Domestic Violence Research: A Qualitative

¶ … Domestic Violence Research: A Qualitative Examination of Why Women Stay in Violent Relationships

The purpose of this study will be an investigational analysis of why women who are battered stay in violent relationships. The researcher will examine the current literature available and previous studies conducted of domestic violence in the hopes of gathering insight into the key issues influencing women's mental states and psychological well being when they are subjected to violence. The researcher will also conduct field research in the form of a survey questionnaire, and combine the information gathered from the literature study with the field results to provide a grounded theory that identifies what factors contribute to a woman's inability to leave a domestically violent situation.

Introduction

One of the most pressing questions that exists with regard to domestic violence is why don't the victims simply leave? (Davis, 1998:2). This intent of this paper is to examine why exactly women who are victims of domestic violence stay in potentially life threatening situations. There have been several theories related to the subject. Davis (1998) suggests that the mental state of victims becomes altered, preventing them from leaving without help. He further suggests that victims particularly women do not display psychologically normal mental states, and states that women are often left "intellectually incapable of making rational decisions" regarding their relationship, which may prevent them from leaving (Davis, 1998:2).

For purposes of this research proposal the researcher will attempt to answer the following questions: (1) what factors impact a women's mental status when in a domestic violence situation, (2) does the level of support a woman receives influence her ability to leave a violent situation, (3) what common demographic variables are evident in women who stay in violent situations. The researcher intends to combine information gathered from the field with information gathered from previous studies related to domestic violence in order to develop a theory that is grounded in scientific data.

Statement of Problem

The purpose of this study will be to examine domestic violence in an attempt to identify what factors are likely to influence a woman's decision to stay or leave a violent relationship. There have been numerous studies which support the potential theory that women who lack adequate social support are more likely to stay in a domestic violence situation than those who have adequate support (Thompson, et. al, 2000; Bogat, et. al, 2004). While there have been several studies that examine the impact domestic violence has had on women (Bogat, et. al, 2004; Thompson, et. al, 2000) few have actually identified what specific variables contribute to a woman's decision to stay in a violent relationship.

Identification of these critical variables is necessary is it may result in thousands of lives saved each and every year. If researchers can determine what factors encourage a woman to stay in a relationship, counselors and other social workers can work on better understanding a victims psyche and develop new methods and support options that may allow them to leave a potentially life threatening situation.

Background to the Problem

Domestic violence is a problem that is commonly ignored in part because the victims remain silent, and in part because the public simply wonders why the victims of such abuse don't simply leave relationships (Bogat, et. al, 2004; Kantor, n.d.). There are likely several different reasons that contribute to a woman's victimization and feelings of helplessness when she is in a violent situation. All or none of these factors may influence her decision to stay in a violent relationship.

Many women who are victims of abuse live in a state of denial that can prevent women from seeking out help when needed (Kantor, n.d). The most common form of domestic violence includes physical violence, though psychological violence including verbal abuse is not uncommon and equally as detrimental to women's health and well being (Kantor, n.d.). Among the risk factors for abuse include a history of violence or victimization (Bogat, et. al, 2004; Kantor, n.d.).

Women who are victims of domestic violence are much more likely to suffer form severe injury and even death if they do not get out of a domestically violent situation (Bogat, et. al, 2004). Much of the research conducted in the past suggests that a number of factors including demographic variables may influence a woman's decision to stay in a violent relationship (Thompson, et. al, 2000).

Theoretical Framework

This paper will attempt to demonstrate and describe what factors are most likely to influence a woman's decision to remain in a domestically violent situation, taking into consideration that social support may be a tremendous factor related to domestic violence. The researcher will then attempt to establish a social support theory related to domestic violence and provide a theoretical framework for describing why women remain in violent relationships.

Currently there are two primary theoretical frameworks that relate to the cause of domestic violence, the first of which suggests that the causes of violence include characteristics that focus on the individuals involved in abuse; these causes may include individual problems that are psychological and social in nature including poverty, substance abuse, unemployment, lack of education and even stress (Kantor, n.d.). Another theoretical framework suggests that domestic violence is caused by society at large, whose ideas are influenced by the 'pervasiveness and acceptability of family violence' (Kantor, n.d.).

The researcher proposes that women may fail to leave a domestically violent situation in part because of a lack of adequate social support due to several demographic variables, and in part because she fears humiliation and embarrassment at the prospect of leaving her committed relationship (Thompson, et. al, 2000). The researcher will also examine the notion that women may truly believe that their partner will change with time, which may prevent them from leaving their situation even in the face of violence.

