The Effect Of Domestic Violence On Women

Women make up nearly half of the world’s population and they are a significant group of individuals in society. However, they are constantly mistreated by those around them and continue to experience an endless cycle of abuse. Women often fall victim of abuse in the hands of those who perceive them to be insignificant and worthless. The perpetuating cycle of violence that exists only allows more and more women to be susceptible to experiencing any form of abuse. This concept has made its way into cultural and societal norms where the idea of abuse being normal is embedded into the minds of those who abide by traditional ways. Women from Asian and Hispanic cultures, are more likely to be victims of domestic violence as cultural protocols do

Even so, the act is still a common occurrence and affects majority of women. According to Izadi, there is a percentage of more than 31% of women that face domestic violence in the United States by the hands of their partner. Although, domestic violence still occurs throughout the country; the abuse is tremendously regarded in a different way other cultures do. While, other countries of Asian and Hispanic culture regard domestic violence as normal and justifiable; American culture deems the action of violence as intolerable and are constantly finding ways to decrease the high percentage of violence. In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was passed by Congress in recognition of the abuse women experience. The Office of Violence Against Women believes that the VAWA has marked a great achievement in combating domestic abuse for women. The VAWA was created to provide the justice system with the adequate resources, training, and policies to deal with issues that traditionally is left between the privacy of a husband and a wife (cite). Through the VAWA, women feel empowered and supported due to how the issue is spoken about and how the government is taking action. While, the U.S. has a plan in decreasing the percentage of abuse; that is not the case for most countries. There is a huge difference in how cultures handle the issue of

Many programs and laws exist in the U.S. that is enforced to prevent the high numbers of domestic violence that occur in the country. While, the establishment of these programs and enactment of laws do not necessarily prevent the violence from happening throughout the country; it is a good way to allow women who experience abuse to see their options and feel protected. In 1984, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPS) was enacted and was the first federal law to actually address the issue of domestic violence. According to a specialist in Social Policy, the primary focus of the law has been to provide shelter and services for survivors of domestic abuse (Fernandes-Alcantara). Along with VAWA, the existence of prevention programs has only expanded the federal responses to domestic violence. While the U.S. continues to establish programs and laws in order to see a decrease in domestic violence–––that is not the case in other countries. Even though, a great number of women experience domestic violence; there is a lack of efficient laws in dozens of other countries to fight against domestic violence (Alfred). Not having laws enacted in countries where the culture continues to justify the abuse only perpetuates the cycle of violence that women may