Major essay assessment 4

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ASSESSMENT COVER SHEET Family Name : Kaur Given Name(s) : Balvir Student ID : 1073533 Course : Foundations of Sociology and Politics for Community Services Workers Unit Code: SAP101 Unit Name: Tutor : Assessment Number/Title : Assessment 4: Major essay Semester/Trimester and Year: 1st Word Count: 2000

Introduction Domestic violence is a pervasive and perplexing social issue that has far-reaching consequences for people, families, and communities everywhere. It includes all forms of abuse, from the physical to the emotional to the psychological to the financial, and has life-altering effects on its victims and their loved ones. The prevalent and harmful effects of family violence in Australia have attracted a lot of attention. Using two famous sociological theories—feminist theory and the theory of social strain—this article seeks to go into the depths of this topic in order to get a multidimensional understanding of its root causes and complexity. In addition, this article will examine Australia's governmental response to family violence, critiquing the measures now in place to deal with this important issue. 1. Family Violence in Australia: Background and Scope Violence within families has far-reaching consequences that touch more than just the individuals directly involved. Children who are exposed to or victims of violence suffer not only from the immediate physical consequences but also from the long-term psychological impacts of this problem. Children who are exposed to domestic violence at a young age are at a higher risk of becoming victims or offenders themselves later in life (García-Moreno et al., 2015). There is no exception to the rule when it comes to demographics and family violence. It touches people of all ages, sexes, sexual orientations, races, and socioeconomic statuses. However, due to inherent structural disparities and vulnerabilities, certain groups bear a disproportionate burden. Historical trauma, ongoing marginalisation, and socioeconomic inequality all contribute to greater incidence of domestic violence among Indigenous Australians, for example. Support services may be difficult to get for culturally and linguistically diverse populations, making it harder for them to flee abusive relationships. Cyberbullying, harassment, and online threats are just some of the new types of abuse that have emerged alongside the widespread use of technology. The increasing prevalence of digitally-mediated forms of family violence necessitates new approaches to prevention and intervention. Furthermore, there are monetary costs associated with domestic violence. Medical treatment, legal representation, social services, and other forms of victim support can be expensive, putting a strain on healthcare systems and public resources. Added to the direct costs of family violence are the indirect costs, which include things like lower labour participation and lost productivity owing to trauma-related repercussions (Campo, 2015). Family violence is a complex and persistent problem, and sociological theories can provide light on its root causes and dynamics. The intersection of cultural norms, power dynamics, and institutional inequities

creates an atmosphere favourable to family violence, and feminist theory and social strain theory give lenses through which to analyse the core causes and contributing aspects of this phenomenon.. 2. Sociological Theories: Understanding Family Violence a. Feminist Theory Feminist theory provides an indispensable lens through which to analyse the myriad factors that contribute to domestic abuse. Feminist theory centres on the idea that gender inequality and power disparities are structural problems in society. This theory sheds light on the role of patriarchal standards and social expectations in the maintenance of abusive behaviours within close interpersonal relationships, specifically the setting of family violence. The perpetuation of conventional gender norms, which uphold the idea of male supremacy and female subjugation, is a major contributor to the cycle of violence. Feminist theorists contend that family violence is systemic and cannot be reduced to the responsibility of any one person. Instead, it is an example of the many faces of gender-based oppression. Through a feminist theoretical perspective, we examine family violence and find that cultural norms and social constructions foster an atmosphere where violence against women and marginalised genders can thrive. The feminist movement in Australia has been crucial in raising awareness about the problem of domestic violence (Policastro, 2015). Organisations like "White Ribbon" have been in the forefront of speaking out against violence against women and promoting gender equality. These campaigns have recruited male allies in an effort to promote respectful relationships and eliminate negative stereotypes in the fight against family violence. These efforts demonstrate how feminist theory has been put into practise to alter cultural norms and lower rates of domestic abuse. b. Social Strain Theory Robert Merton's theory of social strain sheds light on how cultural norms and expectations shape individual actions like domestic abuse. According to this hypothesis, people may resort to illegal behaviour when there is a mismatch between their aspirations and the resources at their disposal. Social strain theory, when applied to family violence, proposes that economic inequality, poor access to education, and restricted work possibilities can generate circumstances of strain, raising stress and potentially leading to disputes within families. When applied to the context of family violence in Australia, social strain theory finds a fruitful environment. Factors like employment instability and growing expenses of living contribute to economic disparity, which in turn can increase the stress on people and families. Extreme emotions, deteriorated communication, and sparked disputes may all result when people are worried about money. The absence of services and assistance in these situations just adds to the stress, making domestic violence more likely to occur (Agnew, 2020).

