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The Progressive Era:
In the previous centuries, domestic violence was considered taboo subject, a discussion kept inside the sphere of the home. A quote from a source stated, “unfortunately, from the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, most social discourse constructed spousal abuse as the individual woman’s problem and that it should remain in silence.” It wasn't until the mid 1800's that wife assault went against the law. In addition, during the late 1800’s, there was new found awareness about child cruelty and domestic violence, so societies of prevention were established and small efforts took place to help battered women recover. The battered women’s movement was a climate created to protect women affected by domestic violence. In 1910, domestic relations courts were established, and they were specific courts that didn't need judicial attention and only dealt with family issues like child abuse or violence between spouses. The courts didn’t handle divorce and separation, but it was a way in which domestic abuse was addressed, usually to find reconciliation in the marriage, and not to bring justice to the problem.
In the early 1900's, many women believed the cause of domestic violence was alcohol because it warped their husbands judgement. So, women were big supporters of the Prohibition Act because they thought it was the only way to solve the issue. They also believed in this act because it was socially unacceptable for women to divorce or separate from their husbands if they were alcoholics or abusive, so this act gave them a chance for a better life. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union was established, and that was one of the many organizations that supported the Prohibition Act.
Overall, during the Progressive Era, the image of women changed completely
because women became more a part of society than ever before. So, the establishment of the 19th Amendment (voting rights) empowered women to speak up for their rights, and so they spoke up for protection against domestic violence.
The Modern Era:
Women present day still experience large amounts of domestic violence, however, many actions have been taken recently to ensure the safety of both women and children. There was the enactment of the Family Violence Prevention and Service Act in 1984, and The Violence Against Women Act was passed in 1994 to provide health services, housing, and criminal justice for those who were in need of a sanctuary. In addition, organizations, the NOW legal defense, and the Educated fund all have supported the Violence Against Women Act, raising 1.6 billion in funds to address domestic violence issues. All of these measures taken have made domestic violence levels steadily decrease over the last 45 years, although many women, mostly low-income and minority women, still are very vulnerable to assault.
Statistics:
-64% of female homicides are from a partner or family member
-Women experience 4.8 million assaults related to domestic violence every year
-Less than 20% of assaulted women seek help and medical treatment after they are injured
-Between 25-50% of domestic violence incidents begin with drinking
-A 1994 study by the Department of Justice stated that "over half the defendants accused of murdering their spouse had been drinking at the time the murder occurred" (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1994).
-The cost for health and social services because of domestic violence has been over 8.3 million dollars. (This includes medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity)
Measures taken to stop domestic violence, whether they have been successful or not:
-Couples counseling: therapy has shown to be effective in treating violent partners, although domestic violence treatment standards discourage couple therapy, and by law or policy, domestic violence programs often bar the use of those services.
-Women’s shelters: 45% of shelters view their main role as promoting feminist political activism, while only 25% focus on giving treatment/support to abused women. There haven’t been conclusive studies on whether these actually help women, or whether they make the situation worse. One study said shelter residence could trigger new incidents of abuse.
-Services for male abusers → these have no significant impact in reducing violence, and the treatments at these centers are ineffective most of the time.
-Restraining Orders → In theory, this is the best solution to keep women safe and prevent assaults, however, studies show that the perpetrators do not keep their physical distance and are not stopped by a piece of paper if they want to abuse someone. So, they are ineffective in stopping physical violence, although they may reduce psychological abuse.
In comparison between the Progressive Era and now, domestic violence has decreased greatly. A century ago, women were silent about the issue because it was a taboo, so they were never able to reach out for help. Now, women are bringing awareness, speaking up, and they are encouraged to find help. Before the acts of 1984 and 1994, there was no protection provided for women, and present day there are family courts, protection services, therapy, and laws that protect them. Looking over the course of the century, women became more empowered to speak up for their rights, and the multiple waves of feminism assisted women in ending domestic violence. Present day, women have more rights and more protection than they have ever had before, but sadly, this issue still affects millions of women, so speaking up and bringing awareness is the best way to reduce this problem.
