Domestic/Spousal/Intimate Partner Abuse in Ghana, Jamaica, and the United States

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

While the issue of domestic/spousal/intimate partner abuse is not new, few researchers have examined the issue from a nontraditional perspective. Accordingly, this roundtable discussion will focus on domestic/spousal/intimate partner abuse in Ghana, Jamaica, and the United States. The participants will examine the domestic/spousal/intimate partner abuse laws in these three countries, how the laws are enforced, patterns and trends, the traditional norms and attitudes toward domestic/spousal/intimate abuse, as well as society’s need to focus more on this issue. In addition, the victim and offender characteristics, the role of drugs and alcohol in domestic/spousal/intimate partner abuse, and the social interventions available will be examined. Recommendations for addressing domestic/intimate/spousal abuse will be offered

Sub Unit

• Area VIII: Roundtables

Chair

• Joseph Appiahene-Gyamfi, University of Texas - Pan American

Discussants

• Georgina Villegas, University of Texas - Pan American

• Marika Dawkins, University of Texas - Pan American