The psychology behind DV and the root cause of the problem

I had this article published in The West Australian in September of this year (2023). At that time, we were recording one fatal attack per week. Today, at the time of writing this (on a Wednesday), we've seen three deaths in three days.

The recent historic emergency summit on family and domestic violence in Western Australia served as a significant platform for dialogue, introspection, and a renewed commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence (DV).

While the immediate focus is often on the effectiveness of emergency services, it is essential to recognise that our DV crisis runs deeper, requiring a comprehensive understanding of its root causes and strategies to prevent it.

At the forefront of the summit, Premier Roger Cook and Police Commissioner Col Blanch exhibited a united front, expressing their willingness to “listen and learn” from various stakeholders.

The event aimed to provide a space for critical discussions about the endemic levels of DV in our state, as highlighted by a series of shocking fatal attacks. The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing, represented by Chief Executive Alison Evans, emphasised the need for foundational changes in societal attitudes and practices to effectively combat DV.

While emergency services, including the police, play a crucial role in responding to DV incidents, it’s crucial to acknowledge that they deal with the consequences rather than the root cause of the problem. The root cause of DV is complex and multifaceted, often stemming from deep-seated societal norms, gender inequalities, and distorted power dynamics. DV is not a result of any single factor, rather it emerges from a combination of psychological, cultural, and socioeconomic factors.

DV often follows a cycle of violence that begins with tension building, escalates into a violent incident, and is then followed by a period of remorse and reconciliation. This cycle is perpetuated by a range of psychological factors, including the abuser’s need for control, feelings of entitlement, and distorted beliefs about dominance and submission. At the same time, victims may experience a complex interplay of emotions such as fear, guilt, and hope for change, which can contribute to the cycle’s continuation.

Cultural norms and deeply ingrained gender inequalities also play a significant role in the perpetuation of DV. Traditional notions of masculinity that emphasise dominance and aggression can contribute to a sense of entitlement among perpetrators. Similarly, societal expectations regarding women’s submission and silence can prevent victims from seeking help and speaking out against abuse. These norms reinforce power imbalances and create an environment where DV can thrive.

Addressing the root causes of DV requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond immediate interventions. It involves challenging cultural norms, promoting gender equality, and fostering education and awareness. Here are a few steps that can contribute to preventing and addressing DV:

Education and awareness

Comprehensive education about healthy relationships, consent, and conflict resolution should be integrated into school curricula from an early age. We need to encourage and celebrate our children and adolescents to be the best boy or girl in the room. Public awareness campaigns can help challenge stereotypes and promote respectful behaviour.

Support systems

Establishing robust support systems for both victims and perpetrators, including shelters, hotlines, and counselling services, is essential. These resources empower victims to seek help and break free from abusive situations and encourage perpetrators to look at problematic behaviours, learning long term lasting change.

Legal measures

Strengthening legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable is crucial. This includes enforcing restraining orders and implementing consequences for DV offenses that victims think will actually protect. All too often in clinical practice I hear the theme of “whats the point of getting a VRO it wont protect me”

Counselling and rehabilitation

Providing counselling and rehabilitation programs for both perpetrators and victims can address underlying psychological issues and help break the cycle of violence.

Promoting gender equality

Fostering an environment of gender equality in homes, workplaces, and communities challenges the power dynamics that contribute to DV.

The prevalence of DV in Western Australia demands a collective effort to address its root causes. While emergency services play a vital role in responding to immediate crises, a more comprehensive approach is needed to effectively curb DV's occurrence.

By understanding the psychological, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to DV, communities and policymakers can work together to create lasting change. This change involves dismantling toxic masculinity, promoting gender equality, and providing resources and support for both victims and perpetrators.

It’s only by addressing the root causes we can hope to cut off the head of this venomous snake and create a society where domestic violence has no place.

Every four minutes a woman is in danger, so in the time it took you to read this article women’s lives have been threatened with violence and coercive control.

It’s an alarming statistic, but I believe we must all play a part in changing the current status quo, so more women’s lives are not senselessly lost.

When solving societal problems, we must learn to dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.