Is Domestic Abuse Prevalent Only in Low-Income Groups?
Written by: Suresh Nair
An often-believed myth common in societies across the world is the belief that issues of domestic abuse or domestic violence happen only in the lower economic strata. However, domestic abuse is also prevalent among the upper-income strata.
Economic status is not a contributing factor in domestic violence. It is a misconception that wealth and violence at home between partners correlate. Domestic abuse need not be restricted to physical or sexual exploitation. Often, partners in affluent families restrict or remove access to their money, resulting in a financial exploitation of the spouse that tantamounts to blackmail. It's a simple message from the partner: You cannot use or spend my money if you do not listen to me. In cases where the partner is financially dependent, they just grin and bear it.
Affluent families tend to be very “conscious” of their “social status”. If news of the abuse gets out, it will ruin the family’s reputation. Such perceptions prolong the agony of the victims. It is not uncommon amongst wealthy families to have a partner, who has multiple relationships. Some are exploited by their partners, where the victim is a sexual toy for the partner’s social group.
As per an article by verywellmind.com, domestic violence is the highest amongst African Americans, followed by Hispanics. Partners in the lowest income group are three times more likely to experience domestic violence. One needs to keep in mind that these statistics are based on the number of crimes reported and does not mean that affluent families are immune to such issues.
Factors such as income inequality, social trust, and access to resources can influence both the occurrence and reporting of domestic violence. Additionally, cultural factors, language barriers, and immigration status can affect reporting rates and access to support services, particularly among Hispanic and other minority communities.
In cases where the victim is financially independent, the affected partner may eventually leave the violent partner. Victims realize that living a life of dignity and self-respect or being with a partner, who genuinely cares about them, is more important than getting abused in a 3-acre mansion.