Violence Against Women recent issues

Editor's Introduction

Renzetti, C. M. — 2008-08-14

Substance Abuse Issues Among Women in Domestic Violence Programs: Findings From North Carolina

Martin, S. L., Moracco, K. E., Chang, J. C., Council, C. L., Dulli, L. S. — 2008-08-14

This article discusses the results of a survey of North Carolina domestic violence programs that found that substance abuse problems are common among program clients, yet only half of the programs had policies concerning substance-abusing clients, and one fourth had memoranda of agreement with substance abuse treatment providers. Most programs with shelters asked clients about substance use; however, one third of the shelters would not admit women if they were noticeably under the influence of substances while seeking shelter residence, instead referring them to substance abuse programs. Approximately one tenth of the domestic violence programs did not have any staff or volunteers with training in substance abuse issues. Implications are discussed.

Consequences of Teen Dating Violence: Understanding Intervening Variables in Ecological Context

Banyard, V. L., Cross, C. — 2008-08-14

Increasing attention has been given to the problem of teen dating violence with more research needed on mediating and moderating factors in the relationship between victimization and negative consequences. This article explores mental health and educational consequences of physical and sexual abuse by peers in a convenience sample of adolescents. Dating violence was associated with higher levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and poorer educational outcomes. The use of alcohol and depression complicated the relationship between victimization and outcomes. Sex differences in patterns of perceived social support as a moderator were also examined with more significant effects for girls.

Gender Attitudes and Sexual Behaviors: Comparing Center and Marginal Athletes and Nonathletes in a Collegiate Setting

Gage, E. A. — 2008-08-14

This research examines the impact of participating in different sports on male athletes' gender attitudes, hegemonic masculinity, sexual behavior, and sexual aggression. Expanding on past research that compares athletes with nonathletes, this research finds differences between collegiate athletes and men who do not participate in collegiate sports, as well as between men who play different collegiate sports. Athletes in center sports (such as football) scored significantly higher on hyper-masculinity scales, had lower attitudes toward women, and displayed more sexual aggression and more sexual activity than men who competed in marginal sports (e.g., track and field) or not at all.

Speaking About the Unspeakable: Exploring the Impact of Mother-Daughter Sexual Abuse

Peter, T. — 2008-08-14

By embarking on multiple interviews with eight survivors (a total of 29 interviews), this article examines the impact of maternal sexual abuse on daughters. Although it is important to recognize the abuse that women lived through, it tells little about their struggles. Thus, as a way to honor the lives of the women interviewed, I have chosen to follow the model of Liz Kelly (1988), who focuses on the impact of sexual abuse in terms of coping, resisting, and surviving. Findings suggest that the impact of mother-daughter sexual abuse on survivors is particularly profound and experiences of maternal violence are often fraught with disbelief.

Propensity for Intimate Partner Abuse and Workplace Productivity: Why Employers Should Care

Rothman, E. F., Corso, P. S. — 2008-08-14

It has been demonstrated that intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is costly to employers, but little is known about the economic consequences associated with employing perpetrators. This study investigated propensity for partner abuse as a predictor of missed work time and on-the-job decreases in productivity among a small sample of male employees at a state agency (N = 61). Results suggest that greater propensity for abusiveness is positively associated with missing work and experiencing worse productivity on the job, controlling for level of education, income, marital status, age, and part-time versus full-time employment status. Additional research could clarify whether IPV perpetration is a predictor of decreased productivity among larger samples and a wider variety of workplace settings. Employers and IPV advocates should consider responding to potential IPV perpetrators through the workplace in addition to developing victim-oriented policies and prevention initiatives.

A Comparison of Intimate Partner Homicide to Intimate Partner Homicide-Suicide: One Hundred and Twenty-Four New Mexico Cases

Banks, L., Crandall, C., Sklar, D., Bauer, M. — 2008-08-14

The authors compare cases of female intimate partner homicide–suicide to female intimate partner homicide alone to describe risk factors and suggest prevention strategies, including strategies in the medical setting. Differences are found between the types of cases in marital relationship, age, blood alcohol, and the use of firearms. Physicians and other health care providers who treat victims of intimate partner violence and patients at risk for suicide should be aware of the interwoven risk factors within these populations. Interventions aimed at suicide prevention as well as targeted removal of firearms should be investigated as tools in the prevention of intimate partner homicide.

