Spousal Abuse Concept Discussion Study

Spousal Abuse

Discussion 1

Spousal
abuse encompasses the victimization of people from assault, attacks, and abuse
in a married relationship. However, from a legal perspective, it is important
to understand that this abuse extends to intimate partners dating or
cohabiting. Spousal abuse can lead to physical and emotional harm to the victim
(Hurless & Rocco, 2018). While it is common for spousal abuse to be used by
people interchangeably with family violence, it is vital to note that the
latter transcends intimate partners to include other family members like
children. Spousal abuse is a multifaceted phenomenon affecting heterosexual and
same-sex couples. Such abuse can be in the form of verbal abuse, whereby
victims face degrading and intimidating language threats of physical harm and
death.

Spousal abuse can also be economic
abuse whereby culprits fail to provide basic needs like shelter, clothing, and
food. The cycle of abuse illustrates how this behavior grows from small
altercations to a broad and problematic phenomenon. The first stage involves
building tension between the partners due to misunderstandings, marital issues,
unemployment, and financial problems. The the spouse
dominating the victim through physical or verbal abuse. The third stage comes
in the form of reconciliation as the culprit apologizes. During the final
stage, the spouse asks for forgiveness. However, the culprit may appear less
sincere in their apologies (Tracy, 2012). A repetition of this cycle makes an
abusive relationship.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist
(MFT), it is important to monitor the signs of abuse among partners. While
listening to couples during sessions, their descriptions can be crucial in
evaluating the cycle of abuse. For instance, abusive partners justify their
actions (. 2019). In line with the Tarasoff decision, the MFT
should protect the intended victim from danger if there is reasonable ground to
believe abuse may occur in the relationship (Womens Center-Youth & Family
Services, 2022). The duty to warn is compatible with the special relationship
between the therapist and the patient.

Discussion 2

While
it defies the odds of imagination to see victims of domestic violence decide to
stay, psychological perspectives expound on the subject. Many victims are
ashamed that they have decided to stay in abusive relationships. Threats and
intimidation from the abuser complicate efforts to leave the relationship. Abusive
relationships are supported by financial power and influence (Rodriguez et al.,
2019). It is thus difficult for someone to exit a relationship where the spouse
is influential in society.

While
a lot of energy and focus in research and media attention is directed by
scholars and people towards abuse among heterosexual partners (male to a
female), this is a broad phenomenon. It is important to understand that abuse
can affect anyone in this context. Cases of men abused by women are usually
underreported in a society that exalts masculinity and patriarchy. Intimate
partner violence in in a double closet, where
victims grapple with homophobia and the shape of being in abusive relationships
(Roll et al., 2018). Such a phenomenon explains why existing literature has
predominantly focused on (the conventional) male to female (heterosexual) abuse

Spousal
abuse remains a sensitive and broad phenomenon in all its manifestations. As a
marriage and family therapy professional, the main takeaway is investing in
research and . In this context, there is a need to weigh
between [the descriptions offered by men and women in abusive relationships.
Such an approach is instrumental in protecting current and prospective victims
of abusive relationships. There is a need to monitor changes in the cycle of
abuse to determine the type of assistance required by couples and victims
(Womens Center-Youth & Family Services, 2022). As a result, an MFT can
fulfill their duty to warn based on sufficient evidence.