Domestic abuse is any behaviour done by an individual that aims to control another individual and threaten their safety. It can take form in physical violence, psychological damage, financial abuse, and so much more. Both men and women can become subject to domestic abuse, as it will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime. Domestic abuse happens worldwide, hence it is a global issue - and a highly alarming one at that.
There is no written origin of domestic abuse, as it has been occurring for many, many years now. Throughout history, numerous cases of domestic abuse have been recorded, but none of them lead to a single origin where the issue roots from.
The parties involved in the issue are, in the simplest form possible, the abused (victim) and the abuser (perpetrator). Both of these parties are involved in a personal relationship, whether as past or current partners, spouses. Other parties may also become included in the issue, especially in cases where a child is involved. 1 in 5 children have been exposed to domestic abuse in the UK.
Since domestic abuse is so widespread, it is difficult to record all cases of domestic abuse. Victims may feel too afraid to report to the police, resulting in many unreported domestic abuse cases. Some notable domestic violence cases are:
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In October 1982, a man named Charles Thurman attacked his estranged wife, Tracey Thurman. A month later, he attacked the windshield of her car whilst she was still inside the vehicle. In 1983, the climax of their issue was when Charles stabbed Tracey multiple times in various areas of her body, and she was only rescued 25 minutes later. O.J Simpson, a famous American footballer, was the main star of a famous murder trial during the 90s, after the deaths of his wife and her friend, Ron Goldman. The prosecutors say that he committed abuse against his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson for 17 years, even going as far stalking and harassing her. |
One of the most popular recent recorded case of domestic abuse is the infamous Rihanna-Chris Brown case. Rihanna and Chris Brown were heading home in Brown’s car, and Rihanna confronted Brown about messages she found in his phone, sent from another woman. Brown then stopped the car and then pushed her up against the car door, injuring her left eye and mouth. |
REFERENCES
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. “Domestic Abuse.” NSPCC. n.d. Https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/domestic-abuse/. 26 Oct. 2016.
- Husney, Adam, and Brigid McCaw. “Domestic Violence - Topic Overview.” WebMD. 14 Nov. 2014. Http://www.Webmd.Com/mental-health/tc/domestic-violence-credits. 26 Oct. 2016.
- Starmer, Keir. “Domestic Violence: the facts, the issues, the future.” CPS. 12 Apr. 2011. Http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/articles/domestic_violence_-_the_facts_the_issues_the_future/. 26 Oct. 2016.
PICTURES USED
- Tracey Thurman: https://donnagore.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/doc492a4eafeebd4918067408.jpg?w=222&h=320
- O.J Simpson: http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2016/02/01/01-oj-simpson.w529.h352.jpg
- Amy McGee: http://blog.ctnews.com/realtime/files/2013/10/Telling_Amys_Story_600.gif
- Chris Brown: https://sweetchillizhen.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/chris-brown-tattoo-rihanna-beat-up-2.jpg