Domestic Violence in Australia - Case Study Example

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE By Name Course Professor Institution City and State Date Domestic Violence Part 1 Section A Domestic violence has been observed to be transforming in the ways through which it is perpetrated. This heinous act involves abuse of persons within the familial setups. For instance, it may involve cause of children or spouses. In many cases, the violence occurs through acts of battering the partner or through acts of intimate sexual violence. While many cases of domestic violence appear to hold mild effects, some serious occurrences have been seen to cause physical disfigurement or even death of the concerned party. Based on global trends, it is appreciated that women and children are the most liable recipients of the violence. This has prompted establishment of civil rights movements advocating against such instances of violence. In fact, child helplines and feminist movements are some of the developments prompted by this inconsiderate act of bestiality. Psychologically, the drive behind perpetration of domestic violence is less understood. However, it is thought that the champions for this form of crime believe that their criminal acts are justified, and that violence is an ideal corrective measure in cases of misunderstandings. Worryingly, this mental orientation has been blamed for the promotion of the observed intergenerational cycles in domestic violence. Critically, it is appreciable that the levels of awareness on the gravity of domestic violence vary from country to country. In many developing nations, masculinity is still a prominent mentality, a fete that has since seen degradation and abuse of the feminine. In fact, it is sad to note that some communal setups accord more authority to young boys, thus enabling them to foster violence against older females. While it is agreeable that domestic violence needs to be urgently looked into, aspects of shame and fear have hampered such efforts. In addition, the need to protect the privacy of the children who are victims of domestic violence complicates progress. Further, indications point towards the scarcity of support resources as a hindrance to the progress in curbing domestic violence. To this end, it is sad to submit that the victims of domestic violence are likely to continue experiencing post-traumatic disorders for a foreseeable future. Literature Review Article Details Summary of Facts and Figures Presented Payne, D. & Wermeling, L. 2009. Domestic violence and the female victim: the real reason why women stay. Journal of Multicultural, Gender and Minority Studies, 3(1). According to this article, criminalization has been imposed on domestic violence. However, such a move has not adequately curbed the trend in the heinous act. As such, the author unveils the existence of various factors that force the women, who are the subjects of abuse, to remain in such violent setups. Kaur, R. & Garg, S. 2008. Addressing Domestic Violence against Women: An Unfinished Agenda. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 33(2), 73-76. Addressing Domestic Violence against Women: An Unfinished Agenda This article observes that while any are quite about cases of domestic violence, it is a factor that is surely derailing economic development of many nations. The article points out that while the full impact of the violence may not be noted within the current generation, it longevity ensures the future generations become victims of current developments. Cater, L. S., Weithorn, L. A., and Behrman, R. E. 1999. Domestic violence and children: analysis and recommendations. Journal Issue: Domestic Violence and Children, 9(3 The authors note that children are on the receiving end of domestic violence. However, they note that policy makers have not been able to make adequate efforts directed towards rescue of the millions of children exposed to the social crime. Edleson, J. 1999. Children's Witnessing of Adult Domestic Violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(8), 839-870. According to the author, there is constant increase in the number of children experiencing cases of domestic violence. The article notes that intensive research has been directed towards understanding of the cases of the violence and their possible impacts on such children. Yet, the author understands that there is minimal clarity and consensus among the research works. Gersten, D. M. 1998. Evidentiary Trends in Domestic Violence. The Florida Bar Journal, 72(7), 65-70. This article observes the increase in responses from the judiciary in attempts to curb domestic violence. Despite that adoption of legislations aimed at managing domestic violence in different countries, the responses to such legislative changes have not been appealing. As such, domestic violence has continued to thrive. The author also observes that while it was generally perceived that all domestic violence cases were relatively similar, evidentiary distinctions are proving otherwise. As such, there is need to treat each case independently. Section B In their study, Payne & Wermeling (2009) review prospects of social science and the legal systems, and the use of protective orders. Further, the authors look into the methodologies applied in the prosecution of the perpetrators of the violence. To this end, the authors establish that violence involves aspects of pain and anguish, and is sadly rooted within the familial setups. They are able to establish that social workers and the women involved in the cases of violence are faced with a wide array of challenges that force them to stay. The article also points out that the current legislative setups in the global scene cannot be trusted to fully alleviate acts of domestic violence. Also, the article reaffirms that safety concerns prevent many women from coming forward to voice their encounters. To this end, the article stresses on the need to develop new approach to the social issue. On the other hand, Kaur & Garg (2008) express understanding that there are various efforts that are being