Domestic violence Learning aims Learn about a reallife

Domestic violence Learning aims: - Learn about a real-life example of domestic violence - Examine official statistics and evaluate how different perspectives explain domestic violence Katy’s story: watch a real life account of domestic violence. Consider the following 1. why did she not seek help sooner? 2. Why did she not simply leave? 3. Was her partner’s violence due to psychological problems or problems in society? 4. Why do most victims choose anonymity? 5. Was the abuse just physical abuse? 6. How do you think women who are suffering from domestic abuse can be best supported?

Definition • The Home Office (2013) defines domestic violence as: ‘Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality’

Definition Domestic violence can be: - Psychological - Physical - Sexual - Financial - Emotional

Sociologists have challenged the view that it is the behaviour of ‘sick’ individuals • It is widespread (nearly 1 in 4 women has been assaulted by a partner, 1 in 8 repeatedly so) • Follows social patterns – mainly violence by men against women

Statistics suggest that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Statistics suggest it is 1 in 8 for men, but most likely 1 in 6

Statistics What are some of the problems when researching domestic violence?

Criticism of statistics • Understate the problem – Yearnshire (1997) on average woman suffers 35 assaults • Police reluctant to record – Family private sphere – Family is ‘good’ – ignore the ‘darker side’ – Individuals are ‘free agents’ – therefore free to leave. But women often financially dependent.

Studies of statistics have found domestic abuse goes up during England football matches • Video of previous offenders

Question of statistics… Statistics on domestic violence … ONS How this men’s charity responded … Man Kind How a women’s charity responded … Women’s Aid http: //www. womensaid. org. uk/domestic-violence-pressinformation. asp? itemid=3219&item. Title=Women%92 s+Aid+challen ges+ONS+statistics+on+domestic+violence&section=00010015 0001&section. Title=Press+releases How the figures were reached … Crime Survey for England Wales

Rihanna Question: Do you think celebrities who have been victims of domestic abuse such as Rhianna have a responsibility to speak out about it? According to police reports, Rhianna’s boyfriend at the time, Chris Brown punched her in the face, smashed her head against a car window and bit her following an argument on the eve of the Grammys in 2009 In August, the singer was accused of "sanctioning" domestic violence after saying she still feels "protective" towards Chris Brown who was charged with assaulting her three years ago. In an interview Rihanna insisted the rapper Chris Brown "made a mistake" and "needed help”. A British campaigner, Erin Pizzey, added: "This sends out a very dangerous message to teenagers that roller-coaster relationships with violence-prone personalities are edgy and exciting. They're not. The relationship is toxic and unhealthy. Both are in need of help and that is the message that young people should be receiving. "

Friday short test • Define the term …. [2 marks] • Using one example, briefly explain what is meant by… [2 marks] • Outline three … [6 marks] • Outline and explain two reasons why women who are victims of domestic violence may nevertheless choose to stay with their partner [10 marks] Based on topic sheet 1 a and 1 b

Homework Checking today: • Notes on domestic violence For tomorrow: • Learn KCs – practice 10 marker if you want to • Notes on ‘Social construction of childhood’ – use questions to help you! Pages 179 -181

Outline and explain two reasons why women who are victims of domestic violence may nevertheless choose to stay with their partner [10 marks] 1. As a table, make a list of all the reasons why a domestic violence victim may choose to stay with their partner 2. In pairs, choose the two strongest reasons and explain them clearly 3. Now find an example or evidence to back up your points – use your notes or textbook 4. Now analyse or evaluate your points – what are it’s strengths or weaknesses? Would your point always be the case? Why/why not? Extension: read the handout from yesterday and answer the 5 questions

Homework • Learn KCs – practice 10 marker if you want to • Notes on ‘Social construction of childhood’ – use questions to help you! 14 th

Domestic violence Learning aims: - Review domestic violence - Apply to a 10 mark question Question: Do you think celebrities who have been victims of domestic abuse such as Rhianna have a responsibility to speak out about it?

Cultural differences in attitudes to domestic violence 5 April 2012 – The United Nations human rights chief today urged Barbados to adopt more effective legislation measures to combat discrimination and domestic and sexual violence in the country, adding that an attitudinal change is needed in society as a whole to tackle these issues. “Domestic violence against women and children, and sexual harassment, occur all over the world. However, reports suggest that they are particularly serious problems here in Barbados and in other Caribbean countries, and rape is shockingly commonplace, ”

As a small group complete the tasks and discuss 1. Search for ‘Man. Kind domestic violence’ on You. Tube 2. Read the press release from Women’s Aid 3. Read about the Crime Survey for England Wales 4. Have a look at the Crime Survey leaflet Consider: what are the strengths and limitations of the data? Give examples

Task Label and arrange the slides (glue onto lined paper) 1. Radical feminist explanation Evaluation 2. Materialist explanation Evaluation 3. Marxist feminist explanation Evaluation Extension: give your opinion on the possible causes and solutions to domestic violence

Explanations for domestic violence

Task Label the slides 1. Radical feminist explanation Evaluation 2. Materialist explanation Evaluation 3. Marxist feminist explanation Evaluation Extension: give your opinion on the possible causes and solutions to domestic violence

Explanation for domestic violence _____________ • Men are the enemy – oppressors and exploiters of women • Family and marriage institutions within patriarchal society – source of oppression. Domestic violence is inevitable • Domination of men in police/courts explains their reluctance to deal effectively with problem

Explanations for domestic violence Radical feminists e. g. Firestone (1970) • Men are the enemy – oppressors and exploiters of women • Family and marriage institutions within patriarchal society – source of oppression. Domestic violence is inevitable • Domination of men in police/courts explains their reluctance to deal effectively with problem

Evaluation of_________ • Not all men are violent – most opposed to domestic violence. • Evidence of female violence (1 in 8 men victims) • Some women are more at risk than others: – Young women – Lowest social classes – High levels of alcohol or drugs – Long term illness/disability

Evaluation of radical feminist explanation • Not all men are violent – most opposed to domestic violence. • Evidence of female violence (1 in 8 men victims) • Some women are more at risk than others: – Young women – Lowest social classes – High levels of alcohol or drugs – Long term illness/disability

Explanations for domestic violence: ________________ • Domestic violence is the result of stress on family members due to social inequality – Worries about money, jobs, housing – Lack of money means less social time and support when under stress

Explanations for domestic violence Materialist explanation e. g. Wilkinson and Pickett (2010) • Domestic violence is the result of stress on family members due to social inequality – Worries about money, jobs, housing – Lack of money means less social time and support when under stress

Evaluation of __________ • Helps explain why those in lower classes more at risk • Does not explain why women are more likely to be victims

Evaluation of materialist explanation • Helps explain why those in lower classes more at risk • Does not explain why women are more likely to be victims

Explanations for domestic violence: _______________ • Women are the ‘takers or shit’ • Men feel exploited at work and take their frustration out on their wives

Explanations for domestic violence: Marxist feminists, e. g. Ansley (1972) • Women are the ‘takers of shit’ • Men feel exploited at work and take their frustration out on their wives

Evaluation of__________ • Helps to explain why it is usually women that are victims • Not all male workers commit acts of violence • Does not explain cases of men as victims

Evaluation of Marxist feminist explanation • Helps to explain why it is usually women that are victims • Not all male workers commit acts of violence • Does not explain cases of men as victims

Extension activities • ‘Mankind’ video about male domestic violence • ‘Murdered by my boyfriend’ programme based on true story • Reading on topic sheet • Key concept test friday