Sunday, January 26, 2020

Types of intimate relationship violence

Types of intimate relationship violence Intimate Relationship Violence Della Wright Jackson State University Table of Contents†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..2 Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.3 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 Victims of Crime†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 Particular Case Study†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.5 Assessment of Case†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 Ethical and Value Issues†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 Policy Issues†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..8 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.9 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 Abstract This paper discusses the types of intimate relationship violence (IVP) and the likely victims of this particular type of violence. A specific case of intimate relationship violence is discussed and assessed. It also dissects the different aspects of working in the field of social work with the victims of IVP in including ethical and political issues. Intimate Relationship Violence Introduction Intimate relationship violence (IPV) refers to the physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a previous or current intimate partner. Physical violence is described as the intentional use of physical force. This can include slapping, shoving, punching, burning, or restraining the victim. Sexual violence is defined as either: the use of physical force to compel a victim into performing or engaging in sexual acts, an attempted or completed sexual act that a person cannot condone because of the influence of drugs and alcohol or disability of some sort, or sexual contact that is abusive. Psychological abuse is defined as repeated traumatic events or coercive behavior with the intent of controlling a person’s behavior (Howard, Agnew-Davies, Feder Howard, 2013). Victims of Crime According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in every four women in the United States has been victims of severe physical violence where an intimate partner was the perpetrator in their lifetime (Breiding, Smith, Basile, Walters, Chen, Merrick 2011). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that between eighty-five and ninety percent of victims of intimate domestic partners are women. It is safe to say, then, that being a woman definitely puts a person at risk for IPV. If you add the statistic of one of every four women is the victim of sexual battery, a conclusion can be drawn that violence against women is rampant in the United States (Breiding, et. al, 2011). African Americans and Hispanics are twice as likely as their Caucasian counterparts to be the victim of intimate relationship violence, as well (Whitaker Reese, 2007). Particular Case Study As we look at the impact on intimate relationship violence in a person, family and community, the fact that forty-five percent of all homicides occurring are at the hands of either a previous or current intimate partner of the victim is glaring. Take the case of John, for instance. John is a thirty-two year old white male. He has a high school diploma and works as a car mechanic. He has a long history of and has been convicted of domestic violence against his wife, Jane. Jane is a thirty year old white female who has been married to John for eleven years. They met in high school and Jane has never dated anyone else. Jane has a high school diploma and does not work outside of the home. John and Jane live in Dallas, Texas with their two daughters aged seven and three. John is currently being arraigned for six counts of murder. He allegedly killed six members of Jane’s family while he was in a rage searching for Jane, who had recently gathered the strength to leave John. Jane had a restraining order at the time alleging that when she left John, he said that if she left, he would kill her and their two daughters. Her mother, one of the deceased, had also petitioned the courts for a restraining order alleging John had choked her and threatened to kill her and others in her family a week earlier when she refused to tell him where Jane was. Jane’s mother did not have a restraining order against John at the time of her death. John allegedly went over to Jane’s sister’s house with a pistol and asked where Jane was. When Jane’s mother said they would not tell him, John shot her in the head. She died instantly. Then, John shot both of Jane’s nephews in an effort to coerce Jane’s sister and brother-in-law into telling him where Jane and his two children were and then killed Jane’s sister and brother-in-law. He was arrested less than a block away from Jane’s grandparent’s home where Jane was staying. When assessing Jane’s case of intimate partner violence, we see a history of violence that goes back ten years. Jane stated that John started abusing her during their first year of marriage. He was also psychologically abusive by controlling her behavior and constantly degrading her. He also forced Jane to engage in sexual acts with him regularly. Jane stated although she tried to hide the abuse from her children, John would frequently degrade her in front of the children. Once, she said she was forced to perform sexual acts while the children were in the same room sleeping. She stated she stayed with John because â€Å"who else would have her?