Abstract

The psychology behind victim-blaming concerning relationships with abusive partners derives from egotistical rationalization of injustice and external societal ideology that victims, like everyone else, have ultimate control over their personal welfare without considering the risk factors involved with leaving an abusive relationship. Battered women and men need to consider financial ties, safety of children, personal safety, and family alienation when leaving abusive partners. Forms of abuse have stretched far beyond verbal or other prominent forms of abuse as society becomes more digital. Digital abuse now plays a key role in many unhealthy relationships as victims attempt to search for help. Outside persons tend to place blame on the victims rather than on the abusers themselves (or at least a good amount of the blame) because it is in human nature to rationalize injustice. Humans desire their own safety over their own- even if that safety is completely hypothetical and in their own minds. Educating victims and external persons about domestic abuse, the risk factors aligned with abuse, and resources available to those in abusive intimate partnerships is key to providing safety for everyone.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-11-2017

Mentor

Michael W. Austin

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Philosophy and Religion

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Social Work

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work

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