Intro Stages of Healthy Gay Relationships Intro To Domestic Violence Introduction to Gay Male Domestic Violence Treatment Of Domestic Violence Treatment Of Domestic Violence DV Links References Intro To Domestic Violence Cycle of Violence Assessing for Violence Safety Plans Causes of Domestic Violence | There are a number of factors associated with domestic violence in straight relationships that are typically discussed (Riggs et al, 2000). Typically, the following list is offered:
The general model explaining domestic violence has been one of male power and privilege ultimately leading to its logical conclusion, that of abuse of women. Merrill (1996) offers a gender-neutral model as follows. There are three underlying causes to domestic violence, and these would apply in straight, gay, and lesbian cases.
This model is consistent with the risk factors noted above in that instruction and modeling could both be associated with a history of past abuse or witnessing of abuse. Such abuse could teach that the batterer is entitled to use violence to achieve his desires (Burke and Follingstad, 1999). The reward for violent behavior can be directly given to the abuser, or be observed in the case of others who act in threatening ways and are rewarded (as in Social Learning Theory). The "flip side of the coin" may also come into play where there is no reward, but also no punishment or consequence. For example, if police are called to a domestic disturbance and leave without making any intervention, the batterer may learn that outside intervention in the couple is nothing to be concerned about or feared.
Power differences may stem from a number of factors, including:
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