† She finally left John for the last time when he hit her seven year old daughter. She obtained a restraining order thirty days before the death of her family. Assessment of Case On a micro level, Jane was isolated from her family. She was constantly degraded and humiliated. Her shame did not allow her to be open with anyone about the consistent abuse she faced at home. Jane’s sense of self and well-being was eviscerated during the abuse. She did not think she was worth any better than what she was getting from John and thus suffered years of abuse. Coercive control is thought by some to be the defining feature of intimate partner violence (Howard et. al, 2013). After John allegedly murdered Jane’s family members, she now has feelings of guilt on top of the other issues she was already dealing with. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the long-term effects on Jane’s physical, emotional, mental, and economic well-being can be affected. Jane’s injuries can cause her reproductive and sexual health issues. John’s constant verbal abuse could have affected Jane in ways that she does not even realize. She may think that the verbal abuse was not as bad as it was. If she accepts any part of John’s abusive behavior as normal, she is at high risk of becoming a victim again in other intimate relationship (Kaur Garg, 2008). On a mezzo level, we think of the effect on Jane’s two daughters. They repeatedly saw their father abusing their mother. Children of abused women are at a higher risk for suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, developmental delays, attention problems, and many other behavioral and emotional difficulties (Bancroft, Lundy, Ritchie, Daniel, Silverman Jay G., 2012). They are also more likely to be involved in violent behaviors. They are more likely to either be a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence themselves as an adult (Bancroft et. al., 2012). In John’s case, there is apparent upset on a macro level. The murders of family members of the abused are not the norm, but are becoming more frequent according to the CDC (Breiding, et. al, 2011). During the years of abuse, Jane was isolated from her family, but they were more than likely aware that abuse was occurring even if they did not realize the extent of the abuse. Feeling helpless in these circumstances are frustrating and overwhelming. Referring to the statistics stated earlier, a safe assumption would be that everyone living in the United States knows someone who is currently or has previously been in an abusive relationship. Women are seen as weak and vulnerable by society (Kaur Garg, 2008). Because of this view, even if society disagrees with violence against women both inside and out of the household, it has become accepted as something that just happens to women. Ethical and Value Issues As a social worker working with victims of intimate partner violence, there are a variety of ethical issues and value conflict that could occur. In Jane’s case, why would she stay and allow her children to be exposed to violence year after year? My values state that a child’s physical and emotional well-being should always be a high priority. Jane had a number of reasons to stay and without taking away her right and determination to make her own choice, a social worker’s responsibility is to protect and advocate for people that cannot do so. This ethical dilemma pits self determination against the well-being of the children. Legally, social workers have an obligation to protect individuals from harm if they can by reporting the abuse to law enforcement individuals. Towards the end of Jane’s story, it is easy to see the children are in imminent danger. It is not as easy to see that in the years prior, however. When the abuse was focused on Jane, if she had wanted to stay and not press charges against her husband, there is not very much that could have been done. The state can press charges on her behalf but it is hard to prove domestic violence if the victim does not speak out against her abuser. Policy Issues Legally speaking women’s rights in a marriage have come a long way from where we started. Being married was actually an exemption stated in the criminalization of rape until the 1993 here in America. This was based on the English common law stating that when women were married, they gave up themselves to their husbands and that cannot be retracted as long as the two people remain married. The idea of society was what happened inside of a home was the personal business of the family. Although we have progress in the United States, there is still the problem of one of every four women being the victim of severe violence within their home. As with the case of Jane, women who receive a restraining order may not be fully protected from their abuser. It is true that Jane did not perish at the hands of her abuser, but six members of her family was shot because in the state of Texas, where she lives, it is still legal for a person with a restraining order to own and carry a gun. Obviously, if a person wants to hurt someone bad enough, there is no stopping them, but according to womanslaw.org, John was still able to own and legally carry a gun during this volatile time obviously exacerbated the situation (2013). Conclusion Intimate relationship violence is a widespread problem that is not limited by race, religion, ethnicity, education level, or sex (Baker, 2010). Even though this crime is so far reaching, it is still referred to as the â€Å"hidden crime† because victims suffer in silence. Initially, intimate relationship violence affects the individuals and family that are experiencing it, but over time, the entire community is affected by the violence. To grow up in such a war zone or to suffer as Jane did is unimaginable to me. To not be able to help every Jane out there would be morally trying for me because it is human nature to protect and nurture. No one wants to see a situation like Jane’s continue for her and her children. To further prevent these situations, we