Domestic violence is a serious issue that impacts people of all genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, research shows that some professions have higher rates of domestic violence than others. In this article, we will examine which occupations have the highest rates of domestic violence and why that may be the case.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, refers to a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate relationship used to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. However, women are more likely to experience domestic violence than men. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Measuring domestic violence rates by profession
Studying domestic violence rates by profession is challenging because abuse often goes unreported. However, some research has shed light on which occupations may have higher rates of domestic violence.
One way researchers measure domestic violence rates is through anonymous surveys and interviews asking people about their experiences with intimate partner violence. Comparing rates between professions gives insights into which jobs may have risk factors for domestic violence.
Police reports and calls for domestic disturbances can also indicate higher rates of violence in some occupations. However, this data is limited because many victims do not report abuse to the police.
Professions with highest rates
According to multiple research studies, these occupations tend to have elevated rates of domestic violence compared to the general population:
Law enforcement
Law enforcement professionals, such as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and federal agents, have consistently high rates of domestic violence. It is estimated that 40% of police officer families in the U.S. experience domestic violence, according to research conducted over the last 28 years.
A study that appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online found that 28% to 36% of officers admitted to perpetrating domestic violence in the last year. Other studies estimate that 24% to 40% of police families experience domestic violence.
Military
Military families have a very high risk for domestic violence. Rates are particularly high for active duty service members. Studies estimate that 25% to over 50% of active duty service members perpetrate intimate partner violence.
According to the Department of Defense, the rate of serious domestic abuse incidents is 5 times higher in military families compared to civilian families. Over 53,000 incidents were reported in a single year.
Medical professions
The medical field, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, has high rates of domestic violence. An estimated 40% of female nurses reported experiencing domestic violence. One study found 21% of medical students admitted to physical abuse of their partner.
Teaching professions
Studies indicate that elementary, middle school, and high school teachers experience domestic abuse at high rates. Around 50% of female teachers reported being a victim of domestic violence.
A 2005 study found 35% of currently employed female teachers had experienced emotional and 37% had experienced physical violence from a partner. The rate of physical violence was almost 3 times the national average.
Attorneys
The legal profession has high risks for domestic violence. Research shows that lawyers have a greater likelihood of alcoholism and mental health issues that correlate to higher abuse rates.
One study from the 1990s estimated that 36% of female attorneys were victims of intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime.
Why do these professions have higher rates?
There are several factors that may contribute to increased domestic violence rates among these professions:
Job-related stress and trauma
Professions like law enforcement and the military involve high-stress working conditions. Repeated exposure to traumatic events on the job can impact relationships and mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to higher risks of perpetrating domestic violence.
Power and control
Abusive individuals are often attracted to positions of power like police officers, military personnel, doctors, and lawyers. The job authority can transfer to feeling entitled to exert control in their intimate relationships.
Alcohol abuse
Domestic violence commonly co-occurs with alcohol problems. Many high-risk professions have elevated rates of alcoholism, including military members, police officers, attorneys, and medical professionals.
Occupational culture
Some professional cultures promote aggression, suppress emotion, and discourage seeking mental health treatment – factors linked to increased violence. Police officers and military members face pressure to appear tough and avoid showing vulnerability or emotions.
Effects of domestic violence
Domestic violence has severe physical and mental health consequences. Victims are at risk for:
- Injuries: Broken bones, bruises, cuts, traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic health issues: Joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, PTSD
- Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse
- Reproductive health issues: Unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, miscarriage
Domestic violence can also lead to homelessness, loss of wages and employment, and even homicide. Globally, 38% of female homicides are committed by intimate partners.
Prevention and awareness
Since certain professions have markedly higher domestic violence rates, taking preventative steps in these fields is essential. Some recommendations include:
- Employee screening and interventions for mental health issues, substance abuse, anger problems
- Workplace policies supporting victim safety and holding perpetrators accountable
- Training managers to recognize warning signs
- Ensuring confidential access to counseling and support services
- Promoting healthy relationship behaviors through workplace programs
- Raising awareness through education campaigns targeting high-risk professions
Conclusion
Domestic violence impacts people in all lines of work. However, research clearly indicates some occupations have substantially higher rates of intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization compared to the general public.
Law enforcement, the military, medical professions, teachers, and lawyers are among the careers with elevated risks for domestic abuse. Job stress, trauma, power dynamics, and alcohol abuse likely contribute to increased rates.
Implementing prevention strategies and increasing awareness in these high-risk professions is key to reducing domestic violence rates. Further research is also needed to continue uncovering the factors driving increased intimate partner violence in specific careers.