CJ 333 Unit 3

Sources of data? Where do we get our data? Is it accurate?

Sources Victims Police Official vs unofficial Courts State and Federal Inmates in jail Is this all? Do we have a complete and accurate picture of domestic abuse?

Stats Family violence accounted for 11% of all crime between million violent crimes against family members 49% against spouses 11% were sons/daughters victimized by parent 41% were crimes against other family members

Most common is simple assault 22% of murders in 2002 were committed on family members About ¾ of victims were women

Gay and Lesbian Research new Estimated to be same as heterosexual or ¼ to ½ of all relationships Another study 2 out of 5 men reported violence in a relationship with a man Gay men in relationships had higher % NYC Gay & Lesbian Project site 25-33%

So what CAUSES family violence? 3 main Schools of Thoughts: –Positive School –Classical School –Conflict School

Classical School Free Will You chose to engage in crime Punishment must fit the crime & swift Rational ChoiceDeterrence Theory Social Policy if you believe in this theory?? Criticisms of Classical School?

Positivist School Wants to know the cause of crime If we know the cause, we can “cure” it Believes crime caused from biological, psychological & sociological viewpoints Scientific based Eugenics movement

Biological –Controversial; criminal actions caused by one’s biology –Biochemical imbalances –Criticisms of Biological Theories? –Social Policy if you believe this theory?

Positive School umbrella Sociological Theories –Relationship between crime & poverty –Culture of Violence Theory –Social Disorganization Theory –Strain Theory –Gender Role Theory Criticisms?

Positive School Umbrella Psychological Theories –Social Learning Theories Not born criminals; learn from environment –Behavior Modeling Theory Children learn to be aggressive like their parents Model after TV, movies too Criticisms? Social Policy?

Conflict School The ruling class maintains control Poverty & unemployment are core Isn’t concerned with “cause” Patriarchal Theory Gender Inequality Criticisms? Social Policy?

So, what do you think? Which theory or School of Thoughts explain what family violence occurs??