need to address the policy that we have in place to prevent it. If violence is so widespread within our homes across America, we need to wage a war on the violence. Enact harsher penalties. Make it unacceptable to abuse a partner. The challenge to this is the secrecy behind intimate relationship violence. All of these policies sound good but until we as a society begin looking at intimate relationship violence as something that is unacceptable, we will continue having the problem that we do. References Baker, L. M. (2010).Counseling Christian Women on How to Deal with Domestic Violence. Bowen Hills, Qld: Australian Academic Press. Breiding, M. J., Smith, S. G., Basile, K. C., Walters, M. L., Chen, J., Merrick, M. T. (2011). Prevalence and characteristics of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence victimization — national intimate partner and sexual violence survey, United States, 2011. Retrieved November 19, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6308a1.htm?s_cid=ss6308a1_e Howard, L., Agnew-Davies, R., Feder, G., Howard, L. (2013).Domestic Violence and Mental Health. London: RCPsych Publications. Kaur, R., Garg, S. (n.d.). Addressing domestic violence against women: An unfinished agenda. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2784629/ National intimate partner and sexual violence survey—2010 summary report [Fact sheet]. (2011). Retrieved November 18, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/ summary_reports.html State law overview [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2014, from http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?statelaw_name=State Law Overviewstate_code=TX Whitaker, D. J., Reese, L. (Eds.). (2007). Preventing Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities: CDC’s Demonstration Projects [Lecture notes]. Retrieved November 18, 2014, from http://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11488/cdc_11488_DS1.pdf

Friday, January 17, 2020

Attack on elements of society Essay

The Crucible is set in a puritan town in New England, Salem Massachusetts. The girls are caught dancing by the Reverend Parris the parish minister. This then start of a witch-hunt, which gets the town talking. People that are innocent are accused and the term ‘name names or else’ is being used by the courts. The innocent people of Salem get accused, and punished. This is an allegory of McCarthyism because this is what happened in the trials in 1950’s, society was shattered by a rumour and fingers were pointed at innocent people. It’s also an allegory of McCarthyism because it shows the court officials being unfair and unjust, just how they were in ‘The Crucible.’ The first way in which the setting of Act 3 can be interpreted as an attack on the severity of the authorities in Salem and 1950’s America is shown through the stage directions Arthur Miller presents us with. Firstly uses the adjectives ‘forbidding’, ’empty’ and ‘solemn’ to describe the room on the stage. The effect this has on the audience is curiosity and concern and this builds up a sense of tension within the audience. Also while we see all of this there is silence. In drama, silence is more powerful then words of actions. The silence and appearance surrounding the stage would build up a very strong sense of tension within the audience. Another reason for silence maybe that Miller wants to convey the presence of or the sign of evil in the court and probably that something is wrong, not right, or something bad is going to happen. The other way Arthur Miller has an impact on the audience is by using symbolism and imagery. In the opening of act 3 Arthur Miller has ‘two high windows.’ This makes the room sound very familiar to a prison cell and again a prison cell is where you don’t want to be and maybe Miller’s trying to sat that the courts were like a prison. Also not forgetting the ‘sunlight pouring through.’ Back in the days traditionally sunlight was meant to be good luck and also it was meant to be the representative of God and truth. This can have a great effect on the audience because it gets them thinking and into the mood, and that the current problems surrounding Salem aren’t going to get any better but maybe worse. Again this an attack on the elements of society because it shows that the court was a place where people weren’t treated fairly in the 1950’s and that the authorities in America were harsh and wanted people to get into all sorts of problems and trouble and this is what exactly Arthur Miller went through and trying to get across by writing ‘The Crucible’. The second way that Act 3 can be interpreted as an attack on the severity of the authorities in Salem is by Miller’s exposure of the characters in The Crucible. The way they dress and act. In the actual film most of the men are seen wearing black clothes, this may put forward that Salem is a holy religious society and believe very strongly in Christianity. If you take Judge Danforth, he adopts a blinkered attitude and refuses to use common sense and logic in dealing with these cases. His ‘exact loyalty’ blinds him from the truth and if he believe that the people accused were ‘with God’ and announced them innocent he would be accusing the girls of lying, and also fact that he is too worried of calling of the witch trials because what would the people of Salem think of him and the fact that is reputation is at stake. This can be interpreted as an attack on elements of society because it shows that even the authorities in this case the Judge aren’t always fair even if they are people of high authority or religious. This is how Arthur Miller got his point across that the authorities of America in the 1950’s were unfair and unjust and wanted to put down as many people as possible, on the whole the authorities were very harsh and severe on punishments. The third way in which the setting of act 3 can be interpreted as an attack on the severity of the authorities in Salem and 1950’s America is by the language Arthur Miller has used in the opening lines in the scene. Judge Hathorne asks Martha Corey if she denies being a witch. Martha Corey claims she knows not what a witch is, to which he replies, â€Å"how do you know then that you are not a witch.