Domestic Violence and Its Hidden Nature

Kero, K. M., Puuronenm A. H., Nyqvist, L., & Langen, V. L. (2020). Usability of two brief questions as a screening tool for domestic violence and effect of #MeToo on the prevalence of self-reported violence. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 255, 92-97. Web.

The article focuses on the problem of the hidden nature of domestic violence statistics with a high prevalence of unreported cases. In order to reveal more cases of domestic violence, the authors proposed using a screening tool with two questions among gynecological outpatients. The findings suggest that among nearly seven thousand screened women, 154 (2.2%) tested positive for domestic violence and requested further support. Thus, the article draws attention to the intimate character of the domestic violence issue, the lack of accurate statistics on the problem, and the need for systematic screenings to identify unreported cases.

Day, A. S., & Gill, A. K. (2020). Applying intersectionality to partnerships between women’s organizations and the criminal justice system in relation to domestic violence. The British Journal of Criminology, 6(4), 830-850. Web.

The article utilizes an intersection approach to define how the criminal justice system treats domestic violence victims. The authors explain that black and minority ethnic women (BME) are often marginalized and oppressed as domestic violence survivors. The article explores the important role that women’s organizations have in protecting the interests of domestic violence survivors.

Heron, R. L., & Eisma, M. C. (2021). Barriers and facilitators of disclosing domestic violence to the healthcare service: A systematic review of qualitative research. Health and Social Care in the Community, 29(3), 612-630. Web.

Healthcare organizations have an important role in the disclosure of domestic violence against women. The article suggests that healthcare professionals can negatively affect the reporting of cases of domestic violence by minimizing the importance of the incident. The authors propose that healthcare professionals provide domestic violence victims with a secure environment to eliminate barriers to disclosure and reduce the number of documented acts of domestic violence.

Piquero, A. R., Jennings, W. G., Jemison, E., Kaukinen, C., & Knaul, F. M. (2021). Domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic – Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 74, 1-10. Web.

The COVID-19 pandemic was marked by a growing number of domestic violence cases. The article compares the data on domestic violence incidents during pre- and post-lockdown periods. The findings suggest that the increase in domestic violence was more evident in the U.S. The article draws attention to the lack of knowledge about domestic violence in the public’s perception and defines the need to develop response mechanisms for similar cases in the future.