NCJ Number
55259
Date Published
1978
Length
31 pages
Annotation
THE WIDESPREAD NATURE OF THE PROBLEM, THE UNDERLYING SOCIAL ATTITUDES WHICH LEAD MANY PEOPLE TO THINK WIFE BEATING IS NORMAL, THE REASONS WHY MANY WOMEN STAY IN SUCH RELATIONSHIPS, AND THE LEGAL RESPONSE ARE REVIEWED.
Abstract
THIS SUMMARY POINTS OUT THAT NEITHER ANTHROPOLOGICAL NOR STATISTICAL DATA ON WIFE ABUSE ARE GENERALLY AVAILABLE BECAUSE MOST SOCIETIES CONSIDER THE PRIVACY OF THE HOME SACRED, AND THE 'RIGHT' OF THE HUSBAND TO 'MODERATELY CHASTISE' HIS WIFE IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED. THE NEED FOR CULTURAL CHANGE IS REVIEWED. THE REASONS WHY WOMEN STAY IN BATTERING RELATIONSHIPS ARE REVIEWED: LACK OF MONEY, LACK OF SKILLS WITH WHICH TO EARN MONEY; LACK OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, AND A BELIEF THAT THE WIFE IS SOMEHOW RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BATTERING. THE VIEW THAT THE WIFE IS RESPONSIBLE IS OFTEN REINFORCED BY MALE PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS. ALSO, THE WOMAN IS THE ONE WHO IS URGED TO 'SAVE' THE MARRIAGE. THE ROLE OF THE LAW IN KEEPING THE WOMAN TRAPPED IN A BATTERING SITUATION IS EXAMINED. THE INDIFFERENCE OF POLICE, PROSECUTORS, AND ATTORNEYS IS DOCUMENTED THROUGH EXAMPLES AND WRITINGS. EVEN IF THE WIFE GETS A DIVORCE, THE HUSBAND MAY STILL BREAK INTO THE HOUSE OR ABUSE HER AT HER PLACE OF WORK. LEGAL REMEDIES NEEDED FOR SUCH SITUATIONS ARE REVIEWED. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT A SUPPORTING NETWORK INCLUDING SHELTERS, LEGAL SUPPORT, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO ASSIST WOMEN WHO NEED TO GET OUT OF VIOLENT HOMES OR TO ENABLE THEM TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES IN PEACE. AN EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY IS APPENDED. (GLR)