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Gabriela Burneo-Khan

Professor Massey

ENC 1101

31 November 2017

Victims of Domestic Violence Final Essay Outline

Introduction: Domestic violence is an extremely grave topic that is frequently not

reported on and inexcusably neglected, at times. The cases that the public are most familiar with

when it comes to domestic violence, involve athletes and celebrities reported on news outlets or

shows like Dr. Phil and Oprah. Within these shows and news reports, the one fact ensured

throughout coverage at some point in time is that domestic violence is a serious social issue that

happens unceasingly every day. I chose this topic because of the constant repercussions, danger,

and impacts it has or had on victims lives. I feel very strongly towards the men and women who

are victims of abusive relationships, where their partner/spouse has imprisoned them with this

despicable reality of a life, but do not know how to escape it. To reiterate, domestic violence as

already pointed out is abuse that comes in different forms, in which abusers take full control over

their partner and try to weaken them. Allowing this to happen within society is harmful to the

wellbeing of so many and is a huge problem that must be properly made aware, recognized, and

addressed. Consequently, that is why I feel strongly for this topic and want to advocate for these

victims; to help them find a voice and build the courage he/she needs to change the situation they

are in.

I. Topic Sentence: It is known that domestic violence is abuse that can be very

damaging to a person and as a social issue brings much negativity and

repercussions with it.

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A. Domestic Violence is a violent confrontation between family or household

members involving physical harm, sexual assault or fear of physical harm.

(What Is Domestic Violence)

B. This study shows that women are more at risk from violence at home than in

the street, and this has serious repercussions for womens health. (Lee 21)

C. Most victims of domestic violence are women, but men may also be

victims. (Intimate partner violence)

II. Topic Sentence: A lot of times, victims will stay in their abusive relationships for

dread of what would happen if they tried leaving, so they keep enduring the

different kinds of abuse that domestic violence brings.

A. These behaviors, which can occur alone or in combination, sporadically or

continually, include physical violence, psychological abuse, stalking, and

nonconsensual sexual behavior. (Burnett Domestic Violence)

B. Why do people stay in abusive relationships? Love, hope, dependence, fear,

guilt, survival, loyalty, family pressure, children, religious beliefs, learned

helplessnessand the list goes on. (Gaines 331)

C. Domestic Violence can take many forms, but the pattern or cycle of violence

is usually the same. The cycle of violence has three components: (1) tension

building, (2) explosion or acute battering and abuse, and (3) reconciliation,

loving respite, or the honeymoon phase. (Gaines 331)

III. Topic Sentence: Help needs to be ensured and available in keeping victims safe

and away from the toxicity of domestic violence as well as knowing what steps to

take in order to receive the appropriate guidance, but most importantly having
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strict reform and policies is necessary in order to ensure victims well-being and to

decrease domestic violence over all.

A. Though rampant in the U.S., many Americans including the general public

and state actors such as law enforcement (LE) see DV as a family matter to

be resolved within the home and not as an HR violation. (Andrews and

Khavinson 17)

B. Help is available; most communities have a local domestic violence hotline

and a shelter or safe house. (Gaines 331)

C. Federal Agencies will be required to develop policies to address the

ramifications of domestic violence, after President Barack Obama signed a

memorandum to that effect April 18. (Tucker 7)

Conclusion: To conclude, domestic violence is a severe social issue that needs to be shed

light on and brought awareness to be able to overcome and slowly, but surely decrease the

percentages of victims that deal with this. Domestic violence is abuse and takes on different

forms of abuse. Victims of abuse usually do not come forward or seek for help which is why

family, friends, health care physicians, therapists, etc. need to be informed of the signs and

symptoms of someone who is being abused to be able to provide him or her with the appropriate

care and aid they need. If more people are knowledgeable on domestic violence, then as a

community people can work together to make sure this is noticed and consequently prevented.

There are an array of solutions and steps that can be taken for victims of domestic violence so

there is hope always that people or loved ones for victims will come forward in bringing them to

a safe environment and if they have children for their children as well. Furthermore, hotlines,

organizations, safe houses or shelters are available to those in need and looking for relief or an
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escape which is reassuring to know because many times to victims there is no way out, but there

always is a light at the end of the tunnel and support will be there for those in need who are

disheartened and weak.