10 Major Causes of Domestic Violence in Relationship

Anyone who has seen a family destroyed by domestic violence can wonder what would make a person act that way. Many perpetrators of domestic violence strike without warning.  

Think of Ray Rice, who was a star in the National Football League. He was well-liked and a pillar of the community when one night, he got in a fight with his fiancée and knocked her out in an elevator. 

Since then, he has, by all accounts, returned to being a good person who helps others avoid his mistakes.  

This type of unexpected behavior is relatively common. There are some warning signs of domestic abuse that everyone should be aware of, though.  

So, what are the main causes of domestic violence in relationships? What could be the reasons for domestic violence in an otherwise healthy marriage? Are the causes of domestic abuse valid? 

Well, domestic violence is a systematic pattern in behavior to instill dominance, superiority, and surveillance in the relationship. The factors of domestic violence are unjustified unless done in self-defense. In order to save yourself from facing the situation, know the 10 main causes of domestic violence in marriage. 

How common is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a widespread and serious issue that affects individuals across the globe, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. 

Moreover, the WHO reports that 7% of women globally have been sexually assaulted by someone other than their partner.

In the United States, the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable insights. 

What are the different types of domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pervasive and deeply concerning issue that transcends geographical, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries, affecting individuals in intimate relationships. It manifests in various forms, each with its own set of devastating consequences.

Let’s shed some light on the 5 most common and major types of domestic violence

• Physical abuse

This involves the use of force, resulting in bodily harm or injury. It includes actions like hitting, slapping, punching, or any form of physical aggression. All these are signs you’re in a domestic violence relationship.

Domestic violence red flags in a relationship include all forms of physical torment inflicted in an intimate relationship.

• Emotional or psychological abuse

This type of abuse targets a person’s emotional well-being and mental health. It can include constant criticism, manipulation, humiliation, and isolation, which can have profound and lasting effects on the victim’s self-esteem and mental state.

• Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual activity or coercion. This can range from unwanted sexual advances and harassment to assault and rape within an intimate relationship.

• Financial or economic abuse

Financial abuse is characterized by controlling a partner’s access to economic resources, limiting financial independence, or exploiting financial dependence. This may involve withholding money, preventing employment, or controlling financial decisions.

• Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, intrusive behaviors intended to create fear or distress. It can manifest through unwanted communication, surveillance, or following the victim, both online and offline.

10 common causes for domestic violence in relationships

Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for addressing and preventing incidents of domestic violence. In this discussion, we’ll explore 10 common factors that contribute to domestic violence within relationships. 

Let’s study what are the causes of domestic violence in the majority of cases

1. Mental problems

Women who are victims of severe physical abuse are likely to suffer from mental illness. The illnesses included anxiety, depression, alcoholism and drug dependence, antisocial personality disorder, and schizophrenia. 

It is not exactly clear if mentally ill women tend to be abused or if abused women develop mental illness. Nonetheless, it appears likely the two unfortunate situations occur together, leading to one of the major factors that contribute to domestic violence.

2. Poverty and unemployment

People in dire financial straits are more likely to be involved in domestic violence. Half of homeless women and children are victims of domestic violence. One major cause of this correlation is the fact that abuse victims in poverty often lack the means to escape the situation.

They may not have access to legal help or be able to afford their own housing. Abusers usually take steps to keep their victims in poverty as well. For example, an abuser may sabotage a job opportunity for their victim in order to keep the victim dependent on the abuser.

3. Education

Around the world, education makes a huge difference in the rates of causes of family violence. Each additional year of schooling is associated with an increase in awareness and a woman’s ability to ward off unwanted sexual advances. 

Women with some secondary education lower their risk of domestic violence. This is possible because women with more education are more likely to see themselves as equal to their abusers and to have the means to secure their independence and avoid any factors of family violence

4. Young parents

Parenting at a young age when the person is yet to learn the skills can lead to-

• aggression
• anger
• frustration, and
• depression.

This is possibly tied to other factors because young parents are more likely to be single, struggling economically, or have lower educational achievement. When you ask what causes domestic violence, this factor is a leading contributor.

5. Relationship retention behavior

Retention and complex behaviors are one of the prime causes of gender based violence in modern society. 

One of the causes of domestic violence in relationships is the thought process that violence can help save marriage. Many partners resort to domestic violence in marriage because they think this is the only way to retain their partner. 

Any threat to the relationship motivates the spouse to devise such retention strategies. Such behaviors, although wrong, are meant to explicitly or implicitly aim at maintaining the bond. 