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There is a complicated web of interconnected social and economic elements that contribute to domestic violence. However, social strain theory provides a lens for comprehending how systemic injustices may modify the dynamics of abuse inside households. Reduce the likelihood of family violence and foster more nurturing settings by focusing on the causes of stress and giving means to cope with it. Family violence in Australia is a complicated social phenomenon, and feminist theory and social strain theory can shed light on those complexities. Together, feminist theory and social strain theory illuminate the ways in which structural inequalities of power and gender contribute to the maintenance of abusive patterns of behaviour. More comprehensive strategies for preventing and responding to family violence can be informed by the insights provided by these theoretical frameworks. 3. Government Responsibility and Policy Response The policy response to family violence in Australia is heavily influenced by the allocation of duties between the Commonwealth and state governments. While individual states have primary responsibility for tackling the issue of family violence, the Commonwealth government plays a crucial role in funding, coordinating, and improving programmes that try to do so. Policy responses can be better understood by looking at the government's constitutional framework. a. Responsibility Allocation The Australian constitution specifies the respective responsibilities and authority of the federal Commonwealth government and the individual state governments. The Commonwealth has power over matters specifically delegated to it, whereas the states have authority over matters not specifically delegated to them by the constitution. Because of its linkages to criminal law, child protection, and social services—all of which are typically handled by state governments—family violence comes predominantly within state obligations (Swan & Snow, 2016). b. Cooperation Between Commonwealth and States The Commonwealth government acknowledges the need for a coordinated strategy to combat this chronic issue, despite family violence coming under state jurisdiction. A prime example of this kind of cooperation is the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children, which will run from 2010 through 2022 (Stubbs & Wangmann, 2017). Even though the Commonwealth is in charge, all of the states and territories are participating in this initiative to combat domestic abuse. Recognising the complex nature of family violence, the National Plan implements a holistic and coordinated response. Prevention, early intervention, victim assistance, and offender repercussions are highlighted. The National Plan recognises that the effects of family violence extend beyond specific locations and call for a concerted effort on the part of all levels of government, non-governmental organisations, service providers, and communities. c. The National Plan as a Policy Response

The National Plan's policy response to domestic abuse employs a multifaceted strategy consistent with findings from sociological studies. Aligning with feminist philosophy, the strategy acknowledges the need of questioning established gender roles and tackling systematic injustices. The plan's goals are to develop positive connections and change negative perceptions through educational and awareness efforts. These initiatives are in line with the goals of feminist philosophy, which also seeks to eradicate the underlying causes of domestic violence. The National Plan's emphasis on preventative measures and early intervention is also consistent with social strain theory. Recognising the significance of systemic forces in contributing to disputes within families, the approach seeks to identify and resolve socioeconomic stresses prior to their escalation into violence (Soh et al., 2018). The plan's goal is to lessen the effects of stress and cut down on the prevalence of family violence by providing resources, support, and interventions. The Australian government's policy response to family violence indicates an understanding of the complexities of the issue and the necessity of multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary efforts to address it. The fact that the Commonwealth government is becoming involved in what is largely a state issue shows how crucial it is to have a cohesive approach to a social problem that does not respect political boundaries. The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children shows an awareness of the complex relationship between structural discrimination, cultural norms, and individual victimisation by coordinating policy responses with sociological observations. The policy response acknowledges the significance of prevention, assistance, and institutional change by taking this comprehensive approach to reducing the devastating effects of family violence. Policy: The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (2010-2022) The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children, which covers the years 2010 to 2022, is one of the most prominent policy responses to family violence in Australia. This all-encompassing policy programme is a concentrated attempt to deal with the complicated nature of family violence and find effective ways to stop it, help its victims, and alter public opinion (UN Women, 2016). Root Causes and Comprehensive Approach The National Plan acknowledged that family violence is entrenched in systemic reasons such as gender inequity, cultural norms, and socio-economic inequities, and not only a surface problem. It took a holistic strategy that included prevention, early intervention, and support services to address these underlying issues. Feminist theory, which stresses the need of addressing underlying power dynamics and gender norms to successfully prevent family violence, was validated by this realisation. Working together and using a holistic approach

