Domestic Violence and Helplessness Among the Victims

The problem of domestic violence is quite relevant in different states and requires proper discussion by experts to analyze possible causes of the issue and its solutions. In this context, specific attention should be paid to the problem of violence victim treatment at the stage of the learned helplessness. The presented paper aims to summarize the available information about the causes and significance of the domestic violence issue and its impact on the stage of learned helplessness among the victims and assess the significance of the issue. To obtain the final result the literary analysis method had been applied here. According to the outcomes of performed analysis, it was possible to state that the issue of learned helplessness is widely present, and different factors like race, gender, and social and economic status affect the risk of its development.

Capstone Project

Introduction

The analysis of the psychological impacts of domestic violence helps to understand the relevance of the issue of learned helplessness among the victims. This state can have a serious negative influence on victim’s health and well-being. The experts should be capable to diagnose this state and provide an adequate treatment strategy to prevent long-term negative impacts for the victim. In this way, the presented capstone project aims to solve the existing problem of adequate support for the people who experienced the learned helplessness as a result of domestic violence. It discusses the arguments for the choice of concrete target population, aims of the study, and its significance.

Choice of Target Population

The capstone project that will be discussed in the presented paper will aim to contribute to the resolution of the issue of learned helplessness among the victim-survivors of domestic violence. Therefore, a victim-survivor is a definition that is used to characterize a status and social role of the individual who faces a threat of domestic violence. In this context, the problem of domestic violence and caused physical and psychological problems is quite relevant in the wide range of countries, including the developed ones. For example, in the US about 60 % of women were killed by their male cohabitants who have practiced domestic violence in the past (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). In this situation, about 90 % of victims of domestic violence are females (Hayes, 2013). As a result, domestic violence is a serious problem, and its victims definitely require serious support.

In this case, the main object of the study in the context of the presented capstone project will be the impaired autonomy issue, mainly the victim’s state who experiences the learned helplessness. Ciurria (2018) defined five main steps in the development of psychological issue of impaired autonomy: low self-efficacy, learned helplessness, obedience to the authority of the aggressor, social-role conformity, and reward-seeking behavior (p.3). The discussion of this list makes it possible for the experts to define the logic of psychological issue development. At the first stage of problem development in the context of the domestic violence, a victim demonstrates a slight reduction of motivation for defending his/her interests, while when the issue escalates he/she becomes weaker and weaker. In the final stage, the victim transforms actually to the toy in the hands of violent cohabitant, without a will for confrontation and desire to struggle. While for the aggressing side, such an outcome can be quite desired; in fact, it leads to the high risk of victim’s death (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). Consequently, the presented capstone project discusses the opportunities for effective prevention of domestic violence at the stage of the learned helplessness. According to the provided logic of issue development, at this stage, the victim is already under significant psychological pressure, but still obtains some resources for the struggle. Thus, the experts and psychology practitioners should be able to capture the victim in this vital stage and lead him/her to the way of issue resolution and restoration of normal psychological conditions of living. Otherwise, the most effective interventions at the later stages can be senseless or unproductive due to the situation when critical level had been passed. Like with the physical diseases, when a certain level of issue development makes a treatment ineffective, the problem of impaired autonomy as a result of domestic violence should be treated in timely manner. Due to the variety of problems and conditions in the treatment of this psychological issue, the selected capstone project was concentrated on this theme.

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The Aims of the Project

In the context of the presented capstone project, the aim of the project is to research the development of learned helplessness, the main causes of impaired autonomy development among the victims of the domestic violence, the possible negative impacts of this psychological issue, and provide possible solutions to the stated issue from the point of early support of victims of domestic violence. All these questions should be analyzed in details since the stated arguments connected with the issue of domestic violence are usually found to be quite ineffective for the understanding and description of the menyioned problem.

According to the results of recent researches, the main reason of the domestic violence risk development is a specific psychological condition of one of the couple’s representatives, which leads him/her to the realization of the behavior model characterized as domestic violence. Here, it is important to mention that the aggressive side in this issue is mostly typical for male representatives, but the domestic violence caused by females is also a common phenomenon (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). Nevertheless, while the male violence model is usually connected with physical influence on the victim, the females mainly realize the model of psychological pressure. This issue is especially urgent to the relations between the females and children (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). As a result, the domestic violence should not be understood as only the relations between the cohabitants, but also as a problem between the parents and their children.

The following psychological conditions of the aggressive side should be considered as the main causes of domestic violence: “high rates of suspicion and jealousy, sudden and drastic mood swings, poor self-control, and higher than average rates of approval of violence and aggression” (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). All these conditions are more usually found among males, but they can also be found among females.