Literature Review/Studies Analysis

Domestic Violence Defined

Before one can understand why women might stay in a domestically violent situation, they must first understand what exactly domestic violence is and who domestic violence impacts.

Davis (1998) defines domestic violence as the violence "that occurs between couples who are living together or once did live together in a conjugal-styled relationship" (p.2). There is adequate evidence to suggest that more than half of all married women or approximately 27 million women at any one time are beaten during their marriage, and approximately 1/3 of women are battered or abused repeatedly (Davis, 1998:3). Other studies suggest that 3 to 4% of families will admit that severe violence including kicking, punching or other forms of abuse exist within the confines of a relationship (Donzinger, 1996:156).

There is some evidence that suggests that victims of domestic violence have an altered mental state that becomes culturally conditioned to the violence, preventing them from leaving (Davis, 1998). There are others that argue that unconditional love is to blame, that "people really believe that love will fix everything" (Hart, 1997: A12).

There are many that have a difficult time empathizing with victims of domestic violence, which may influence an individual's propensity to leave their situation (Davis, 1998). Some studies suggest that women fear shame, humiliation and embarrassment thus are more likely to keep silent about the abuse that is occurring in their relationship (Donzinger, 1998). The extent to which these variables influence a woman's decision to stay in a relationship has not been adequately examined (Hart, 1997).

There is evidence suggesting that some people are more likely to become the victims of domestic violence than others (Schmit & Sherman, 1993). Violence can be considered a learned behavior, and ones reaction to it can be conditioned over time (Davis, 1998). Given this theory it is possible that some women are conditioned to stay in a violent relationship, whether as a result of learned behavior or as a result of variables that place them in the violent situation to begin with.

There is some evidence suggesting that interpersonal violence more often occurs in neighborhoods where a high concentration of poverty exists in neighborhoods (Gjelsvik, Pearlman, Verhoek-Oftedahl & Zierler, 2003).

Demographic Variables

There are numerous studies, which have been conducted which show a relationship between demographic variables including socioeconomic status, race and gender and victimization (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003; Miles-Doan & Kelly, 1997). Many report that higher rates of domestic violence exist for black and Hispanic women, and significantly higher percentages of black women report victimization than white women (Gjelsvik, et. al. 2003).

Poverty is found to be a factor that influences victimization (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003). Poverty may also be a factor which influences a woman's decision to stay in a violent situation (Miles-Doan & Kelly, 1997). If a woman fears that she will not have adequate shelter and lacks social support, whether due to economic factors or other factors, it is more likely that she will stay in a potentially abusive relationship if for no other reason she may feel like she has nowhere else to go (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003). Poverty may be associated with a number of other variables including minority status and perceived self-esteem all of which may contribute to a women's propensity to stay in a violent relationship.

Among the negative effects of living in a violent relationship include increased depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress (Bogat, et. al, 2004). There is some evidence that suggests that social support may influence a woman's reactions to domestic violence, and may in fact influence whether or not a woman decides to stay or leave a relationship (Bogat, et. al, 2004). When support exists it is related to a positive outcome more often than not for women (Bogat, et. al, 2004). There are some studies that find that women who are in violent relationships often lack positive support role models and even when they do they are reluctant to ask for help (Bogat, et. al, 2004).

There is adequate empirical evidence which suggests that most battered women tend to be socially isolated and thus do not have a readily available network of people they can rely on for support and encouragement when faced with a violent situation (Bogat, et. al, 2004). This may perhaps be the single most telling factor related to woman's victimization. Numerous studies have supported the notion that women who are victimized rarely have access to adequate social support systems that can help them overcome a violent home life (Thompson, 2000).

There are many different theories that exist as to why women in violence situations may lack adequate social support system. Reasons for this may be varied, but may include the fact that their partner may isolate them in order to control them, or that women are afraid to reach out for support for fear of embarrassment and shame (Bogat, et. al, 2004). Some women may also not believe that they would receive help even if they wanted or needed it, perhaps as a result of the abuse received time and time again from their partner (Bogat, et. al, 2004).

Summary of the Literature

There is ample evidence which suggests that a number of factors contribute to a woman's susceptibility for domestic violence. Among the key factors related to domestic violence include a woman's social support structure, socio-economic status and perceived sense of self-esteem and self-worth (Bogat, et. al, 2004; Thompson, 2000). The exact relationship between all of these variables needs to be examined in greater detail so that researchers can identify specifically what factors are implicated in a woman's inability to leave a harmful situation.

Methods

Research Design/Participants

The study will consist of a base survey of 100 women who are aged 18 and older who have been victims of domestic violence. Selection criteria will include women who experienced a domestic violence incident within the previous 2 years prior to the study. An incident of domestic violence will be defined as any form of sexual or physical assault or threat of assault that occurs from an intimate partner, family or friend that cohabitates with the partner (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003). Factors that will be recorded for demographic purposes for this study include: race and age.

