Domestic Abuse During Pregnancy

This assignment delves into the complex issue of domestic abuse during pregnancy. It explores the experiences and concerns of expectant mothers facing this form of violence, analyzing the effectiveness of existing antenatal inquiry practices for identifying and addressing the problem. The analysis extends to legal frameworks, such as Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) and relevant legislation, highlighting how they aim to protect pregnant women from abuse. Additionally, the assignment considers support systems available for victims and explores various research studies that shed light on this critical social issue.

Domestic Abuse

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
Exploring theories to explain the cause of domestic violence....................................................3
Paul's Behavioural Pattern in an Abusive Relationship..............................................................4
Impact of Domestic abuse on Debbie and her Children.............................................................5
Refuges and Independent domestic violence advocacy (IDVA) to help the victims of Domestic. .6
Abuse.........................................................................................................................................6
Current Legislation such as MARACs, Police Protection orders...............................................7
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES.....................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Domestic abuse or violence is a form or pattern of behaviour that involves physical, mental,
emotional or social abuse by one person against another person. Domestic violence involves
physical abuse such as acid throwing, marital rape, sexual assaults, bride burning, honour killing,
and dowry deaths (Chang, Kahle and Hirsch, 2015). The chance of domestic violence increases
when abuser thinks that abuse is acceptable and justified in all sense and it will not be reported to
any member of the family. Awareness, reporting of domestic abuse, documentation and perceptions
related to violence is different for all the countries.
As a result of physical, mental and emotional abuse, the victim is likely to experience
physical trauma, acute and chronic health issues, mental instability, financial crises and low ability
to maintain healthy relationships. If children reside in house where domestic violence happens, then
they are likely to suffer from physiological problems at the initial stages of life such as aggressive
and arrogant behaviour and indecency (Mackenzie and et.al, 2015). Domestic violence is very
common in child marriage and forced marriages.This essay will focus on different theories which
results in domestic abuse at early and later stages of life. It also includes historical developments
and variables concerning domestic violence.
Exploring theories to explain the cause of domestic violence
Several theories such as rational choice theories and biological theories have emerged in
recent times which specifies a bidirectional link between domestic violence and criminal behaviour
exerted in families (Eshelman and Levendosky, 2012). related to domestic violence have emerged
in the recent times. All the theories are based on individual perception and psychology, family
dysfunction as well as behavioural changes in family members (Butler, 2015). Biological theory
suggest that the behaviour which caused domestic violence by Paul is due to his biology because he
has been living alone due to his parents separation. He do not like if Debbie visits her parents
home..(Devries and et.al, 2013).
Rights theories: Historically, all the theories related to domestic violence are based on the fact that
physical, mental, emotional, economic or social abuse is private and family concern, hence legal
authorities and legislations should not be imposed to control domestic violence (Bradbury‐Jones
and Broadhurst, 2015).
Violence against Men and Women Explanations: Although, cases of domestic violence against
women in UK is reported less than compared to violence against men, still cases of female abuse
are treated very harshly by legal judiciary systems of UK (Healey, Humphreys and Howe, 2013.).
Physical, sexual and emotional harassment against women is not only considered as a domestic

violence but it is also regarded as discrimination against women in the society (Malpass, Sales and
Feder, 2015). In this case, Paul has been violating Debbie both verbally and physically but she
cannot complain to police due to the fear of increased violence on her (Song, 2014). Police
assumes that violence by women on her male partner is not very dangerous and do not require any
criminal or law assistance. However, the criminal behaviour shown by female has been ignored in
criminology. In Paul and Debbie's case if she commits domestic violence against Paul it will
considered as insignificant due to gender inequality
Gender Inequality and Gender norms:. The case of Debbie and Paul is gender biased because
Debbie do not have any appropriate qualification and she works in a super market. On other hand
Paul is employed in a chip chop shop so he considers himself superior to Debbie in all aspects
which leads to gender inequality A hierarchy of powerful masculinity and weak femininity has been
established by the society that supports sexual violence (Salmon, Baird and White, 2015). Dixon
and Robb, 2015 has suggested that Debbie should be provided with security against her partner as
she is physically mentally and emotionally abused. However sociological theories and studies
suggest that there is domestic abuse has a link with poverty and financial insufficiency in any
family. Earlier Paul readily paid all the house bills and expenses but soon after sometime his
behaviour changed and he stopped paying al the bills. Gender inequality norms should be changed
to contribute towards prevention of different types of abuse against women at social, cultural and
economic levels (Pallitto and et.al, 2013).
Power and Control Explanations: Paul also wants to control every activity going in and out of
Debbie's life. He do not allow Debbie to meet her parents because he thinks her parents will be
influential and against him. He only want Debbie to stay at home and take care of their three
children. Eshelman and Levendosky, 2012 has suggested that power and control is broadly
explained through gender role theory in case of Debbie and Paul. Women are always expected to be
submissive to their partners and males always want to be aggressors who can control their wives in
any way they want. This leads to dominance and dictatorship in a relationship which is also one of
the reasons for increasing domestic violence.
Paul's Behavioural Pattern in an Abusive Relationship
Domestic abuse by an abuser is usually caused to gain power and control over other partner
in a marriage or in a relationship (Smith and et.al. 2015). These are discussed below.
Blaming: Paul blame Debbie for everything that happens in his home. He scolds her and says she is
useless mother. Earlier, when Debbie and Paul started living together, Paul used to pay all the rents
and bills but soon his behaviour changed and he stopped caring about Debbie (Gray, 2015). Debbie
is always blamed for everything that takes place in the house. She is responsible for all the ill