Another aspect of the issue is connected with the discussion of possible solutions to the issue of impaired autonomy, and the definition of treatment practices that lead to the effective restoration of victim’s psychological health. As follows, the recent research demonstrated that the main condition for the domestic violence prevention is an existence of non-coercive relationship model inside the couple (Ciurria, 2018, p.5). This behavior model is characterized by equal and democratic relations, which are characterized by mutual support and respect between the partners. In the conditions of domestic violence, an impact of permanent aggression against the victim causes a situation when during the treatment process a victim requires a permanent psychological support from the others (Ciurria, 2018, p.5). The role of effective support for the victim of impaired autonomy is usually underestimated; the presented project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of this treatment option. Hence, the importance of psychological support should be considered as an argument for people who suffer from the learned helplessness and seek for possible solutions. They should understand that the main factor of successful prevention of negative psychological conditions presupposes a search of possible support and protection in the community.

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The Significance of the Issue

The significance and relevance of the discussed project as per mentioned issue is enormous due to the variety of questions covered, and due to the provision a most complex assessment of different conditions, impacts, and outcomes of the domestic violence issue and the state of learned helplessness. Meanwhile, the significance of the issue of learned helplessness is related with the possible negative impacts that this condition can cause, and the importance of their early prevention. The main outcome of the condition of learned helplessness for victim is associated with the state of depression and psychological oppression. Moreover, one of the most dangerous impacts of learned helplessness on the victim’s psychological state is not the risk of depression and psychological oppression but the distortion of the personal perception of risk by the victim. According to the recent study, people were found to demonstrate a higher level of support for a risky decision-making in the conditions of the learned helplessness (Pittiglio, 2017). The conditions mentioned above can be considered as a factor that encourages a person to perform such actions that are risky for his/her health and life. Thus, the demonstrated level of protection against risky decisions among victims is reduced. This outcome is a significant problem, and it also defines the importance of the selected theme for discussion.

Another factor of the stated issue’s significance is that many aspects of the problem are quite contradictory, and the lack of issue’s understanding is relevant for the society in general. Here, it is usually believed that only people with a calm character and without strong will can become the victims of domestic violence (Hayes, 2013). However, the results of research demonstrate that people with strong character also can become such victims (Hayes, 2013). Moreover, among the variety of factors that were found to affect the risk of domestic violence, the following are the most important: victim’s “race, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and/or nationality” (Hayes, 2013). At the same time, the factor of culture was not considered to have a direct impact on the risk of domestic violence (Hayes, 2013). In this situation, the role of nationality as a factor of domestic violence is used to describe the conditions of immigrants, who arrive to a foreign state and face domestic violence from local citizens and their cohabitants due to the lack of knowledge about local legal system and low level of integration into local society. In this situation, personal traits and psychological characteristics of both sides – a victim and an aggressor played a more significant role compared to cultural factors connected with education. The demonstration of variety of factors that contribute to the development of the issue of domestic violence also raises a question about the relevance and significance of the project. The variety of risks and factors should be adequately assessed and responded by the experts for the benefit of victims and society as a whole.

The Benefit of Recovery Programme for Women

This research proposal will focus on a phenomenon of domestic violence against women and ways of implementation of the recovery program. The increasing hazard of domestic violence demands a special approach to be settled because of its corrupt influence on society.

Two types of domestic violence can be distinguished: physical and psychological. Psychological abuse is a hidden form of violence that could be not obvious because it is not accompanied by drubbing and visual marks on the body. On the contrary, the physical one is characterized not only by maims but a deep emotional trauma as well. All types of home violence have psychological prerequisites and such further effects as mental decay.

Aims and Objectives of Research Proposal

The core purposes of the research proposal are the following: a comprehensive and in-depth examination of home violence against females and the development of the recovery program basis. Key objectives include the following: to identify the domestic violence phenomena; to distinguish methods of research; to develop the recovery program, and to consider the ethical aspects of collecting and processing data.

The essence of the recovery program for women is an individual work of psychologists with victims of violence and the rehabilitation centers creation. In order to reach success in this area, the appropriate knowledge and concrete data must be accumulated. This study aims to collect data and consider the support approaches for creating and implementing a proper recovery program in the future.

