Paper Summary:

This paper defines altruism and connects it to domestic violence as embodying its direct opposite, selfishness. The writer describes the destructive effects of domestic violence on society with regard to the victim, the perpetrator, and the rest of society, and on an individual level on family structure, emotions, and finances. An explanation follows of the social exchange theory, which focuses on how to change the behavior of the individual in a way that helps the giver and the receiver understand the positive effects of altruism. The writer explains how, on a concrete level, shelters provide and instill trustworthiness in victims in a manner that teaches altruism and trustworthiness through internal and external rewards. For the abused individual, trust may develop, but time and edification are the key factors in learning to trust, or in the long term, in becoming altruistic.

Outline:
Nature and History of Domestic Violence
The Impact Domestic Violence Has on Society
Victims of Abuse
Monetary and Non-Monetary Losses
Altruism and Persuasion Elements
Social Exchange Theory
Trustworthiness
Similarities
Implications of Strategy
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The effects of domestic violence are damaging to victims though most of the time the warning signs of abuse are not immediately obvious. Victims find it difficult to admit to others that violence is happening so abuse can go unnoticed for long periods. Many victims are ashamed so the abuse can be a constant terrorizing factor in a family or between household members. The abused person is often isolated and generally the victim does not report abuse so communities will often fail to recognize domestic violence or its warning signs. Domestic violence has no socioeconomic boundaries so the impact on society is sometimes vague and misunderstood because values and standards are so obscure many families will fall victim to abusers. This societal perspective may explain the lack of public attention to problems of domestic violence."

Sample of Sources Used:

• McDonough, T. (2010). A Policy Capturing Investigation of Battered Women's Decisions to stay in Violent Relationships. Violence & Victims, 25(2), 165-184. doi:10.1891/0886- 6708.25.2.165.
• Post, S. G. (2002). Altruism and Altruistic Love. New York, New York: Oxford University Press.
• Russell, D., Springer, K., & Greenfield, E. (2010). Witnessing domestic abuse in childhood as an Independent risk factor for depressive symptoms in young adulthood. Child Abuse & Neglect, 34(6), 448-453. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2009.10.004.
• Schoen, K., & Mickish, J. (2001). Restraining Order Conditions Shuttle Conference. The Colorado Lawyer, (3), 1.
• The Commonwealth Fund (1999). Health Concerns across a Woman's Lifespan: The Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women's Health.http://www.cmwf.org/programs/women/ksc_whsurvey99_332.asp.

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