| Abstract [eng] |
To explore the key criminological aspects related to domestic violence against women, the following tasks have been formulated: 1) to define the concept of violence and other related concepts; 2) to identify the main types of domestic violence perpetrated against women and their forms of manifestation; 3) to provide a summarized overview of the most common causes of domestic violence against women and its consequences both for the effected women and their children as well as sanctions imposed on perpetrators; 4) to describe subjects engaged in preventive action that may offer help in addressing this problem. The thesis consists of three parts which include an analysis of the prevalence of domestic violence against women on a global and national level based on the statistical data of the Republic of Lithuania and other countries (European Union, United States and the Middle East). It also gives a brief overview of the regulatory framework and the liability stipulated in it for different types of domestic violence against women. Based on the comparison of the main criminological theories that explain domestic violence against women, the thesis identifies the main causes that give rise to this phenomenon. The thesis identifies the main consequences of domestic violence that afflict women including psychological, physiological and economical ones. It also discusses the impact of violence on the child’s personality and gives a brief overview of the harmful effects of domestic violence on the general public and on the country. Moreover, based on the 2013 study of the cases examined by Vilnius City District Court, the thesis discusses the most and least frequently used sanctions against perpetrators. The third chapter of the Master’s thesis offers an overview of the institutions providing a range of support services to women affected by domestic violence. Also, based on the research conducted in this field, the thesis describes the primary points of contact that the affected women are likely to seek assistance from (they first turn to their family members and close friends before seeking help from crisis centers and other institutions). |
