'Fifty Shades of Grey' Promotes Abuse against Women, Researchers Say

"Fifty Shades of Grey"- the popular erotic novel by E. L. James promotes abuse, according to a new study.

Amy Bonomi and her colleagues said that the book promotes intimate partner abuse. Currently, about 25 percent of women face abuse from their partners.  

"Fifty Shades of Grey" was published in 2011 and has created a world-record, selling over 70 million copies. The main characters are Anastasia Steel and Christian Grey.

For the study, researchers conducted a systematic analysis of the book and found that the characters display a behavior that is in line with that of the people in abusive relationships. Anastasia Steele, a sweet, plain college graduate who faces abuse from the rich, handsome Christian Grey.  Steele even changes herself to cope with the abuse and feels that she is losing her identity.

"This book is perpetuating dangerous abuse standards and yet it's being cast as this romantic, erotic book for women. The erotic content could have been accomplished without the theme of abuse," said Bonomi, lead author of the study, according to a new study. Bonomi will become professor and chairperson of Michigan State University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies on Aug. 16.

The study is published in the Journal of Women's Health.     

According to the World Health Organization, women who are abused by their partners are "twice as likely as non-abused women to have poor health and physical and mental problems, even if the violence occurred years before."

James has previously been criticized for promoting sexual violence.

"People who think that are sort of demonizing women who actually enjoy these kinds of relationships," James had said in an interview with Katie Couric last year, reports The Detroit Free Press. "What people get up to behind closed doors, providing it is safe, sane, consensual and legal, is completely up to them and it's not for you, I or anybody to judge."

A movie based on the kinky novel is expected to hit the theaters Aug. 1, 2014. The movie will be directed by British director, Sam Taylor-Johnson. Though the cast hasn't been announced yet, Alexis Bledel is apparently leading the pack of potential actresses vying for the role. Mila Kunis is a close second. According to some media reports, Devin Paisley could get the role of the Seattle Billionaire Christian Grey. Robert Pattinson could land the role too, reports Policymic.com.