† We see Hathorne’s question after question on Martha Corey gets her paranoid and the pressure is huge on her, to come up with the answers quickly but if she takes too long she maybe considered more of a witch and therefore this sets the mood and tone for the scene. It’s as if Judge Hathorn’s trying to possibly trick into saying that she’s a witch rather then finding out the exact truth.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

What Do Vegans Eat and What Is Veganism

Veganism is the practice of minimizing harm to all animals, which requires abstention from animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, lanolin, wool, fur, silk, suede, and leather. Some call veganism a moral baseline for animal rights activists. Key Takeaways Veganism is more than a diet: its a philosophy that excludes exploitation and cruelty in all forms.Veganism is different from vegetarianism; not all vegetarians are vegans, though all vegans are vegetarians.A vegan diet excludes all animal-based foods and food products but does not exclude cooked, processed, canned, or frozen foods.Vegan diets can help lower cholesterol and control weight but should be carefully managed to include sufficient protein, fat, calcium, and necessary vitamins.Vegans ensure that their food, clothing, household products, and energy are ethically and sustainably sourced.Its best to go vegan slowly and seek out support and help both locally and online. Vegan Definition Unlike vegetarianism, veganism is not a diet. Instead, it is a moral philosophy which, when strictly followed, according to the Vegan Society, is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Thus, a vegan will not only choose plant-based foods but will also avoid the use of animal-derived products (such as animal-tested cosmetics) and will choose not to visit or patronize places that use animals for entertainment or where animals are injured or abused. Many individuals are attracted to the vegan lifestyle because of its many personal, planetary, and ethical benefits. Health Benefits. A nutritionally-balanced plant-based diet is, for most people, a very healthy choice. According to a 2013 Nutritional Update for Physicians: Research shows that plant-based diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index, blood pressure, HbA1C, and cholesterol levels. They may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality rates. Physicians should consider recommending a plant-based diet to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.Benefits to Animals. True vegans are focused on the rights of all animals, including insects. According to the Vegan Society, many believe that all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom. Vegans choose cruelty-free products and avoid any clothing, furniture, etc., that is made from an animal product such as leather; many also avoid wool, silk, and other materials m ade from or by animals.Benefits to the Environment. Animal husbandry has a significant negative impact on the environment, would be eradicated in a vegan world. Just a few examples include a radical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a significant reduction in biodiversity loss, and a major reduction in pollution of waterways.Socio-Economic Benefits. Animal diets are expensive, both in terms of financial cost and land use. For people in poorer areas of the world, the cost of animal-based products is overwhelmingly high relative to the cost of plant-based foods that offer similar nutrition. Vegan Versus Vegetarian While vegans neither eat nor use any form of animal-based product, vegetarians vary in their diets, philosophies, and personal choices. In addition, while vegans generally choose veganism for philosophical reasons, vegetarians may choose their diets for a variety of reasons; some, for example, become vegetarians for health or financial reasons. Some people follow a vegan diet but do not avoid animal products in other parts of their lives. This may be for health, religious, or other reasons. The term â€Å"strict vegetarian† is sometimes used in this instance, but its problematic because it implies that someone who eats eggs or dairy is not a vegetarian or is not a â€Å"strict† vegetarian. Milks, eggs, and honey are several ingredients that separate vegans from vegetarians. SarapulSar38 / Getty Images There are several types of vegetarianism that actually include animal products of various sorts. For example: Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products.Lacto vegetarians do consume dairy products, though they dont eat eggs.Pescatarians do not eat bird or mammal meat but do eat fish and shellfish. Vegetarians may or may not share vegan views on subjects such as animal welfare or environmentalism. As a result, they may or may not choose to use products such as leather, wool, silk, or honey. Non-dairy milk alternatives. a_namenko / Getty Images Vegan Food Vegan food is food that does not contain (and is not prepared with) anything that comes from an animal. Ideally, vegan food is also produced in a cruelty-free manner with a minimal negative impact on the environment. Veganism, however, does not require that food be eaten raw, nor does it forbid processed foods (as long as the processing does not involve the