This paper examines domestic violence as a leading social problem requiring interdisciplinary analysis. Drawing on sociology, gender studies, psychology, and law, the research investigates how traditional family models and patriarchal cultural patterns legitimate violence against women through physical, sexual, economic, and psychological abuse. The paper develops a sociological framework for understanding the roots of domestic violence in gender inequality and economic dependence, then proposes evidence-based recommendations for prevention initiatives by government and public organizations.
Domestic violence occupies a leading position among other social problems. Criminal behavior in the family and domestic sphere causes considerable harm to society because of its high prevalence. The relevance of studying ways to prevent domestic violence is significant because this phenomenon affects both private and public life, presenting a real obstacle to the realization of equality, social development, and the construction of a liberal-democratic society.
Understanding and addressing domestic violence requires systematic investigation into its causes, manifestations, and prevention mechanisms. As domestic violence continues to affect millions of individuals and families globally, developing evidence-based interventions becomes essential for policymakers and social organizations.
Current study of this problem is characterized by increased research interest in sociology, particularly in the sociology of gender relations, issues of equality and discrimination, and oppression and violence against women. Scholarly efforts focus on prevention of family conflicts and understanding root causes of intimate partner abuse.
The complex issues related to violence against women in the family integrate interdisciplinary interaction across the human sciences: sociology, gender sociology, psychology, philosophy, economics, and law. Classical theories formulated by scholars such as Byrne and Senehi (2012), Whitehead (2004), Johnson, Ollus, and Nevala (2007), and Lundberg-Love and Marmion (2006) have established foundational frameworks for analyzing domestic violence as a sociological phenomenon.
The basis of domestic violence against women is rooted in social inequality between men and women that exists in both public and private spheres of modern society. Violence against women is legitimized by tradition and takes multiple forms: physical acts, sexual violence, economic inequality and dependence, and psychological humiliation through threats, intimidation, isolation, exploitation, and discrimination.
Traditional models of family relationships establish a foundation for domestic violence by implying a status of gender inequality and gender subordination. These patterns are perpetuated through the economic dependence of women and the persistence of patriarchal culture in mass consciousness. Patriarchal family structures normalize hierarchical relationships in which male authority is presumed, creating conditions in which abuse can be rationalized and normalized rather than recognized as violation of rights.
Understanding violence against women requires examination of how cultural traditions, economic systems, and family structures intersect to create environments where abuse occurs and persists. The psychological, physical, and economic dimensions of abuse are not isolated incidents but interconnected manifestations of underlying inequality.
"Policy and organizational recommendations for intervention"
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