Quiz Yourself: Answers

1. The statutory definition of domestic violence is comprised of the various illegal actions that may be committed such as battery, assault, rape, and stalking for which one may be arrested. The behavioral definition includes other forms of abuse such as psychological and economic abuse that, while not illegal by law, can be just as harmful and an effective means of controlling the victim.
     
2. The true function of domestic violence is to gain power and control over another person.
     
3. Types of abuse associated with domestic violence include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, and legal abuse.
     
4. The differences between the Power & Control Wheel and the Equality Wheel are numerous but the most important idea is that in a healthy relationship, both partners are equally respected with neither having undue power and control over the other.
     
5. The three phases of the cycle of violence are Tension-building, Abuse/Violence, and Apology/Honeymoon.
     
6. Domestic violence can be learned through families, external victimization, media, and societal acceptance.
     
7. Reasons a victim might stay in an abusive relationship include:
    • Coping mechanisms such as minimization, denial, rationalization, and self-blame
    • Fear of what the abuser will do if she leaves
    • Isolation and lack of resources
    • Lack of support
    • Feelings and beliefs