Myths on Family Violence
Family violence is related to various myths that shape thoughts and opinions concerning domestic violence. The three common myths include: family violence is uncommon and does not affect many people, family violence occurs only to poor and uneducated families, and family violence occurs when men get angry and lose control (Yamawaki et al., 2012). These are myths, and there is little or no truth to them. Family violence has been a concealed and underreported issue within the society, which results in this myth. However, it has been occurring in families resulting in intimate partner violence, which has contributed to death, illness, and families’ breakage. 1 to 4 families experience different forms of family violence. Family violence happens among the different types of families. Contrary to the level of income, profession, religion, race, or even education levels. Family violence is a result of an individual’s decision. Different factors contribute to family violence, including anger. It does not entail losing control but gaining control.
Causes of domestic violence
The myths on family violence define the causes of domestic violence as anger and loss of control among men. Most reported cases on domestic violence associate men to be abusers. Where they are believed to lose control and out of anger, engage in the abuse. However, other underlying factors are discriminated against. Factors such as emotional and mental illness, drunkenness, drug abuse, and frustrations (Yamawaki et al., 2012). Domestic violence is a result of lack and poverty.
Domestic violence is related to low-income families due to their inability to provide and live good lives. However, this is an assumption. Since domestic violence also occurs in affluent and well-educated families. According to research and study, most affluent and educated families are associated with domestic violence. It is evident with the number of divorce cases, family separation, and custody cases. The myth that family violence is rare results in the myth that when domestic violence occurs, the abused deserved and pushed the abuser to the act. It is not true since some abusers engage due to the effects of drug abuse, emotional instability, and mental illness.
The role of media in furthering domestic violence myths
The media plays a role in furthering myths that are related to domestic violence. It is evident with the social acceptance of domestic violence based on the different cultures. For example, Arab culture views women as assets to their husbands. Therefore men have legal control over their wives. Women are diminished within such culture and therefore are vulnerable to domestic violence. Media has revealed such information but has not stood against such acts. It is empowering such cultures that are adopted and socially accepted. Through television shows and commercial advertisements, the media has frequently joked about family violence (Dragiewicz et al., 2018). They are making the issue of domestic violence light within society. Such actions by the media make victims of domestic violence shun from reporting and standing against domestic violence. It also normalizes the issue of domestic violence. The media reports cases concerned with domestic violence without adequate information. It results in the spread of inaccurate information which empowers the myths related to domestic violence rather than the facts.