Abstract
Conflicted womanhood in family violence
The reviewed study highlights an important perspective on family violence − violence perpetrated by women. This perspective is still under-researched in Finland, although domestic violence is an acknowledged problem in the country and one compounded by inadequate and inconsistent services and interventions for victims as well as perpetrators (e.g. Husso et al., 2012).
The reviewed study makes visible women’s experiences as perpetrators of family violence, such as losing their sense of self, acknowledging behaviour harmful to others and facing challenges in obtaining help. The research prompts the reader to ponder the conflicted nature of womanhood in what are morally laden and emotionally challenging situations. It illustrates women’s complicated position, one encumbered by the broader taboo nature of femininity shaped by cultural and communal codes and norms (e.g. Hurtig, 2013). The reviewed study’s findings echo those of studies examining women who have been victims of different forms of intimate partner violence or whose children have been sexually abused by family members or relatives (e.g. Laitinen and Väyrynen, 2011; Nikupeteri, 2016). Whether a woman is perpetrator, victim or inadequate carer – due to her ignorance of violence in the family – cultural perceptions of gender identity and roles render her situation conflicted. Among other factors, women’s role as mothers figures crucially both where women are perpetrators and where they are victims.
Society’s expectations of women and the responsibilities and duties it imputes to them often leave their agency unrealistic and burdensome in situations involving violence. One sees this easily reproduced in service encounters: professionals may place women into cultural categories and positions and overlook differences between individual clients. Women experience this pigeonholing as negatively affecting their emotions, actions and sense of self (Laitinen and Väyrynen, 2011). In this light, future research would do well to investigate how different socioeconomic and cultural factors, women’s current life situation and women’s personal backgrounds (e.g. childhood experiences of violence) explain their violent behaviour against either their partner or their children.
Overall, the reviewed study corroborates earlier research about the challenges that social and health care organisations face in dealing with cases of domestic violence. Where they are seen as implausible perpetrators or victims, women may be hindered in receiving adequate help (e.g. Nikupeteri, 2016). If conflicted womanhood is to be approached in a sufficiently nuanced manner, it is crucial to elaborate gender-sensitive practices and policies for perpetrators and victims alike.