UNDERLYING CAUSES

It is no coincidence that an overwhelming majority of the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are women and children. At the root of these crimes lies a society in which patriarchy determines the worth of human beings. John Gottman and Neil Jacobson, in their 1998 book titled When Men Batter Women report that "battering, and the values supporting it, cannot be understood apart from other aspects of the culture that sanction male superiority." Although laws have changed to protect women and children from abuse, domestic violence is still an epidemic in this country. Traditional gender based roles in our society place men in positions of power over women in most all arenas (family, work, religion, recreation, etc.). Often, through the media and other forms of socialization, we encourage using violence as a means of gaining power and control. We place the most value on those individuals with the most power and control. Because this foundation is set in our society, our belief systems are affected.

For example, many batterers believe the following statements to be true:

(a) "Sometimes I have the right to use violence to get my way."
(b) "Men are supposed to be the head of the household."
(c) "Women should do what they're told."

However, men are not the only ones in our society who use violence. Women and children are becoming more violent as well, oftentimes responding to acts of violence with violence. Many factors, such as alcohol and drug use and poverty, contribute to a growing use of violence. Because these crimes are so complex, our efforts to intervene must be collaborative and thorough. We have to teach men, women, and children alike that abuse is not acceptable in our society and that it will not be tolerated. Reacting immediately to such situations and providing the perpetrator with appropriate consequences is the best way to end the abuse.