Evan Stark, who expanded definition of domestic violence, dies at 82
Evan Stark, who expanded definition of domestic violence, dies at 82 The Washington Post
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Evan Stark, Sociologist Who Broadened Definition of Domestic Violence, Dies at 82
Introduction
Evan Stark, a sociologist who helped broaden the definition of domestic violence beyond physical assault to include the patterns of domination often at its root, a shift that improved services for victims as well as their treatment under the law, died on March 17 at his home in Woodbridge, Conn. He was 82.
Background
Dr. Stark was a self-described “veteran radical sociologist” who participated in the civil rights movement and led protests against the Vietnam War before turning his attention to domestic violence when a friend in Minnesota helped open one of the country’s first shelters for battered women in the 1970s. He considered domestic violence to be an epidemic problem that had been invisible.
Contributions to Understanding Domestic Violence
As a sociologist, author, expert witness, and advocate, Dr. Stark challenged pervasive misconceptions about domestic violence, particularly the idea that women who remain in abusive relationships do so willingly. He coined the term “coercive control” to encapsulate the behaviors exhibited by abusers to keep their victims trapped in the relationship. He emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying forces that perpetuate physical violence and helping victims escape from abusive situations.
Impact on Legal Proceedings
Dr. Stark often testified as an expert witness in court cases related to domestic violence. Notably, he played a role in a federal class-action suit in New York, advocating for abused women whose children were forcibly placed in foster care. He argued that removing a child from their primary caretaker should only be done as a last resort and when there is evidence of imminent harm.
Early Activism and Education
Evan Stark joined the civil rights movement and was involved in protests against Dow Chemical’s on-campus recruiting. He suspended his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison after participating in a demonstration against the Vietnam War. He later pursued antipoverty work and activism against Honeywell Inc. In the 1970s, he and his wife, Anne Flitcraft, became advocates for domestic violence victims and conducted research on the medical profession’s treatment of such cases.
Legacy and Achievements
Dr. Stark’s work contributed to the criminalization of coercive control in various countries, including England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. In the United States, he helped incorporate coercive control into civil law in several states. He believed that addressing domestic abuse is essential for the well-being and participation of women in society.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Number of reported cases of domestic violence against women and girls.
- Number of shelters and support services available for victims of domestic violence.
- Number of countries that have criminalized coercive control.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of reported cases of domestic violence against women and girls. – Number of shelters and support services available for victims of domestic violence. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | – Number of reported cases of domestic violence against women and girls. – Number of countries that have criminalized coercive control. |
Explanation:
– The article discusses the issue of domestic violence, which primarily affects women and girls. This aligns with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
– The targets identified under SDG 5 are based on the content of the article, which highlights the need to address domestic violence and provide support services for victims.
– The article also mentions the concept of coercive control and the efforts to criminalize it in various countries. This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
– The indicators mentioned or implied in the article include the number of reported cases of domestic violence, the availability of shelters and support services, and the number of countries that have criminalized coercive control. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
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Source: washingtonpost.com
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