Book Review: Jensen, R. (2007). Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity. Cambridge, MA: South End

Raphael, J. — 2008-08-14

Editor's Introduction

Renzetti, C. M. — 2008-07-29

Maternal Blame: Battered Women and Abused Children

Terrance, C., Plumm, K., Little, B. — 2008-07-29

Participants (N = 126) read one of four scenarios depicting an incident of child physical abuse inflicted by the father. Scenarios varied history of wife abuse (present vs. absent) and severity of child abuse (battering vs. death). Overall, the father was held highly responsible. Greater maternal culpability was assigned when a history of wife abuse was present. The degree to which the mother should have been able to predict the incident of child abuse and maternal responsibility were mitigated when the abuse resulted in the death of her child. Perceptions of maternal psychological stability were jeopardized as a function of the presence of wife abuse. Implications are discussed.

Coping as a Mediator and Moderator Between Intimate Partner Violence and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Calvete, E., Corral, S., Estevez, A. — 2008-07-29

This study examines the role of coping as both a moderator and a mediator of the association between intimate partner violence and women's mental health. A sample of 298 women who had suffered physical aggression completed measures of physical and psychological abuse, coping responses, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Tests of moderation consistently indicated that coping responses did not moderate the impact of intimate partner violence on symptoms of anxiety and depression, whereas tests of mediation demonstrated that disengagement coping mediated the impact of psychological abuse on distress. Thus, findings support the hypothesis that coping responses are influenced by violence itself and underline the dysfunctional nature of disengagement coping among victims.

Sex Trafficking in Nepal: Survivor Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes

Crawford, M., Kaufman, M. R. — 2008-07-29

There has been little systematic research on therapy, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of women formerly trafficked into prostitution. This study examines characteristics and outcomes of Nepali sex trafficking survivors. Twenty case files of survivors rehabilitated in the shelter of an antitrafficking NGO were randomly selected. All individuals in the sample suffered somatic and behavioral sequelae. Three quarters of the survivors eventually returned to their villages to live. These results suggest that current rehabilitation and reintegration programs are producing positive results. However, there is need for more systematic diagnosis, record keeping, and outcome studies as well as education to reduce stigma and promote safe migration practices.

The Benefits of a Culturally Specific Intimate Partner Violence Intervention for African American Survivors

Gillum, T. L. — 2008-07-29

In light of evidence and theorization of culturally specific factors contributing to intimate partner violence (IPV) within African American relationships and the Eurocentric approach many mainstream agencies take to service delivery, researchers have indicated a need for culturally appropriate IPV interventions for African American survivors to adequately address the issue of IPV within this community. The purpose of the current study was to qualitatively investigate how helpful a culturally specific IPV program, which targets the African American community, has been to African American female survivors. Results suggest that this culturally specific agency is successfully meeting the needs of these survivors.

Violence Against Women With HIV Risk and Recent Criminal Justice System Involvement: Prevalence, Correlates, and Recommendations for Intervention

Weir, B. W., Bard, R. S., O'Brien, K., Casciato, C. J., Stark, M. J. — 2008-07-29

This research note examines the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and other violence (OV) among women (N = 529) at risk for HIV and with histories of criminal justice system involvement. The 3-month prevalences of IPV and OV were 31.2% and 18.7%, respectively. IPV was associated with having a current main partner, substance use, sexual risk behavior, trading sex, anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. OV was associated with no current employment or schooling, unstable housing, drug use, trading sex, anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. The high prevalence of violence demonstrates the need for intervention in this population; the correlates show that effective interventions must address the complex issues in these women's lives.

Physical and Sexual Covictimization From Dating Partners: A Distinct Type of Intimate Abuse?

Katz, J., Moore, J., May, P. — 2008-07-29

Covictimized women experience both physical and sexual forms of abuse. The purpose of the present research was to compare covictimized women to those who experienced physical violence only or unwanted sexual activity only from dating partners. Data were collected from two samples of female undergraduates in heterosexual relationships. Covictimization was associated with less general satisfaction (Study 1) and sexual satisfaction (Study 2), more arguing (Study 1) and verbal conflict (Study 2), and more partner psychological aggression (Studies 1 and 2). Overall, findings suggest that dating partner covictimization may be a distinct type of interpersonal abuse that warrants further research.

Editor's Introduction

Renzetti, C. M. — 2008-06-16

When Will Adolescents Tell Someone About Dating Violence Victimization?