However, such treatment, intimidation, or verbal abuse contributes to the causes of domestic violence in relationships. It, thereby, leads to marriage separation or divorce.

6. Historical factors

Freedom for women and respective equality is still a matter of debate and is being fought for. So, the change of mindset is bound to take time.

So, what causes domestic abuse?    

Society was male dominant in earlier times. So, even if the situation of patriarchy and male dominance doesn’t exist in all pockets of society, it is not entirely possible to eradicate one of the biggest causes of domestic violence in relationships all at once. 

As a result, the superiority complex and the inherent evil of chauvinism act as one of the major causes of domestic violence in relationships.

7. Cultural factors

When two people from different cultures decide to be wedded, it is not necessary that they both are acquainted with the differences in the culture. It might seem exciting at first, but with time, cultural differences can be one of the common causes of domestic violence in relationships.

What might seem appropriate to one culture could be looked down upon in another. And this will create one of the significant causes of family violence.

If couples do not adopt cultural differences with a conscious approach, this can lead to domestic violence causes. It can ultimately put the future in question. 

How to raise the kids? Which cultural ideology to follow? A lot comes into the scene if couples don’t share cultural compatibility and/or disrespect each other’s choices.

8. Self defence

In the list of causes of domestic violence in relationships, self-defense can also act as an obvious factor. Many spouses can resort to violence to avoid any outbreak from their partner or act in response to their partner’s abuse. 

That means if one partner is using any form of violence, another can mirror the same. On the other hand, the other partner can also take a step to introduce domestic violence if they feel a profound sense of relationship control from their partner. 

In order to balance out the power, this might seem to them as a last resort.

However, using violence can only be justified when the partners have no other way to defend themselves.

9. Alcoholism 

The use of alcohol and drugs can also lead to the occurrence and be one of the causes of violence against women and men. Excessive drinking and drugs can be significant contributors to and causes of spousal abuse. This can lead to an ongoing pattern of abusive behavior by one partner.

Alcoholism can lead to the formation of patterns, and if it is not controlled in time, it can lead to a constant need to maintain and control the relationship by the partner affected by the vice.

10. Suspicion of infidelity

The spousal relationship is meant to be based on trust and faith. However, at times, when the trust is put into question, it can act as one of the causes of domestic violence in marriage. 

If a partner feels that another is not preserving the sanctity of marriage and is cheating on them, they might think of violence as the solution. The suspicion of infidelity can make the partner bitter and lead to opportunity-based crime and violence.

In the video below, Emma Murphy talks about how taking a stand can avoid abuse. It is essential to consciously turn the terror of being a victim into a more secure situation. Refuse to let domestic violence diminish or define you:

What to do in a domestic violence relationship?

If you’re in a domestic violence relationship, your safety is the top priority. Reach out to friends, family, or a helpline for support. Consider creating a safety plan and having a bag with essentials in case you need to leave quickly. 

Don’t hesitate to contact local shelters or organizations that can provide professional help for someone in a domestic violence relationship. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available. Taking steps to protect yourself is a brave and important decision.

FAQs

Recognizing and addressing domestic violence is crucial for building safer communities. Here are straightforward answers to common questions about warning signs, effects, support, resources, and prevention.

• What are the warning signs of domestic violence?

Look out for sudden behavior changes, isolation, and controlling behavior. If someone feels afraid or trapped, it’s essential to seek help and create a safety plan.

• What are the long-term effects of domestic violence on victims and survivors?

Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Supportive relationships, counseling, and community resources play a vital role in healing.

• How can I help someone who is experiencing domestic violence?

Be a good listener, offer non-judgmental support, and encourage them to contact local helplines or shelters. Remember, your support matters.

• What are the resources available to victims and survivors of domestic violence?

Hotlines, shelters, and counseling services provide immediate assistance. Communities often have organizations dedicated to aiding survivors in their journey to safety and recovery.

• What can be done to prevent domestic violence?

Promote healthy relationships through education, open communication, and challenging gender stereotypes. Community involvement and awareness programs contribute to building a violence-free society.

Let’s stand against domestic violence

As we wrap up, let’s remember that being there for one another is what makes us stronger. 

By spotting the signs, lending a helping hand, and using the resources around us, we can truly make a difference. 

Domestic violence is everyone’s concern, and it’s through our collective effort in understanding, supporting, and preventing that we can build a world where love and respect triumph over fear and harm. Let’s stand together for safer, happier homes and communities.

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less

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