behaviour which is exerted by Paul everyday (Khalifeh and et.al, 2015). This behaviour of Paul
seems to be very abusive and unusual to Debbie which creates mental stress in her life.
Impulsivity: He does not think about the impact and result of domestic abuse against Debbie. Due
to this behaviour of Paul, Debbie is worried about her children (Stanley and et.al, 2015). This
impulsive nature of Paul has created a sense of fear in Debbie and their children which can have a
negative impact on mental and physical health (Scott and et.al, 2013).
Physical Abuse: Paul has also abused Debbie physically by hitting her several times. He does not
abuse her in front of their children but all the three children, Mary, John and Mandy have noticed
scars and bruises on their mother's body. After seeing the signs of physical abuse, John has started
being more protective about his mother. Mary does not wish to stay at home and she remains out of
the house very often (Stanley and et.al, 2015). This unusual behaviour of Paul has created a sense
of disturbance and mutual incompatibilities in their married life. Children are suffering because of
this behaviour of their father. Mary do not like to stay home as she always notices their parents
having arguments over small issues (Kassie, Ndiritu and Stage, 2014).
Emotional Violence: Due to abusive relationship of Paul and Debbie, She has also started feeling
emotional trauma because of Paul. Emotional violence by Paul can cause mental and emotional
instability in Debbie. This further develops in depression and mental trauma (Pain, 2014). Further,
she has also developed the habit of drinking heavily. Because of excessive intake of alcohol, Debbie
is unable to wake up early in the morning for her job. She is now growing emotionally weak and
often cries very easily. Debbie also states that she misses her job because she cannot wake up early
in morning due to alcohol effects.
Impact of Domestic abuse on Debbie and her Children
Painful visual images, hearing of unusual sounds and experiencing different forms of physical abuse
can lead to severe impact on both parents and children (Connelly, 2012). These subjects of various
abuses are responsible enough to develop mental instability in a child's mind. In this section we will
address the impact of domestic abuse on Debbie and her three children at emotional level. The
consequences of domestic violence also affects parenting and safeguarding of children (Bradbury-
Jones, Taylor and Herber, 2014).
Impact of Domestic abuse on Debbie and her Children at Emotional Level.
All the three children Mary, John and Mandy are exposed to their mother's domestic abuse
to a greater extent. They often notice Debbie getting assaulted and demeaned by their father Paul
which disturbs children's mind very easily (Salmon, Baird and White, 2015). …. has suggested that
greater impact will be noticed on the academic performance of Mary. She will not be able to pay

proper attention in her school which can spoil her academic report. It will also have detrimental
effects on mental state of Mary. She will indulge herself in illegal activities because she is not able
to pay proper attention in her studies. She may also be excluded from school due to her poor
performance in examination (Stanley, Graham‐Kevan and Borthwick, 2012). As both the parents
have started drinking heavily, children may predict that alcohol consumption is the main reason of
domestic violence against their mother (Bradbury‐Jones and Broadhurst, 2015). John and Mandy
can feel confusion, guilt, anger, frustration and psychological disorders due to physical harm and
beatings.
All the three children can develop common misunderstandings that both Paul and Debbie are
involved in fight equally. They think if their mother is not crying she is not hurt or upset. They also
assume that once the fight between their parent stops, everything will soon get back to normal
(Stanley and et.al, 2015). (Smith and et.al. 2015)
Impact of Domestic abuse on Debbie and her Children in Parenting and Safeguarding.
Debbie is portrayed as unfit and useless mother by Paul which makes her think that she is
inadequate parent. Due to different abuses she has become impatient and frustrated to create a better
and consistent image in front of her children (Kassie, Ndiritu and Stage, 2014). Gradually all the
three children have stopped showing respect to her because they think their mother has weak
parenting skills (Bradbury‐Jones and Broadhurst, 2015). Paul has shaped his image as good and
Debbie's image as bad in front of their children which has trapped Debbie in a competition to gain
loyalty towards Mary, John and Mandy.
Refuges and Independent domestic violence advocacy (IDVA) to help the victims of Domestic
Abuse
The legal system and regulations for the victims of domestic violence can be very
frightening and isolating. According to recent reports of domestic violence in UK, it has been
reported that only 28% of domestic violence cases are reported for further judicial actions
(Bradbury‐Jones and Broadhurst, 2015). Rest of the victims do not report the cases due to fear and
physical abuse by their partners (Salmon, Baird and White, 2015). The independent female and
male refuges and IDVA helps ion safeguarding victims and advocating their clients so that abusers
are charged against domestic abuse to their partners. An IDVA can help in following manner.
Debbie can take help of IDVA so that she can be protected from all the domestic caused to her by
Paul. IDVA will not carefully address her case and will take the responsibility of not disclosing her
identity in front of anyone (Bradbury-Jones, Taylor and Herber, 2014).
They can help in developing safety plans in order to stop the violence in all possible ways. The
advocacy department can guide and accompany the victim to court or they can also assist in