directed towards containing domestic violence are not working. The authors express concern that the transnational nature of the violence has made it a widely accepted occurrence in virtually all socioeconomic, political and geographic zones. This has thus seen women health and social wellbeing slowly deteriorate. Nevertheless, the authors note that while it has grave impacts, it remains the most widely ignored public and social health issue. To this end, they conclude that there is need for better intervention programs to protect future generations. Cater, Weithorn and Behrman (1999) understand that there are various effects of the exposure of children to domestic violence. In this sense, the authors attempt to explore the trends and patterns of the domestic crime. Worryingly, the article points out that many children under five were brought up in families experiencing domestic violence. As such, the children were subjected to serious negative effects including phobia, aggression, insomnia and depression. To this end, the authors outline the need for strategic reviews to better the understanding of the domestic violence cases. It is only through such understanding that workable frameworks will be established. Also, the authors note the need for public-private partnership in development of comprehensive corrective programs. Edleson (1999) is of the view that many children are experiencing adult domestic violence, and that such positioning has grave impacts on their social and physiological wellbeing. Also, the author observes that there are several factors that moderate the impact of the witnessing the violence. Such factors include; whether the child was directly abused, the gender of the child involved and the age of the child. Also, the duration of exposure is integral. This makes the authors to conclude that the exposure of children to domestic violence has several dimensions that need to be looked into. In his article, it is apparent that the Gersten (1998) is interested in unveiling the role of the judiciary in curbing increasing cases of domestic violence. The author is of the view that while various legislative acts and amendments have been put in place in America and across the globe, such legislations have hardly been fruitful in curbing domestic violence cases. This prompts the author to submit that generalization of domestic violence cases has contributed largely to the wanting situation experienced in the fight. Part 2 Section A Notably, domestic violence is a vice that has developed roots in Australian setups. Sadly, attempted efforts to curb this development have proved futile. In Australian family setups, domestic violence occurs in a variety of ways. The common type is physical abuse. This involves infliction of injury on a loved one, especially women and children, and in some cases pets. The second common type of violence that is rapidly developing popularity is emotional violence. While this form of violence is difficult to note, it is markedly hurtful. Moreover, economic violence is existent in Australia. In this perspective, women in marital setups are not accorded economic freedom to their money. Also common is social violence. This involves the male partner teasing their feminine counterparts in front of others, a practice that demeans the other partner. Finally, America encounters instances of spiritual violence. This is noted where persons of antagonistic cultural, social and religious beliefs opt to engage in a relationship leading to marriage. In this sense, there is intensive manipulation of spirituality in an attempt to curb the feelings of a partner. Worryingly, men too have been seen to suffer from instances of domestic violence. According to the statistics from OneinThree, approximately 75 males were killed in domestic violence cases between 2008 and 2010. So far, various theories have been put forward to explain the domestic violence scenario in Australia. The first major theory is the exchange theory. According to this theory, violence is seen as the ideal last resort that can be used in attempts to attain what one needs. For instance, emotional violence may be applied among couples in advocation for conjugal rights. In some cases, however, it is observed that a people have a strategic culture of violence. This worrying revelation is in line with the culture of violence theory which submits that such groups believe in the maintenance of status quo. To explain the existence of economic violence, the economic theory is strategic. This theory notes that the rights to property in a relationship is accorded to one partner at the expense of the other partner. The social conflict theory, on the other hand, observes that entering a relationship in which people have antagonistic values and aspirations is likely to cause spiritual violence. Indeed, many families end up breaking currently due to domestic violence. On the other hand, some cases of domestic violence are able to be solved, leading to prosperance of the family. This can be explained by the general systems theory which notes that violence is a result of broken familial systems. As a result, correcting the broken systems is the ideal measure of fixing the family. Above all, the sociobiological theory notes the need to conserve genetic superiority. This explains why men attempt to maintain their dominance and superiority over women. Target Marketing This program aims at engaging key stakeholders to collectively work towards alleviating prominence and spread of domestic violence in the society. It also aims at bringing diverse sexes on board, with the appreciation that domestic violence can only be curbed if both perpetrators and the recipients are trained on corrective techniques. To this end, the program is to be implemented at community levels, a prospect that ensures all are involved. This is aimed at easing surveillance. Above all, the program aims at catalyzing the realization of societal sobriety in advocation for the rights of children, and the need to protect them from domestic violence. Section B Branding and Strategic Positioning Over