In the previous centuries, domestic violence was considered taboo subject, a discussion kept inside the sphere of the home. A quote from a source stated, “unfortunately, from the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, most social discourse constructed spousal abuse as the individual woman’s problem and that it should remain in silence.” It wasn't until the mid 1800's that wife assault went against the law. In addition, during the late 1800’s, there was new found awareness about child cruelty and domestic violence, so societies of prevention were established and small efforts took place to help battered women recover. The battered women’s movement was a climate created to protect women affected by domestic violence. In 1910, domestic relations courts were established, and they were specific courts that didn't need judicial attention and only dealt with family issues like child abuse or violence between spouses. The courts didn’t handle divorce and separation, but it was a way in which domestic abuse was addressed, usually to find reconciliation in the marriage, and not to bring justice to the problem.
In the early 1900's, many women believed the cause of domestic violence was alcohol because it warped their husbands judgement. So, women were big supporters of the Prohibition Act because they thought it was the only way to solve the issue. They also believed in this act because it was socially unacceptable for women to divorce or separate from their husbands if they were alcoholics or abusive, so this act gave them a chance for a better life. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union was established, and that was one of the many organizations that supported the Prohibition Act.
Overall, during the Progressive Era, the image of women changed completely
because women became more a part of society than ever before. So, the establishment of the 19th Amendment (voting rights) empowered women to speak up for their rights, and so they spoke up for protection against domestic violence.
The Modern Era:
Women present day still experience large amounts of domestic violence, however, many actions have been taken recently to ensure the safety of both women and children. There was the enactment of the Family Violence Prevention and Service Act in 1984, and The Violence Against Women Act was passed in 1994 to provide health services, housing, and criminal justice for those who were in need of a sanctuary. In addition, organizations, the NOW legal defense, and the Educated fund all have supported the Violence Against Women Act, raising 1.6 billion in funds to address domestic violence issues. All of these measures taken have made domestic violence levels steadily decrease over the last 45 years, although many women, mostly low-income and minority women, still are very vulnerable to assault.
Statistics:
-64% of female homicides are from a partner or family member
-Women experience 4.8 million assaults related to domestic violence every year
-Less than 20% of assaulted women seek help and medical treatment after they are injured
-Between 25-50% of domestic violence incidents begin with drinking
-A 1994 study by the Department of Justice stated that "over half the defendants accused of murdering their spouse had been drinking at the time the murder occurred" (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1994).
-The cost for health and social services because of domestic violence has been over 8.3 million dollars. (This includes medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity)
Measures taken to stop domestic violence, whether they have been successful or not:
-Couples counseling: therapy has shown to be effective in treating violent partners, although domestic violence treatment standards discourage couple therapy, and by law or policy, domestic violence programs often bar the use of those services.
-Women’s shelters: 45% of shelters view their main role as promoting feminist political activism, while only 25% focus on giving treatment/support to abused women. There haven’t been conclusive studies on whether these actually help women, or whether they make the situation worse. One study said shelter residence could trigger new incidents of abuse.
-Services for male abusers → these have no significant impact in reducing violence, and the treatments at these centers are ineffective most of the time.
-Restraining Orders → In theory, this is the best solution to keep women safe and prevent assaults, however, studies show that the perpetrators do not keep their physical distance and are not stopped by a piece of paper if they want to abuse someone. So, they are ineffective in stopping physical violence, although they may reduce psychological abuse.
In comparison between the Progressive Era and now, domestic violence has decreased greatly. A century ago, women were silent about the issue because it was a taboo, so they were never able to reach out for help. Now, women are bringing awareness, speaking up, and they are encouraged to find help. Before the acts of 1984 and 1994, there was no protection provided for women, and present day there are family courts, protection services, therapy, and laws that protect them. Looking over the course of the century, women became more empowered to speak up for their rights, and the multiple waves of feminism assisted women in ending domestic violence. Present day, women have more rights and more protection than they have ever had before, but sadly, this issue still affects millions of women, so speaking up and bringing awareness is the best way to reduce this problem.
A graph that displays the incidents of domestic violence from the 1980s to 2010s. Since the early 90's, the incidents have
greatly decreased. |
This is an example of a modern protest against domestic violence, and it can be seen on the posters that many women are still experiencing domestic violence today, so speak out!
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