Cultural Differences & Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has been defined by Dr. Mary Ann Dutton, a prominent law school professor and psychologist, as “a pattern of behavior in which one intimate partner uses physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation and emotional, sexual or economic abuse to control and change the behavior of the other partner.” Regardless of what your spouse or friend might say or do to provoke you (e.g. insult, tease), there is no justification for any person to commit an act of violence against another. Hitting someone with your hand or an object, pushing them, pulling their hair, etc. are all considered unacceptable and aggressive behaviors which are violent in nature. In the United States, it is neither socially acceptable nor lawful to use physical force against your wife, husband, children, housekeeper, or any other member of your household. Any violation will make you liable for prosecution, although the specific laws pertaining to domestic violence and protection for its victims vary from state to state.

For More Information

For more information about domestic violence, you may contact the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at http://www.ncadv.org/.