Current Aid

British sources focus on the development of a set of government programs to protect women from domestic violence. In 2012 and 2013, 76 females were exposed to the cruelty of the partner or ex-partner; it is the lowest number since 1998 and 1999 (HM Government 2014); nevertheless, it is a dreadful statistic. British sources focus on the development of the set of government programs to protect women from domestic violence. The developed legislation aims to punish an offender, but there is not enough material that can help prevent violence or soften consequences. The background target of this research proposal is not only to help women but support men in overcoming the craving for violence. The proposal does not focus on trying to punish but endeavors to assist in rehabilitation.

From a practical standpoint, the rehabilitation program will actually help the victims of violence. However, it should be noted that there are centers for women and children who annually provide support to victims of domestic violence. In 2013, 9,577 women and 10,117 children were protected during the year by respective organizations (Howard, Laxton & Musoke 2013, p. 6). There exist call centers where every woman can get anonymous advice and moral support (Woman’s Aid). However, the actual help with direct contact is the best alternative. For this reason, the new programs should be designed and the previous ones improved.

Definitions and Key Concepts

Any research cannot be conducted without an attentive study of the main concepts. Taking into consideration the examined sources, the following definitions are formed.

Violence is an act or number of actions that cause humiliation and insult of another individual’s honor and dignity. Typically, they consist of the infliction of physical injuries and psychological pressure on the victim. Cruelty can manifest itself in different forms. A type of violence is often determined by gender, race, type of relationship between a victim and an attacker. Most victims are women because they are naturally weaker than men and are often in social dependence from them.

Violence against women is a special kind of cruelty and “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life” (Matczak, Hatzidimitriadou & Lindsay 2011, p. 5). It implies the humiliation of females and girls (verbal, psychological, physical, etc.) that deprives them of the right to control the closeness of contact (more often sexual) with a man. A male has an advantage because of his physical power, thus consciously or unconsciously insulting a female. For this reason, it leads to sexual or another kind of violence that has a sexual context, including deterrence. Women undergo violence “behind the closed doors.” Therefore, domestic violence is characterized by a special cynicism. The place that should be a stronghold and a center of protection against external damaging factors becomes a prison and a place of physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence for females. Manifestations of domestic violence intensify in stressful situations such as deterioration of couple relationships, job loss, age crisis, and different types of addiction. It is characterized by cyclic recurrence because, during lasting relationships, any violence is not limited by a single episode. For this reason, women need skilled assistance at all levels.

Epistemological Position

The epistemological position (Raddon n.d.) of the study is based on principles of criticism, fundamentalism, and normativism. The development of rehabilitation programs should be grounded on solid facts and critical analysis of the sources that do not allow essential errors. The core task of the program is to help victims; therefore, its detailed design and additions must consider the rules and regulations at all levels. It concerns not only the sphere of professional psychologists and sociologists but the scope of the legislation as well.

Methodology and Methods

The recovery program for women must be designed based on in-depth scientific research. The research methodology includes a set of generally accepted methods in sociology and psychology. They are necessary for proper data collecting and processing. A set of these research instruments consists of a questionnaire, private conversations, a group experiment interview, an exploration of documents, a partaker observation (through the involvement of the researcher in the group/space being studied), research of test situations, and others (Bryman 2012). For a diagnosis of socially significant qualities of the individual, the methods of expert and group assessment of personality could be implemented.

In the discussed research proposal, the following background methods are selected: observation, questionnaires, and interviews. They are called to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data, which has been used in the previous paragraphs, can be received by studying scientific literature, documents, and previous researches. It concerns the concepts and theories of domestic violence, information about social recovery services, and government protection programs. Qualitative data (statistics) can be taken from official resources or collected by social interventions and active participation in helping victims of domestic violence.

Sample and Sampling

The target audience can be formed on commonly developed principles and include representatives from different geographical regions of Great Britain. The research proposition gives an opportunity to cover any territory for sampling. Official databases can provide any information about the population of the UK (Office for National Statistics n.d.).

Young and adult individuals from various parts of the chosen area will be offered to answer questions or interview. The coefficient toward the general population could be calculated after choosing 100-200 (or more) people. It is significant to work separately with women and men who express readiness to discuss their psychological problems and talk about the causes that provoked uncontrollable anger and violence against their partners. Therefore, two types of questionnaire must be developed.

The general results of the work with a sample and proper conclusions about the influence of variables on the level of domestic violence will give an opportunity to design an efficient recovery program for women.

Collecting Data

Information about abused women and their partners, who are ready to receive support, will be collected with the help of the questionnaire method and testing. It can be passed at the designated place in the form of a face-to-face conversation or through the Internet as well. It is assumed that individuals should be able to choose a personal way to share their experiences and considerations on the discussed problem.

