Domestic Violence – Act and Structure in Family Relationships

Abstract

Domestic violence has become a current topic in politics and science. Research in recent decades has brought to light its extent, possible causes and consequences. In order to assess the socio-political relevance of the topic, a quantifying perspective is usually used as a basis. This article argues that such a perspective is hardly able to grasp the multilayered complexity of domestic violence. Important facets of domestic violence as a process-related event within specific family relationships are elaborated and discussed. It is argued that precisely these relationships should form an important starting point for a systematic and well-founded examination of the complex phenomenon of domestic violence.