The power and control of perpetrator in domestic violence

Abstract

This study focuses on the causes and effects of the imbalance of power and control between the couples. Research has showed that the imbalance of power is one of the main causes for domestic violence, which has led these victims in this study to suffer from economic dependence among other causes. This research was conducted on ten Maltese women victims of domestic violence that are currently staying or have stayed in various shelters for battered women. The effects of power and control are tackled from a number of aspects and based on the women's perspectives concerning the abuse. The method used is an open-ended qualitative interview as there are a limited number of participants taking part and is ideal to analyze the situation more in depth. With this type of research method one can understand the participant's impressions and get a first hand experience. The themes presented from the data collection were common for all the ten women being interviewed. These include; 1) the impact of power and control on battered women, 2) the influences alcohol and drugs have on violence, 3) the power of the patriarchy, 4) the legal process, 5) loss of personal control to the perpetrator, 6) the level of protection inside the shelters, and 7) the obstacles faced in securing independence. The final intent is that victims manage to overcome the negative impact of crime and recover in a short time in order to be able to get on with their lives. ·