence. Conclusion: It was discovered that women feel that medical staff did not show enough empathy and support for them in order to be able to talk about the violence. Medical staff should be committed to evidence-based knowledge and treat them well, in such a way that women feel respected and taken seriously. The information about intimate partnership violence needs to be spread, but more research on this subject is required.

The thesis is divided into two parts, Part I contains four chapters which map the pattern of legal changes relating to domestic violence against women from the 18th century to the 1980s. The history is written from the viewpoint of the legal interventions available to and used by women victims of domestic violence. Statutory enactments, case law and procedural changes in the relevant areas of criminal, family (ecclesiastical) and welfare law are described. Throughout Part I the discussion of the remedies available and reforms implemented is supplemented by the inclusion of case examples and statistical evidence showing local and national patterns of use. Chapter 1 describes the period from the start of the 18th century to the begining of the 20th; Chapter 2,1900 to the 1960s, Chapter 3 from 1969 to 1977 and Chapter 4 the more recent history in the 10 years between 1977 to 1987. Part II contains five chapters and is based upon an analysis of women victim's needs in contemporary socio-legal discourse. Part II grew out of a concern about the part played by the law in the secondary assault of women. The main aim of the discussion is to look at how women victims' self defined needs inform the practice of the law and how the legal approach contributes to the creation of violent relations between men and women in the social institution of heterosexuality. Part II emphasises the use of written and spoken language in interactional settings to define women's needs. The discussion is based upon the analysis of: 1. a survey of women involved in 54 legal cases concerning their partners' behaviour supplemented by interviews with legal advisors; 2. case records obtained from solicitors' offices with the womens' permission; 3. over 300 decisions traced from the published Law Reports; 4.105 press reports of cases of domestic violence against women. Chapter 5 describes the method employed in the research for Part II. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of the women's cases; Chapter 7 the reported decisions and Chapter 8 the press reports. Chapter 9 offers a summary of academic discourse and the abuse of women as well as a concluding discussion on some possibilities for the empowerment of women in law.

Denna kvalitativa översiktsstudie har som syfte att övergripande undersöka våld i nära relation när det kommer till samkönade par. Genom en narrativ syntes identifierades ett antal teman som analyserades med hjälp av ett Queerteoretiskt ramverk och med genusperspektivet i åtanke. Under analysen framgick att det fanns likheter med det våld som förekommer i heterosexuella relationernär det kommer till utsatthet, förlopp och våldets natur. Orsakerna till våld och möjligheten till att söka stöd och hjälp kompliceras dock till följd av heteronormativa ideal, där extern homofobi och fördomar internaliseras och leder till spänningar och våld i relationen. Vidare upplevde deltagarna att den allmänna uppfattningen om vem som är offer och förövare inte passar in på verkliga narrativet och att organisationer som arbetar med våldsfrågor saknar kunskap om hbtq- personers specifika behov. HBTQ-personer är en bred och svår målgrupp att fånga in när det kommer till våld i nära relation vilket genomsyrar forskningen i stort såväl som den här studien. / The purpose of this qualitative overview study is to examine overall violence in close relationships when it comes to same-sex couples. Through a narrative synthesis, a number of themes were identified that were analyzed using a Queer theoretical framework and with the gender perspective in mind. The analysis showed that there were similarities with the violence that occurs in heterosexual relationships when it comes to vulnerability, course and the nature of violence. However, the causes of violence and the ability to seek support and help are complicated by heteronormative ideals, where external homophobia and prejudice are internalized and lead to tensions and violence in the relationship. Furthermore, the participants experienced that the general perception of who are the victims and perpetrators does not fit into the real narrative and that organizations that work with issues of violence lack knowledge about the specific needs of LGBTQ people.