Intimate partner violence (IPV) is often coupled with lower socio-economic statuses. Victims are not always financially capable of escaping their abusers. To make matters worse, often times, there are children in the home. The impact may be that they continue the cycle of abuse, or that they break the cycle. Overall, being exposed to a healthier community can help to combat cycles of abuse.
There is a very real concept that exists that is referred to as “battered woman syndrome”, now more appropriately referred to as “battered person syndrome”. This is a legal defense, but the psychological implications that coincide with this condition are relevant in everyday life. One aspect of this condition is that victims have a tendency to stay with or to return to his or her abuser. “Victims of battered woman syndrome or IPV often feel scared but hopeful that the abuse will eventually end. Thus, they stay with the abuser. The feeling of fear and hope becomes a cycle of abuse.” [1] This poses a challenge to anyone who may be concerned about the safety of the victims and their children. In my experience, I have often heard things like, “I ain’t got nothing to do with that”, “That’s their business”, and other phrases that lend to a stand-down approach. But staying out of it could be the difference between life and death. Remember the story about Heather Pritt? This was a woman who had picked up her child from an abusive ex-boyfriend, and the ex shot her and caused her a lifetime of paralysis. He was charged with attempted murder. [2] Does this make you think twice? These children have now not only witnessed IPV, but they also have to deal with the mental, physical, emotional, and financial aftermath.
Children who grow up in households riddled with IPV may deem aggression and abuse as normal. However, they also may begin to recognize the abusive behaviors as unhealthy. Ideally, the latter will be the result. But things don’t always pan out that way. “Children who grow up in the presence of domestic violence are more likely to experience it themselves once they reach adulthood.[3]” Once one has witnessed these episodes firsthand, it becomes learned behavior, often times creating a toxic person. Learned behavior can be unlearned once recognized. This will take some intentionality. But you don’t know what you don’t know. So, if you have not been exposed to anything outside of what you have learned is normal, you will not have the capacity to believe in something different for yourself and for your life.
Let’s consider preventative measures. As alluded to above, victims may or may not leave their abusers. Further, it is pretty well-known that financial strain is the number one cause of discourse in a relationship, and may be the culprit of the abuse. One way to combat a perpetual cycle of abuse is to live in a mixed-income neighborhood. This is in no way a presupposition that more income equates to less abuse. However, “a substantial body of research provides consistent evidence linking a variety of negative neighborhood conditions with an increased risk of [Intimate Partner Violence Against Women].” [4] A higher income would usually mean a more positive neighborhood condition. Studies over the years have shown that IPV is more prevalent when there is a lower household income. [4] Mixed-income neighborhoods allow for affordable housing for those with lower incomes as well as for homes for those fewer income limitations. These types of neighborhoods ease the strain on finances for lower income households. Additionally, they foster communities of people and families from different cultural backgrounds who, by their very nature, would participate in and/or host activities that those with a lower income may not otherwise be exposed to, effectively working towards changing the residents’ frames of mind, children and adults alike. Ultimately, IPV wanes with a better quality of life. A better quality of life has the ability to expose children to a healthier home life when they may otherwise witness IPV due to financial strain.
If you’ve lived in the Triangle area for any period of time, you know that the cost of living has increased over the last several years. As of March, North Carolina was on pace to surpass domestic violence homicides in 2022 and 2023. [5] It comes as no surprise that home affordability has been a major topic of concern during this time. There are several initiatives that are taking place that will assist with home affordability across the state. In fact, Durham County has broken ground to develop several new affordable housing units. [6] Additionally, construction is expected to begin for 3 new communities in Wake County by the end of next year.[7] Seeing this type of economic relief should have a correlative decrease in IPV. “Surveys of families with safe, stable and affordable housing show fewer health problems, improved school performance, less psychological stress and more self-assured parents.” [8]
When victims are strong enough to overcome their abusers and escape them, having access to a better lifestyle within a mixed-income neighborhood is effective in the healing process for them and for their children. Even if they do not make a decision to leave, having more manageable expenses may be solution to the abuse, being that financial strain is often the cause of problems in a relationship. This, too, leads to healing for the family. As we work on creating access to affordable housing for more of the population, let us not repeat the White Flight phenomenon from a place of classism as well as racism (the bulk of IPV victims are non-white). As a whole, we are stronger together in the endeavors to break cycles of abuse.
References
- FindLaw Staff. “Battered Woman Syndrome.” Findlaw, findlaw.com/family/domestic-violence/battered-women-s-syndrome.html.
- Patrick, Jessica, et al. “’Not Going to Let Him Take My Dignity’: Mom of 3 Raises Awareness of Domestic Violence after Shooting Puts Her in Wheelchair.” com, WRAL, 18 Apr. 2024, www.wral.com/story/i-m-not-going-to-let-him-take-my-dignity-mom-of-3-raises-awareness-of-domestic-violence-after-shooting-puts-her-in-wheelchair/21387375/. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.
- Putting People First in Mental Health. “Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence.” Mass General Brigham, McLean. 9 Aug. 2024. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/domestic-violence.
- Gracia, Enrique, et al. “Chronic High Risk of Intimate partner violence against Women in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods: An Eight-Year Space-Time Analysis.” Preventive Medicine, vol. 148, July 2021, p. 106550, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106550.
- “NC on Pace to Surpass Domestic Violence Homicides from 2023, 2022.” WRAL.com, 27 Mar. 2024, www.wral.com/story/nc-on-pace-to-surpass-domestic-violence-homicides-from-2023-2022/21350334/.
- Laidlaw, Justin. “Durham Housing Authority Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing Project.” INDY Week, 16 Aug. 2024, indyweek.com/news/durham-housing-authority-breaks-ground-on-new-affordable-housing-project/. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
- “Raleigh, Wake County Invest in Hundreds of New Affordable Rental Units.” INDY Week, 18 Sept. 2024, indyweek.com/news/raleigh-wake-county-invest-in-hundreds-of-new-affordable-rental-units/. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
- “How Housing Affects Child Development.” Habitat for Humanity, 2024, habitat.org/our-work/how-housing-affects-child-development.