use of animal products). Vegans eat plant-based foods such as grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. While vegans have a wide variety of foods to choose from, the diet may seem very restrictive to those who are used to an omnivorous diet. â€Å"A vegan diet can include a wide variety of Italian pasta, Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries, Tex-Mex burritos, and even â€Å"meat† loaf made from textured vegetable protein or beans. Many types of meat and dairy analogs are also now available, including sausages, burgers, hot dogs, â€Å"chicken† nuggets, milk, cheese, and ice cream, all made without animal products. Vegan meals can also be rather simple and humble, such as lentil soup or raw vegetable salad. Animal products sometimes show up in unexpected places, so many vegans learn to become avid label-readers to look out for whey, honey, albumin, carmine, or vitamin D3 in foods that one might otherwise expect to be vegan. Reading labels is not always enough, as some animal ingredients make their way into your food as natural flavors, in which case one would have to call the company to find out if the flavors are vegan. Some vegans also object to animal products being used to process beer or sugar, even if the animal products do not end up in the food. There are legitimate concerns about the nutritional completeness of a vegan diet, and dedicated vegans must be conscious of eating a wide range of foods, focusing on nutrients that are harder to find in a plant-based diet. Protein, fat, calcium, and certain vitamins are particularly important to supplement, as they are usually consumed as meat and dairy and can be lacking in a plant-based diet. Protein. Vegan diets should include at least three servings per day of proteins. Options include beans, tofu, soy products, tempeh (which is often formed into vegan meats), peanuts or peanut butter, or other nuts and nut butter.Fat. Vegans typically find fat in oils, nut butters, and produce such as avocados and seeds.Calcium. Without milk or other dairy products in their diets, vegans must be careful to include calcium-rich, plant-based foods. Some examples include kale, turnip greens, fortified plant milks, and some types of tofu.Vitamins. Even when eating a carefully balanced diet, vegans will still need to take some nutritional supplements. B12, vitamin D, and iodine are all difficult (if not impossible) to find in plant-based foods. Vegan Lifestyle A vegan lifestyle embraces not only food choices but also choices related to clothing, household products, cosmetics, energy use, garden maintenance, transportation, and more. A person who lives by the vegan philosophy chooses options that are sustainable, animal-friendly, human-friendly, and environmentally friendly. This isnt always easy: often the most readily available, affordable options are problematic because of their source or because of the way in which they were harvested or made. Clothing. Veganism affects clothing choices, as vegans will choose cotton or acrylic sweaters instead of wool sweaters; a cotton blouse instead of a silk blouse; and canvas or fake leather sneakers instead of real leather sneakers. Many clothing choices are available, and as more retailers and manufacturers are trying to appeal to vegans, they are making their vegan options known by advertising the products as â€Å"vegan.† Some stores even specialize in vegan footwear and other vegan products.Household Products. Vegan household products avoid harmful chemicals such as bleach and are made in environmentally sensitive ways without the involvement of practices such as child labor. This can easily be achieved by using homemade cleaning supplies made from materials such as vinegar and citrus or by purchasing products from green producers (most of which advertise their status on the label).Cosmetics. Most people don’t think about their beauty products as having animal produc ts in them, but they sometimes contain ingredients like lanolin, beeswax, honey, or carmine. Additionally, vegans avoid products that are tested on animals, even if the products do not contain animal ingredients. How to Go Vegan Some people become vegan gradually, while others do it all at once. If you cant become vegan overnight, you might find that you can eliminate one animal product at a time or go vegan for one meal a day, or one day a week, and then expand until you are completely vegan. Connecting with other vegans or vegan groups can be very helpful for information, support, camaraderie, recipe sharing, or local restaurant recommendations. The American Vegan Society is a nationwide organization and its members receive a quarterly newsletter. Many vegetarian clubs have vegan events, while there are also many informal Yahoo groups and Meetup groups for vegans. While there is no single way to approach veganism, these tips may be helpful: Start by making some simple substitutions—organic margarine instead of butter, for example, or almond milk rather than cows milk for your coffee.Experiment with new foods to find vegan options that taste as good as (or better than) your usual foods. For example, explore wheat meat, vegan cheese, and veggie burgers to find options you truly enjoy.Order foods marked vegan at local restaurants to learn about new ways to prepare and enjoy your food.Use online sources and local groups to find sources of foods, recipes, products, and even gardening supplies to expand your ability to stick with a vegan philosophy across every aspect of your life. Sources Harvard Health Publishing. â€Å"Becoming a Vegetarian.†Ã‚  Harvard Health.Tuso PJ, Ismail MH, Ha BP, Bartolotto C. Nutritional update for physicians: plant-based diets.  Perm J. 2013;17(2):61–66. doi:10.7812/TPP/12-085The Vegan Society