time, it has been apparent that domestic violence is not only derailing peaceful co-existence, but also promoting economic downfall. In this respect, many institutions and bodies have been established to fight against this vice. Unfortunately, such institutions have often adopted partisan approach to the social issue, thus hampering possible progress. This program appreciates the need for bipartisan approach in containing the situation. Indeed, the program appreciates that social crimes have reasons behind them. As such, the program seeks to understand the reasons behind domestic violence, and to use such understanding to establish lasting solutions. By engaging community leaderships and people of diverse socioeconomic, political and religious orientations, the program is able to promote inclusivity, a feature that has been lacking in many previous attempts to arrest the vice. To this end, it is appreciable that this brand is founded on inclusivity, understanding and openness. Marketing Mix This social program has no direct competition. However, it has various strengths and weaknesses as outlined in the SWOT analysis below: Strengths The program promotes inclusivity, an approach that was lacking in previous setups. Also, the program is appreciates the uniqueness of social issues and recommends treatment of social crime cases as isolated incidences. By working at community levels, the program is able to get firsthand experience on the gravity of the problem. Finally, the program promotes privacy. Weaknesses Based on the conservationist and the social dominance theories, sections of the target populations are likely to shy away from the program. Also, the program may encounter low awareness on the rights and freedoms in some localities, thus making respondent to be oblivious of the fact that they are being subjected to abuse. Also, this program is new in many regions. As such, it lacks adequate field experience. Opportunities The program has marked opportunity to reach regions that had not been reached through earlier initiatives. The increasing education and awareness in many parts of the country is also an opportunity to be exploited. Finally, the program can exploit government and legal support to further its mandate. Threats There is high likelihood of possible resistance to change from sections of the society. The program may also encounter antagonism from feminist and children rights movements which may opt to employ different techniques. There is also threat of attacks to some of the social rights workers and activist championing the program in different hostile localities. Section C Upstream Environment and Policy Issues In the cause of implementation of the policy, it is ideal to pay attention to behavioral perspectives and the practicality of the advocated policies. While policies aimed at eradicating domestic violence are likely to face challenges, it is important to device them in a way that they are acceptable to the public. Also, it is vital to lay attention to context blindness, a feature that results into failure of many social marketing plans. In addition, crop spraying is likely to occur. This involves generalization, a fete prompted by the high cost of running social plans. Instead, it is proper to implement individual focused tools that will enact changes at personal levels. Due to conservative approach, power focus may also be an issue that could derail progress of the program. Recommendations The following are key programs that can be instituted to contain domestic violence. 1. Understanding the signs of domestic violence; it is appreciable that many victims of domestic violence shy away from admitting to be subject to abuse. As such, it is important to socialize with the members of the community to identify the possible signs of domestic violence 2. Education; ignorance has been cited as a major factor that promotes domestic violence. Therefore, alleviation of ignorance through education is the best strategy to quick start the domestic violence eradication process 3. Organization; one reason for failure of prior programs is lack of organization. In this respect, it is ideal for the to understand the goals and strategies to be used in realization of such goals. It is also important to establish timelines within which the various goals are to be realized. 4. Use of technology; through technological tools and social media platforms, the goals of the organization can be furthered. For instance, mobile and computer applications can be established to unit champions against domestic violence. This will create a sense of belonging hence promote efforts against the vice 5. Financial support; dependence is one of the factors for domestic violence. Therefore, collaborations with the government to establish financial supports to the victims to help in reconstruction of their lives would help curb domestic violence. 6. Promotion of openness and freedom should also be a priority in the fight against the social crime. To evaluate the effectiveness of the social marketing plan, it is key to determine the acceptability of the message to the people, the popularity of the platform used to reach the people and the perception of the audience on the program. It is also strategic to device mechanisms of attaining feedbacks from the public. Such feedbacks can then be used to improve the program. References Cater, L. S., Weithorn, L. A., and Behrman, R. E. 1999. Domestic violence and children: analysis and recommendations. Journal Issue: Domestic Violence and Children, 9(3 Edleson, J. 1999. Children's Witnessing of Adult Domestic Violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 14(8), 839-870. Gersten, D. M. 1998. Evidentiary Trends in Domestic Violence. The Florida Bar Journal, 72(7), 65-70. Kaur, R. & Garg, S. 2008. Addressing Domestic Violence against Women: An Unfinished Agenda. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 33(2), 73-76. Payne, D. & Wermeling, L. 2009. Domestic violence and the female victim: the real reason why women stay. Journal of Multicultural, Gender and Minority Studies, 3(1). Read More