Aktas Little And Frye Domestic Violence

This paper explores domestic violence as a social justice issue in which women become victims of violence and how they are subjected to oppression. Domestic violence is a form of oppression because it restricts and maintains control over women. The research from Aktas, Little, and Frye reveals how relationships between men and women ensue domestic violence to maintain dominance and superiority. This paper aims to explore ways domestic violence is maintained through oppression by using theoretical frameworks such as violence, entrapment, and gender exploitation. In order to address the issue of domestic violence facilities like the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter, provide support to aid those who have been subjected to abuse.

“The oppression of violence consists not only in direct victimization, but in the daily knowledge shared by all group members of oppressed groups that they are liable to violation, solely on account of their group identity” (Adams et al., 2013, p. 43). Physical violence and coercive control are used to maintain gender dominance and control in intimate relationships. According to Little (2016), gender implications are an important construct of domestic violence, but coercive control is perceived and legitimized as a form of violence. An intimate partner seeks to enact coercive control by creating a sense of dependency and fear. “Forms of control imposed by partners include isolation, sexual and economic exploitation, rules about everyday behavior such as what they should wear and who they should meet” (Little, 2016, p. 476). By controlling every movement and foundation of a women’s life, a man asserts his dominance and masculinity in the relationship. This level of control builds “emotionally and psychologically, creating and building fear, as much as through specific acts of physical violence” (Little, 2016, p. 476). The emotional and psychological abuse many women face becomes internalized and women start to enact the barriers and constraints of the

The World Health Organization reported 35% of all women are subjected to domestic violence (Atkas, 2016). Domestic violence affects the psychological, physical, and emotional well- being of the victim. Many women who are victims of domestic violence suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression (“Violence Against Women,” n.d.).

Domestic violence that takes place within a family setting subjects not only the woman, but also children to the abuse and mistreatment. Children subjected to domestic violence can suffer from developmental delays and psychological disorders. According to Rogers (2016), “studies suggest that the amygdalae of children can be negatively impacted by environmental conditions such as social isolation and prolonged stress, which can affect their emotional health and emotional regulation skills” (p. 213).

Domestic violence uses fear, coercive control, and entrapment to control women. Women who are victims of domestic abuse deal with emotional and psychological trauma, which can impact their ability to function within society, care for their children, and cope (Little, 2016). Emotional and psychological trauma can cause anxiety, PTSD, and depression, which can lead to serious mental illness.

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