NCJ Number
161747
Journal
Albany Law Review Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 961-972
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the conceptualization of domestic violence up to the present and suggests changes to the way society regards and deals with family abuse.
Abstract
In most discussions of family violence, the victims are women. However, they are not the only people abused. Domestic violence has its roots in power imbalances, and children, frail elderly, or others not totally in control of their economic fates can also be victims. But, the solution to domestic violence is not simply a matter of reordering power. Society appears attracted to violence in general, and we must acknowledge this addiction and its costs and take measures to overcome it. In addition, we must understand that individuals cannot overcome evil alone. Victims must know that they can receive help and society must provide that help. We do this when we write laws that allow battered women to stay in their homes with their children and require the batterer to pay a criminal penalty, compensate for damage done, and attend programs that may change behavior. We do this, also, when we teach children how to resolve disputes peaceably, when we all celebrate diversity, and take responsibility for ourselves. Footnotes