Domestic violence is often reinforced by some religious teachings, and may even be permitted and expected in various cultures. In some cases, religious organizations provide little assistance in preventing domestic violence, and the statements of some priests and clergymen may even appear to encourage abuse. Various Biblical passages contain stories and accounts about various types of domestic violence. Descriptions detailing the mistreatment of women can be located throughout the sacred writings, and some people believe that because this behavior is described in the Bible, it is acceptable. Oftentimes, perpetrators will utilize these bible passages in order to justify their actions and behavior. For example, the popular motto, "Spare the rod, spoil the child," was taken from the Book of Proverbs. The Bible goes on to explain, "Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shall beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell (Proverbs 23:13-14)." This proclamation seems to commend child abuse as a method of discipline. It suggests that beating a child will not permanently harm a child, but will benefit a child in the long run. Similar passages about domestic violence can be discovered throughout the Bible. Ephesians 5:22 affirms, "Wives submit to your husbands." Many men will choose to ignore the rest of this passage, and use this statement as an excuse to subject their wives to brutality if their wives disobey them. This passage may also cause women to feel that they have a duty to submit to their husbands authority. This may inject the mentality that a woman has no right to make her own decisions regarding her actions or her future. This frame of mind does little in preventing domestic violence; a man will utilize the power of men in the bible in order to justify his desire for power in a relationship. He may feel that he should be the commander in a relationship, and that his partner should submit to him and uphold his desires. This belief helps to create a positive attitude about domestic violence. Also, the Old Testament contains numerous stories in which women are subjected to maltreatment. For example, in the Book of Genesis, a man named Lot has his house surrounded by a crowd of men. In order to please the boisterous crowd, he offers them his two daughters, who have not yet been touched by a man. Stories such as this also do not help in preventing domestic violence; they run the risk of undermining the worth and the value of women – illustrating an air of objectification.

Throughout history, many cultures have assisted very little in preventing domestic violence. In some cultures, people uphold an acceptable perspective about domestic violence and spousal abuse. Unfortunately, domestic violence continues to be a worldwide epidemic, and it occurs in every culture. However, there are some cultures that view this horrific behavior as tolerable and respectable. For example, domestic violence is an extremely frequent and severe occurrence throughout the Middle East and Asia. Countries such as Pakistan and India are overrun with instances of domestic violence. The increased occurrence of domestic abuse in various cultures is often the result of how these cultures view women and the role of women. In many societies, women are considered to be objects that belong to men. Therefore, if a women misbehaves a husband has the right to beat his wife as a form of punishment. Many cultures consider women to be the root of all evil, which is not a mentality that helps in preventing domestic violence. In these societies, women maintain to rights or freedom. They are not permitted to receive an education, and women are often treated like servants instead of family members. These perspectives breed positive breed positive perspectives about domestic violence. In order to help prevent domestic abuse, it is important to understand how various cultures perceive domestic abuse towards women.

Much of the available domestic violence
informationanthropologistsChildreneffects of their parents’ behavior.

The domestic violence cycle is a brutal one; in many cases it is also extremely
effective. Children who grow up witnessing one of their parents subjecting the
other to the domestic violence cycle may have this behavior imprinted in their
subconscious. For example, a child who grows up witnessing his father
subjecting his mother to violence and cruelty may believe that this behavior is
normal and admissible. In many cases, the abuser will achieve their goal
through the use of brutality. In most instances, this goal is to ensure that
they establish and maintain control over their victim. A victim of the domestic
violence cycle will often fear for their health and safety, and will therefore
allow the abuser to hold the power within a relationship. Domestic violence
information suggests that a victim of abuse will seek to please their abuser in
order to avoid suffering from further cruelty. They make seek to ensure that
they fulfill all of the requests and the desires of their abuser. A young boy
who witnesses his mother submit to the authority of his father due to the use
of the domestic violence cycle, may find that this form of abuse is beneficial.
In situations such as this, a boy may learn that the use of brutality receives
results. It allows the abuser to achieve what they are looking to achieve. They
maintain control over their victim and often achieve the ability to take part
in any activities that they wish to partake in, without questions from their
partner. A victim of domestic violence will fear to question their abuser’s
behavior because inquiries may result in physical punishment. A child who is
witnessing the domestic violence cycle being carried out may develop the
mentality that cruelty is the most effective way to guarantee that their
partner is loyal and pragmatic. This is especially true when the abuser
receives no adverse repercussions for their actions. Domestic violence
information indicates that many perpetrators never receive penalties for their
behavior, and that many victims of abuse remain in an abusive relationship. If
a child is witness an adult commit these acts without punishment, it reinforces
the idea that this behavior is acceptable. This is especially true when a
victim of abuse does not attempt to escape their harmful environment. The child
will believe that they have no reason to fear legal disadvantages for
brutalizing their partner, and they also do not need to worry about their
partner attempting to flee. From this perspective, domestic violence seems like
a beneficial method of control with no detrimental effects for the abuser.
Domestic violence information suggests that children growing up in these types
of situations are more likely to subject their partners to abuse and brutality
later in life.

Low self-esteem is often cited as a major causespousal abuselearned behaviorindicator of potential
domestic behavior. Often, low
self-esteem will stem from insecurities related to the individuals physical
appearance. They may often maintain the mentality that they are unworthy or
undeserving. Therefore, an individual who is experiencing self doubt may resort
to spousal abuse in order to help guarantee that they will not lose their
partner. Often, these individuals are extremely paranoid and convince
themselves that their partner is unfaithful. In many instances, abuse in
families occurs because an individual fears loosing their partner to someone
else. Therefore, the perpetrator will brutalize their partner in order to
instill fear in them. They will try to convince their spouse that attempting to
leave will be detrimental to their health and safety. In most cases, abuse in
families includes severe isolation. An abuser will forbid their victim from
communicating with their family and their friends. They may prohibit their
partner from attending social events because they fear that the victim will be
happier spending time with someone else, or because they are afraid that
maintaining a support system will provide the victim with opportunities to
leave. In many cases of spousal abuse, the perpetrator will prevent their
victim from working or from receiving a further education, because the abuser
is often paranoid that if their victim maintains financial independence, then
they will have the ability to leave the abuser. Abuse in families is generally
committed by an individual who has no confidence in their value or their
abilities. It is an act of cowardice. No matter what the cause, abuse in
families is unacceptable, and an individual who is suffering from domestic
violence should seek help.