The rates of women that are victims of violence that stay in a relationship will be compared with several variables which include poverty, education, unemployment and cultural heritage (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003). There are numerous published studies which support the use of survey methodology and which analyze domestic violence in relation to demographic variables such as those described (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003; Miles-Doan & Kelly, 1997). From the information provided a theory will be developed that draws from the information gathered in the data, providing information related to "individual, situational, environmental and ideological levels of explanation" (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003; Bachman & Coker, 1995).

Data on women who are affected from violence will come from surveys that collect information from victims anonymously.

The Severity of Violence Against Women Scales also referred to as SVAWS may be used to assess the amount of violence a woman is experiencing (Marshall, 1992; Bogat, et. al, 2004). This scale consists of a 46 item questionnaire that examines the severity of abuse that women are receiving, and may be beneficial for determining whether severity of abuse impacts whether or not a woman is likely to stay in a relationship when abuse is occurring (Bogat, et. al, 2004). The questionnaire requires that respondents measure events on a 4-point scale that extends over varying time frames. Though this scale may be more useful in studies examining the severity of domestic violence against women, it may provide some insight as to whether women who are victims are more likely to stay in a relationship depending on the severity of the violence they are subjected to.

In addition to this the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Bogat, et. al, 2004) will be utilized to measure self-esteem and feelings of self-worth in victims. The scale incorporates a 10 item questionnaire that requires that participants rate statements on a 4 point scale (1=strongly agree, 4= strongly disagree) with negative items reverse coded (Bogat et al., 2004). This scale has been associated with a "high level of reliability and validity" in the past (Bogat, et. al, 2004).

In addition to these surveys, the researcher will craft a 10 question open ended interview questionnaire that will examine women's attitudes and beliefs toward domestic violence. Specifically participants will be asked whether or not they intend on staying in a domestically violent situation, and what factors if any have contributed to their decision to do so. The information from all three of these measures will be combined and compared to information gathered from the literature review studies. Upon close examination for any relationships or disparities, the researcher will form a theory based upon evidence presented in the research.

Data Collection Measures

Data will be collected anonymously from participants through use of either an online or paper surveys. Paper surveys will be distributed among health care organizations and shelters that specifically cater to the needs of abused populations.

Procedures

Participants will be recruited from 10 sites that have programs designed to assist women who are battered. Women will be asked to participate in a research study via use of a flyer. Women will be screened for eligibility. Interviews will be conducted on site or via email. Each participant will be mailed a consent form that describes the survey, the importance of the research and their role in the research. They will be asked to consent to providing information for purposes of the study, and informed of their option to remain anonymous for the duration of the study.

Access to Site

The researcher will need to contact the 10 sites designated for purposes of this research 1 month in advance of field research surveys in order to determine whether or not research can safely and conveniently be carried out in the environment presented.

Researchers Role

The researchers primary role for purposes of this study is observatory. The researcher will attempt to observe the patterns that exist among domestic violence women over time in order to develop an explanatory theory that centers on women's reasons for staying in a potentially life threatening situation. The researcher intends to face many challenges while conducting the research, including the participants lack of willingness to provide adequate information regarding their abuse history to the researcher.

The researcher will not offer clinical advice or information to participants other than to provide them with detailed information regarding the studies purpose and intended audience.

Reflexivity of Approach

It is important for purposes of this research that the researcher remain as objective as possible. There are a number of feminist approaches that are directed toward violence studies that may result in greater subjectivity than desired for purposes of this study.

Logistics

The researcher intends to carry out the research required for this proposal within and eight-month time frame. The first couple of months will be dedicated to comprehensively examining the research available on domestic violence with particular emphasis on examining any studies that measure or examine the mental state of women who are victims of domestic violence.

The timeline for completion of each aspect of this reseach is as follows:

Prepare more comprehensive literature review and examination of all similar studies that examine the relationship between domestic violence and female self body image, self-esteem and well being.

Obtain permissions to use any copyrighted material for questionnaires.

Begin collecting information on women's personal experiences through use of survey questionnaires. Completion of field research portion of the research proposal.

Construct theoretical framework.

Write Review of the literature chapter.

Prepare Oral Defense of material.

Deliver final proposal to committee.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is a problem that has existed since the dawn of time. The implications of any research that focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence is tremendous. If the factors that contribute to a woman's inability to leave a violent situation are identified, social support workers can start working on methods that will encourage women to get the support they need to remove themselves from a potentially life threatening environment.