The National Plan's emphasis on cooperation across different tiers of government, NGOs, and community organisations stands out as one of its most important features. This group effort understood the complexity of family violence and sought a comprehensive solution. The strategy attempted to guarantee that victims could receive the essential services regardless of their situation by mobilising stakeholders from diverse sectors and bridging gaps in assistance. Taking Stock of the National Strategy By 2022, the National Plan will have come to a close, making it crucial to assess its results. While efforts have been made to start talks regarding family violence, there is still a long way to go. Long-term dedication and constant effort are needed to transform entrenched mindsets and practises. In addition, as technology develops, new types of abuse, such as cyberbullying and internet harassment, must be taken into account if we are to effectively combat family violence (Services, 2022). For instance, both feminist theory and the idea of social strain find common ground in the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. The approach represents a sophisticated knowledge of the causes of family violence by addressing structural imbalances and offering help to alleviate stresses. It's a step in the right direction towards a safer and more equal society because of its all-encompassing strategy, collaborative character, and emphasis on prevention and assistance. The National Plan's completion, however, opens up a larger discussion about the sustained effort needed to effectively combat family violence.. Conclusion In conclusion, family violence in Australia is a pervasive and perplexing issue that calls for a comprehensive strategy. Feminist theory allows us to examine the gender roles and power dynamics at play here, while social strain theory sheds light on the impact of structural inequalities and other societal stresses. The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children is an example of the government's policy response in Australia, which indicates a dedication to tackling family violence via a combination of prevention, assistance, and institutional reform. To create a safer and more equal society for all Australians, we must first understand the sociological causes of family violence and then critically examine the governmental solutions to this problem.

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References Agnew, R. (2020). The Contribution of Social-Psychological Strain Theory to the Explanation of Crime and Delinquency. The Legacy of Anomie Theory , 113–137. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429335945-6 Campo, M. (2015). (PDF) Children’s exposure to domestic and family violence Key issues and responses . ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286264575_Children García-Moreno, C., Hegarty, K., d’Oliveira, A. F. L., Koziol-McLain, J., Colombini, M., & Feder, G. (2015). The health-systems response to violence against women. The Lancet , 385 (9977), 1567–1579. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(14)61837-7 Lawson, J. (2012). Sociological Theories of Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment , 22 (5), 572–590. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2011.598748 Policastro, C. (2015). Feminist Theory. The Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment , 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118519639.wbecpx082 Services, D. of H. (2022). National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children 2010 - 2022 . Officeforwomen.sa.gov.au. https://officeforwomen.sa.gov.au/womens-policy/womens- safety/national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against-women-and-their-children-2010-2022 Soh, H. J., Grigg, J., Gurvich, C., Gavrilidis, E., & Kulkarni, J. (2018). Family Violence: An Insight Into Perspectives and Practices of Australian Health Practitioners. Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 36 (5-6), 088626051876060. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260518760609 Stubbs, J., & Wangmann, J. (2017). Australian Perspectives on Domestic Violence. Global Responses to Domestic Violence , 167–188. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56721-1_9 Swan, S. C., & Snow, D. L. (2016). The Development of a Theory of Women’s Use of Violence in Intimate Relationships. Violence against Women , 12 (11), 1026–1045. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801206293330 UN Women. (2016). National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children . Evaw-Global- Database.unwomen.org. https://evaw-global- database.unwomen.org/en/countries/oceania/australia/2010/national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against- women-and-their-children-2010-2022

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