The Victimization of Women Married to Substance Addicted Men

3867 Words16 Pages
The Victimization of Women Married to Substance Addicted Men Esther Lucas-Robinson Liberty University Abstract The pervasiveness of the victimization of women has been researched extensively. The increasing numbers of violent crimes against females have soared over their male counterparts in the past 20 years prompting more study to understand this epidemic. A public health concern which places the lives of countless women in jeopardy is domestic abuse. This paper examines the victimization of women by their substance addicted spouses. An analysis is made of the symptomatic causes of domestic abuse. The reporting of these occurrences to the local authorities by the female victim is analyzed which offers a better understanding for why women keep silent. The psychological effects of abuse are considered in conjunction with the social stereotypes that redefines the already traumatized victim. Coping mechanisms, i.e., religion is explored as a survival resource. The factors that influence the departure or remaining of a wife with her abusive spouse are explained. Resolutions that may assist in improving the emotional and physical problems are identified. The Victimization of Women Married to Substance Addicted Men Women from all walks of life, of different societies, culture, race and creed experience the devastating effects of violence on a regular basis. Aggravated assault, simple assaults, sexual assaults, murders and rapes are all occurrences of violence against women. “In general, for both fatal and non-fatal violence, women are at higher risk than men to be victimized by an intimate” (Craven, 1996, p. 2). As opposed to a reckless assault by an anonymous stranger these violent crimes are often perpetrated by someone that the victim knows personally. Intimate partner crime is often associated with domestic abuse and does not necessitate sexual

More about The Victimization of Women Married to Substance Addicted Men

Open Document