Black, B. M., Tolman, R. M., Callahan, M., Saunders, D. G., Weisz, A. N. — 2008-06-16

This study examined factors that influence help-seeking among a diverse sample of adolescents who experienced dating violence. A sample of 57 high school students in an urban community reported on the prevalence and characteristics of dating violence in their relationships. Someone observing a dating violence incident and a survivor's attaching an emotional meaning to the event significantly influenced adolescents to talk to someone. When dating violence occurred in isolation, survivors were more likely to receive no support from others in the aftermath of the incident. Differences between boys' and girls' help-seeking and implications for dating violence intervention and prevention programming are discussed.

Gender Violence Among Teenagers: Socialization and Prevention

Valls, R., Puigvert, L., Duque, E. — 2008-06-16

This Spanish-based study found that some adolescents link attractiveness with violence. Previous research showed that a socialization process within teenagers' contexts promotes this association. The results suggest that this link is one of the possible causes of the high rates of gender violence among youth. Debates regarding this research already have had political repercussions. Although the 2004 Spanish Act Against Gender Violence—the first of its kind in Europe—acknowledged violence with romantic partners or ex-partners, the 2008 Catalan Act on the Right of Women to Eradicate Chauvinist Violence also recognizes gender violence in dating, and considers preventive socialization as a main measure. This study provides key knowledge to support this purpose.

"I Have Heard Horrible Stories . . .": Rape Victim Advocates' Perceptions of the Revictimization of Rape Victims by the Police and Medical System

Maier, S. L. — 2008-06-16

This study explores rape victim advocates' perceptions of the revictimization of rape victims by the police and medical system. Most of the previous research on revictimization focuses on either victims or members of the criminal justice, legal, medical, or mental health systems. The current study provides a more complete picture of victims' possible revictimization by the police and medical system through in-depth interviews with 47 rape victim advocates in four states who had direct experience with police or medical professionals. Rape victim advocates describe the power wielded by the police and medical system to revictimize rape victims and their own role in attempting to mitigate this revictimization.

The Elevated Risk for Violence Against Cohabiting Women: A Comparison of Three Nationally Representative Surveys of Canada

Brownridge, D. A. — 2008-06-16

This study examined cohabiting women's elevated risk for male partner violence. It was predicted that an increased rate of cohabitation would be accompanied by a reduction in the bias toward selection into cohabitation and that this would result in greater similarity between characteristics of cohabiting and marital relationships as well as in their respective rates of violence. The results were generally consistent with this prediction. Cohabitation increased in Canada between 1993 and 2004, which appeared to have been reflected in some reduction in differences in selection and relationship variables as well as in lower rates of violence for cohabiting relative to married women. Nevertheless, persons who cohabited remained a select group and several relationship differences persisted. These selection and relationship differences accounted for the persistence of cohabiting women's elevated odds of violence in each survey. Results suggested that rates of violence in cohabiting and marital unions should eventually converge.

Child Protection Involvement and Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: Is There a Bias?

Dosanjh, S., Lewis, G., Mathews, D., Bhandari, M. — 2008-06-16

Several studies have explored the disproportionate number of children of color involved in child protective services, raising concerns that racial bias in the system results in more women of color being referred to child protection. The authors conducted a case series to analyze whether a woman's race and ethnicity influenced referrals to child protective services in a domestic violence context. Data were obtained through interview records of 263 women (38% women of color) at a Minneapolis-based advocacy and therapy organization. The findings suggest that women who face multiple forms of oppressions may have greater risk of being involved with child protection services.

Does Health Care Provider Screening for Domestic Violence Vary by Race and Income?

Weeks, E. K., Ellis, S. D., Lichstein, P. R., Bonds, D. E. — 2008-06-16

Domestic violence (DV) affects approximately 25% of women in the United States with approximately 5.3 million incidents each year. DV advocates and national medical associations encourage health care providers (HCPs) to screen patients. To determine DV screening rates by race and income, patient race/ethnicity, income, and receipt of and receptiveness toward screening were measured. Patient preference for screening did not vary by race and varied little by income, but experience with screening did. Practices serving predominantly African American and lower income patients screened at higher rates. These findings seem driven by practice factors rather than differential treatment of individuals. Future research should focus on why certain types of practices screen more than others.