arranging pre-trial visits to the clients (Smith and et.al. 2015). They can help the clients to increase
security and safety at places where they live so that live safely. They should contact intermediate
social workers to address issues related to child protection and abuse.
Refuge accommodation can be arranged by IDVA to help the victims in staying there safely
In case of greater exposure to domestic violence the individual can be referred to physicians and
counsellors for counselling sessions and mental health services. If Debbie is not comfortable and
safe at her own home then she can choose to live in refugee accommodations which is furnished by
IDVA. This will help her in staying safe which can improve her physical and mental health
(Connelly, 2012). Many refuges such as Richmond advocacy and Community Outreach Services
supports all the victims of domestic violence by providing them confidential, non-judgemental and
independent assistance through the legal enquiry and procedures (Bradbury‐Jones and Broadhurst,
2015). They encourage an individual to report all the cases of domestic violence so that they can
impose strict charges on every abuser who practices physical, emotional, mental, economic and
social abuse.
Current Legislation such as MARACs, Police Protection orders
There are several legislations, Acts and police protection orders implemented by government
of UK in order to protect and safeguard victims of domestic violence (Smith and et.al. 2015). They
help by providing emergency protection so that individuals selects their own space to explore
decide regarding safety issues. This legislations will provide immediate help and support to Debbie
from physical and mental abuse if she reports her case to higher authorities who are responsible for
enacting these legislations (Bradbury-Jones, Taylor and Herber, 2014).
Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012:The Domestic and Family Violence Protection
Act 2012 aims at safeguarding and protecting victims of domestic abuse and violence in an abusive
relationship (Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, 2015) The Act considers different
types of relationships such as formal and informal relationships, family relationships, married
relationships and intimate personal relationship between opposite or same genders (Bradbury‐Jones
and Broadhurst, 2015). The Act includes rigorous imprisonment of three years along with heavy
penalties for breaching the orders and rules.
Protection of Women against Domestic violence Act 2005: The protection of Women against
domestic violence Act was enacted in the year 2005 (Protection of Women against Domestic
violence Act 2005. 2015). It was implemented in order to support and provide protection to women
from domestic violence. It not only considers physical abuse, it also considers emotional, mental,
social and economic humiliation. This Act is primarily meant for the purpose of protection orders
and do not provide the authority to penalize the criminal or abuser in any way.

Domestic Violence and protection Orders Act 2008: Protection orders 2008 provides a quick and
flexible method to obtain legal protection during domestic abuse (Domestic Violence and Protection
Orders Act 2008, 2015). For example physical abuse can be handled through physical forces (Smith
et.al. 2015). The protection orders not only provide protection to individuals who have experienced
domestic abuse, they also provide assistance to those people who are at greater risk of getting
abused. The orders also protect children if they have suffered from any kind of maltreatment or
abuse.
The Crime and Security Act 2010: Thee Crime and Security Act was incorporated in the year 2010
which contained the power to take DNA samples and fingerprints who has been reported to commit
a recordable offence (Crime and Security Act 2010, 2016). These samples from the abuser can be
collected even if the individual is not in police custody.
Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO): A domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is a
judicial order which is applied by police and other authorities developed by Magistrate's Court. The
police provides a definite time and date to execute and appear in Magistrate's Court. The Court
hears to the petition within 48 hours (What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?
2016). If, an individual do not comply with the orders of Court he/she will be penalized with a
charge of more than £5000 or can be imposed with imprisonment for 2 months (Song, 2014)
CONCLUSION
The report included a study based on domestic violence in UK. It focused on different
theories and explanation which leads to establish domestic abuse and violence in various
relationships. Gender inequality, Gain of power and control over the other partner were some
reasons which promoted abuses such as physical harassment, sexual assaults, mental torture and
emotional instability. Further it also explored the change in behavioural patterns of the abuser
towards children and other members of a family. Impacts of Domestic violence on children and
family members at both emotional and parenting level were also studied. The study also included
different legislations, Acts and laws which are implemented by the government of UK to protect
and safeguard all the individuals against domestic abuse.

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