Participants can choose to provide precise information about them face-to-face or answer questions and discuss them anonymously. It is considered to include the following points in the test questionnaire:

For women:

• 1. Have you experienced home violence?
• 2. Do you have children?
• 3. What status does your partner have (boyfriend/husband)?
• 4. How long have your relationships been lasting?
• 5. What kinds of domestic violence have you experienced?
• 6. How often do you suffer from male violence?
• 7. Have you ever sought protection from outside?
• 8. What types of mental problems do you have after a conflict?
• 9. Why have you decided to stay/not to stay with your partner?
• 10. What reasons and/or situations could cause violence outbreaks?
• 11. How do you intend to resist the aggression of the perpetrator?

For men:

• 1. Have you felt violent outbursts?
• 2. Do you have children?
• 3. What status does your partner have (girlfriend/wife)?
• 4. How long have your relationships been lasting?
• 5. What types of domestic violence have been caused by your behavior?
• 6. How often do you offend your woman by assault and battery?
• 7. How do you evaluate such behavior?
• 8. Have you ever sought professional support?
• 9. What kind of psychological discomfort do you have before and after a conflict?
• 10. Why have you decided to stay/not to stay with your partner?
• 11. What reasons and/or situations could cause violent outbursts?
• 12. How do you intend to resist rage?

The questions about sex, race, and age as well as the financial situation inside the family could be discussed in a separate questionnaire at the very beginning of a chat with a counselor (sociologist or psychologist).

Ethical Considerations and Limitations

The ethical side of the research provides a cautious approach to the organization and the performance of support activities. As a rule, women who experience domestic violence have an unstable psyche and emotional disorders. An expert must be willing to work with serious cases, including mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional isolation. In addition, the rehabilitation program implementer should be alien to any form of discrimination, including racial and social ones. An important condition for success is a conscious rejection of any form of condemnation and denunciation. Shame, doubt, and fear of condemnation can negatively affect all recovery program participants. It especially concerns men who are searching for support to overcome mental health problems and start a new life. Numerous males feel deeply guilty about their behavior, knowing that it causes sufferings to their beloved ones. For this reason, it is necessary to provide proper assistance to men in order to avoid new incidents.

It is significant to give participants an opportunity to complete a questionnaire form and pass tests at home (receiving a list of questions through the Internet). Furthermore, personal confidential conversations with the leaders of the project could become an excellent alternative for those who need an eye-to-eye contact. The second type of people can successfully work in small groups for mutual psychological support, using the brainstorming method.

Another moral and ethical issue is data processing. Any answers and revelations of the rehabilitation program participants should not be made public without their consent. Every manipulation with the completed questionnaire should be discussed with the person who answered the questions. If a participant is not ready to give a straight answer to the question, he or she should not be pressed to reply. The core objective of the sociology and psychology experts in the implementation of the recovery program is not to hurt anyone. Therefore, the options for creating the psychologically comfortable conditions for exchanging the experience must be provided.

General Study Design

Generally, the discussed project is based on the scientific method that includes the following steps: identifying a field of research and forming the core aims and objectives; identifying epistemological position; distinguishing core concepts; designing the research methods to develop the basis for the future recovery program; collecting and analyzing relevant data (qualitative and quantitative); drawing a conclusion, i.e. summarizing results; reporting findings, and testing the designed recovery program.

Conclusion

Designing the research proposal and exploring the chosen issue, the following conclusions have been done. First of all, women often face the following two types of domestic violence: physical and psychological. Second of all, violence must be prevented or reduced to a minimum. Numerous governmental programs are designed only to protect females from domestic violence and punish the abuser. However, there is a lack of services for the physical and psychological recovery of the victims. The research and development approaches enable to provide qualified personal assistance to women and men in overcoming home violence. The benefit of such a program includes collecting qualitative and quantitative data, questionnaire designing and information processing, face-to-face interviews, and group therapy; and it is obvious. It is aimed not only at recovering women but also at psychological assistance to men who suffer from the anger outbursts and commit violence against women.

The results of the performed analysis demonstrated that the issue of domestic violence and caused learned helplessness state is quite relevant and urgent for people in different countries, without a connection to particular cultural factors or regions. In this way, the significant negative physical and psychological impacts of such state had been defined. Thus, the results of the study demonstrated the relevance of the theme of the chosen capstone project and the importance of its practical realization. In this way, it should contribute to the risk reduction of further psychological issues development connected with the stated problem.