Profiles, Dynamics and the New Family Unit

Diversity of Structures and Post-Separation Violence

Legislation and modern sociology have had to expand the boundaries of what we consider "family" in order to adapt legal protection to the reality of contemporary human relationships.

The concept of intra-family violence has transcended the consanguineous bond or the marriage contract to focus on the "cohabitation unit" or family unit.

This implies that the law covers situations where there is not necessarily a romantic partnership, but rather a supportive cohabitation where a dynamic of power and aggression is generated (for example, between roommates or caregivers).

What defines violence is not the marriage certificate, but the power dynamics under the same roof.

A critical aspect is the decoupling of the requirement of physical cohabitation for the crime to exist.

Domestic violence persists and is often exacerbated when the physical unit breaks down.

If a couple separates and one partner no longer resides in the home, but continues to exert psychological pressure, verbal aggression or manipulation through the children, it is still domestic violence.

The cessation of cohabitation does not extinguish the risk; on the contrary, the aggressor uses the remaining ties (children in common, shared assets) to continue the cycle of violence at a distance, demonstrating that the determining factor is the pre-existing power relationship.

Profile of the Aggressor and Intersectionality Factors

In the analysis of the subjects involved, it is crucial to avoid stereotypes. There is no "single profile" of victim or aggressor detectable at a glance; violence cuts across all social classes and educational levels.

However, when studying the perpetrator, it is vital to dismantle the myth of mental illness.

The vast majority of perpetrators do not suffer from psychosis or lose touch with reality; they are functionally competent individuals, often with a good public image and job success ("door-to-door perpetrators").

Their behavior does not stem from an uncontrollable pathology, but from a deeply rooted belief system that legitimizes them to control, be served and punish the partner if he/she does not meet their expectations.

On the victim's side, although anyone can suffer it, there are factors of "intersectionality" that increase vulnerability and make it difficult to leave, such as financial dependence, disability, geographic isolation or irregular migration status.

In the expert assessment, identifying these barriers is a priority, since a victim without a support network and without resources faces much more complex obstacles to breaking the traumatic bond than someone with autonomy, requiring a differentiated intervention plan.

Summary

The law protects the "cohabitation unit" beyond marriage. It is crucial to understand that domestic violence persists and even worsens after the physical separation of the couple.

There is no single profile of aggressor detectable at first glance. Most are functionally competent, non-mentally ill individuals whose behavior stems from a patriarchal and domineering belief system.

The assessment must consider intersectionality factors that increase vulnerability. Elements such as financial dependence or geographic isolation make it extremely difficult for the victim to break the traumatic bond.