Book Review: Collier, R., & Sheldon, S. (Eds.). (2006). Fathers' Rights Activism and Law Reform in Comparative Perspective. Oxford, UK: Hart

Dragiewicz, M. A. — 2008-06-16

Dedication

Renzetti, C. M. — 2008-06-05

Factors Associated With Acceptance of Psychological Aggression Against Women

Capezza, N. M., Arriaga, X. B. — 2008-06-05

Are emotionally aggressive conflicts perceived to be more unacceptable than conflicts involving verbal or baseline levels of psychological aggression? Participants (n = 189) read a hypothetical marital conflict that varied the husband's level of aggression. Results show that participants did not perceive the perpetrator's behavior in the emotional aggression condition to be any worse than the verbal aggression condition and, in most cases, no worse than the baseline condition. More traditional participants and participants who were perpetrators of psychological aggression had more positive perceptions of the perpetrator; just world beliefs and participant sex did not predict perceptions. This study suggests that people do not perceive emotional aggression to be nearly as harmful as it actually is.

Mental Health Consequences of Intimate Partner Abuse: A Multidimensional Assessment of Four Different Forms of Abuse

Mechanic, M. B., Weaver, T. L., Resick, P. A. — 2008-06-05

Battered women are exposed to multiple forms of intimate partner abuse. This article explores the independent contributions of physical violence, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and stalking on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among a sample of 413 severely battered, help-seeking women. The authors test the unique effects of psychological abuse and stalking on mental health outcomes, after controlling for physical violence, injuries, and sexual coercion. Mean scores for the sample fall into the moderate to severe range for PTSD and within the moderate category for depression scores. Hierarchical regressions test the unique effects of stalking and psychological abuse, after controlling for physical violence, injuries, and sexual coercion. Psychological abuse and stalking contribute uniquely to the prediction of PTSD and depression symptoms, even after controlling for the effects of physical violence, injuries, and sexual coercion. Results highlight the importance of examining multiple dimensions of intimate partner abuse.

Empowerment and Physical Violence Throughout Women's Reproductive Life In Mexico

Castro, R., Casique, I., Brindis, C. D. — 2008-06-05

This article analyzes intimate partner violence (IPV) against women aged 15 to 21, 30 to 34, and 45 to 49, based on the 2003 National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (in Spanish, ENDIREH) in Mexico. The authors examined the degree of women's empowerment and autonomy in relation to their partners. Logit regression analyses showed that variables significantly associated with physical violence varied between the three age groups, suggesting that women followed specific trajectories throughout their reproductive lives. Some dimensions of empowerment reduced the risk of violence (women's ability to decide whether to work, when to have sexual relations, and the extent of their partners' participation in household chores). Other dimensions (women's decision making regarding reproductive matters) increased such risk. Thus, access to resources meant to empower women did not automatically decrease the risk of violence. The authors recommend specific interventions tailored to each age group, aimed at breaking the cycle of violence.

And Justice for All?: Aboriginal Victims of Sexual Violence

Dylan, A., Regehr, C., Alaggia, R. — 2008-06-05

Concern for the recognition, support, and rights of victims within the criminal justice system has grown in recent years, leading to legislative and procedural changes in the administration of justice that have improved the experiences of victims. What is not clear is whether all victims have benefited from changes in the system regardless of race and social class. This study investigates the experiences Aboriginal people who are victims of sexual violence have with the Canadian criminal justice system. The authors seek to explore perspectives about their encounters with the judicial system from the point of first contact with the police through involvement with the court and community service providers, utilizing grounded theory qualitative methodology. They conclude that race is a key determinant in the manner in which a victim will be perceived by the people in the justice system and the manner in which the victim will approach the judicial process.

Police Involvement in Cases of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: The Influence of Perceived Severity and Personal Responsibility

Gracia, E., Garcia, F., Lila, M. — 2008-06-05

The influence of perceived severity and sense of personal responsibility of police officers on their level of involvement in cases of intimate partner violence against women is analyzed. Three levels of police involvement are considered: low, medium, and high. The sample consists of 143 Spanish police officers. A 2 x 2 x 3 factorial design is conducted to test hypotheses. Effects of perceived severity and personal responsibility are found only at the highest level of police involvement. For low and medium levels of involvement, no differences in perceived severity and personal responsibility of police officers are found.

Providing Support to IPV Victims in the Emergency Department: Vignette-Based Interviews With IPV Survivors and Emergency Department Nurses

Watt, M. H., Bobrow, E. A., Moracco, K. E. — 2008-06-05

The authors compare perspectives of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors and emergency department (ED) nurses on types of social support IPV victims need at different stages of readiness to disclose and leave a relationship. Qualitative interviews (16 IPV survivors, 10 ED nurses) center on women's responses to vignettes that illustrate different stages of readiness. