DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISCUSSION W2 2

Domestic Violence Discussion W2

One of the main problems relating to the help-seeking behavior of Hedda Nussbaum
relates to culture. Culture alludes to important elements that are part of a people’s history and
tradition (Ngo & Le, 2007). Culture distinguishes a group from others. The American culture is
defined by violence is a major theme. Violence is in many cases, condoned and, in some
instances, glamorized. In Lisa’s case, people in the neighborhood had begun noticing that Lisa
was experiencing violence. A student-teacher had noted that Lisa was exhibiting bruises, but her
supervisor turned her down. Police had responded to a distress call, but Hedda did not file
charges. Evidently, culture and societal norms created a conducive environment for violence.
Discrimination is a major issue that inhibits appropriate intervention. In America, gender
discrimination still remains a major issue. Women fail to get justice due to the high levels of
discrimination in the justice system (Weitzer & Tuch, 1999). Discrimination also affects
individuals from poor households. Certain individuals are given preference by the justice system,
and this enables them to get away with crimes. The justice system is an enabling factor to
intimate partner violence. A toll collector had noticed that something was amiss. Lisa was in
Joel’s car and was crying. However, when Joel was stopped and confronted, he relied on legal
connections to evade justice. Evidently, the unfair justice system has created a situation where
many women continue to suffer in silence for fear that reporting will only make things worse.
Cases are not solved efficiently, and this enables the perpetrators of violence to continue
engaging in violence.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISCUSSION W2 3

References

Ngo, H. M., & Le, T. N. (2007). Stressful life events, culture, and violence. Journal of
Immigrant and Minority Health, 9(2), 75-84.
Weitzer, R., & Tuch, S. A. (1999). Race, class, and perceptions of discrimination by the
police. Crime & Delinquency, 45(4), 494-507.