MSU expert on the realities of domestic violence – Michigan State University

Report on Domestic Violence: A Barrier to Sustainable Development

Domestic violence is a pervasive public health and social issue that directly impedes the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report, based on the insights of Hyunkag Cho, an associate professor at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work, examines the complexities of domestic violence and outlines strategies for prevention and support. Addressing this issue is critical for advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Addressing Misconceptions and Emerging Challenges in Line with SDG Targets

Common Misconceptions

A primary misconception is that domestic violence is a product of individual failure or circumstance. In reality, it is a widespread issue that transcends all demographic boundaries, including gender, race, age, income, and religion. Recognizing its universal nature is a key step toward creating inclusive solutions as envisioned in the SDGs.

Evolving Forms of Abuse and Measurement Challenges

The scope of domestic violence is expanding, presenting new challenges to achieving SDG 5’s target to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Key challenges include:

• Coercive Control: A pattern of behavior used to strip a partner of their freedom, including continuous monitoring and financial control.
• Digital Abuse: The increasing use of technology, such as cell phones and videos, to harass and control a partner.

These evolving forms are difficult to measure, and significant data gaps exist, particularly concerning the experiences of racial, ethnic, and gender minorities. This lack of data undermines the “leave no one behind” principle of the SDGs and hinders progress toward SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

A Multi-faceted Approach to Prevention and Survivor Support

The Role of Social Work in Early Intervention

Social workers are positioned on the front lines and play a critical role in early identification and intervention. By being trained to recognize signs of domestic violence and associated stigma, they can provide support before situations escalate, contributing directly to SDG 3 by protecting the health and well-being of survivors and their families.

Identifying Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Early intervention requires awareness of key warning signs from both abusers and survivors.

1. Warning Signs from an Abuser:
   • Controlling behaviors
   • Physical aggression
   • Sexual coercion
2. Warning Signs from a Survivor:
   • Withdrawal from friends or family
   • Unexplained injuries
   • Unexplained absences from work or social events

Essential Community Resources and Systems

To build the peaceful and just societies called for in SDG 16, communities must provide accessible, survivor-centered care. Effective resources include hotlines, shelters, legal services, and advocacy programs. Integrating awareness and response training for teachers, healthcare providers, and employers embeds this support within everyday systems, strengthening institutional capacity to protect vulnerable individuals.

Intersectional Analysis: Domestic Violence and Broader SDGs

Linkages to Poverty, Housing, and Child Welfare

Domestic violence is a structural issue deeply interconnected with other societal challenges, highlighting its impact across the SDG framework.

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children. Survivors are often forced to choose between physical safety and financial survival, trapping them in cycles of poverty.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) & SDG 4 (Quality Education): Children who witness domestic violence are at a significantly higher risk for emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems, jeopardizing their long-term health and educational outcomes.

Recommendations for Community and Professional Action

Guidance for Community Support

Friends, family, and colleagues can contribute to achieving SDG 5 and SDG 16 by taking supportive action when they suspect abuse. Recommended steps include:

• Offer nonjudgmental support and avoid blaming the survivor.
• Listen actively and validate the survivor’s experiences.
• Connect the individual to professional resources while respecting their privacy and autonomy.

Directives for Social Work Professionals

For professionals working with survivors, a survivor-centered and culturally competent approach is essential for fostering justice and well-being.

1. Practice empathy and validate survivors’ experiences.
2. Respect survivors’ choices and autonomy in their decision-making process.
3. Maintain cultural awareness to address the unique barriers faced by diverse populations, in line with SDG 10.
4. Engage in self-care to ensure personal well-being and the capacity for sustained, effective support.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article explicitly frames domestic violence as a “pervasive public health and social issue.” It discusses the consequences for survivors, such as “unexplained injuries,” and the impact on children who witness it, who are at a “higher risk of emotional, behavioral and developmental problems,” directly connecting to physical and mental well-being.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  Domestic violence is a key barrier to gender equality. The article discusses various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, coercive control, and financial control, which disproportionately affect women. It also notes that domestic violence is a “leading cause of homelessness among women and children,” highlighting a specific gendered impact.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article points out that domestic violence can happen to anyone “regardless of their gender, race, age, income, religion and citizenship.” However, it also highlights inequalities by stating that “Racial, ethnic and gender minorities’ experiences of domestic violence are not studied well,” suggesting that systemic barriers and discrimination shape survivors’ experiences differently.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The connection is made through the issue of housing and safety. The article states, “Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women and children.” This directly links the issue to the goal of ensuring access to safe and secure housing for all community members.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is relevant through the discussion of survivor support systems and access to justice. The article mentions the importance of “legal services and advocacy programs” and notes the challenge that “many survivors do not report,” which points to a need for stronger, more accessible, and more trusted institutions to address violence.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being. The article’s focus on the “emotional, behavioral and developmental problems” in children and the need for “survivor-centered care” aligns with this target.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. The entire article is dedicated to discussing domestic and intimate partner violence, which is a primary focus of this target.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, etc. The article’s emphasis that violence affects all demographics and that minority experiences are under-studied connects to the need for inclusive support and prevention strategies.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing. The direct link made between domestic violence and homelessness for women and children makes this target highly relevant.

5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article’s core subject is the prevention and response to domestic violence.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. This is addressed by the mention of children witnessing domestic violence and suffering from its consequences.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all. The reference to “legal services” and the problem of underreporting directly relates to survivors’ access to justice.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators through its discussion of challenges and resources:

• Prevalence and Reporting Rates of Domestic Violence

  The article states, “It is still challenging to measure domestic violence, as many survivors do not report and certain forms of domestic violence are not easy to measure.” This implies that the proportion of individuals subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence (including coercive control and digital harassment) and the rate at which they report it are key indicators.

• Rates of Homelessness due to Domestic Violence

  By identifying domestic violence as a “leading cause of homelessness among women and children,” the article implies that the number or proportion of the homeless population who are survivors of domestic violence is a measurable indicator of the intersection between these issues.

• Access to and Utilization of Support Services

  The article lists “Hotlines, shelters, legal services and advocacy programs” as effective resources. Therefore, the number of survivors accessing these services can serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of community response systems and progress towards ensuring access to justice and support.

• Prevalence of Adverse Effects on Children

  The statement that children who witness violence are at a “higher risk of emotional, behavioral and developmental problems” suggests that tracking the incidence of these issues in children from affected households is an important indicator of the broader public health impact.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: msutoday.msu.edu