Chapter 14

Summary
Chapter fourteen focuses on abuse and violence within the family. There are various types of abuse such as intimate partner abuse versus child abuse. Intimate partner abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. Women are much more likely than men to experience intimate partner abuse and violence. Battered-woman syndrome, when a woman who has suffered years of physical abuse and does not feel that she can leave her husband, is a defense used by several hundred women who have killed their abusers. The “cycle of battering incidents” supports this defense. There are three phases to the cycle: the tension-building phase, the acute battering incident, and the “honeymoon” phase. There are also instances where men suffer abuse from their wives, but it is often experienced at much lower levels.
Child maltreatment can also be seen in various forms: physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect. Adults may abuse children for a number of reasons including substance abuse, stress, poverty, partner abuse, divorce, or a combination of these factors. Also, conflict among siblings is so common that many parents may brush off sibling abuse as normal.
The elderly may also suffer abuse from their caregivers or even their own children. Elder abuse includes physical and psychological abuse, negligence, financial exploitation, deprivation of basic needs, isolation from friends and family, and neglecting to administer medications. Family members may mistreat their elders for a number of reasons ranging from a shared living arrangement to financial stress and even one’s personality. Numerous theories attempt to explain family abuse and violence. Five of the most influential theories include the male dominance theory, social learning theory, resource theory, exchange theory, and the ecological systems theory. Aside from abuse and violence, families may also experience substance abuse, depression and suicide, and eating disorders.
What I Learned
Because I am an only child, I found sibling abuse really interesting. I wasn’t even aware that this was such a prevalent issue. I was also surprised to read that ten percent of family murders are siblicides.
Question/Concern
Binge drinking and heavy drinking are considered the two types of “problematic” drinking. I think that a significant number of college students would fall in at least one of these two categories. What are your thoughts on binge and heavy drinking? Do you think that it is an issue on our campus that should be addressed?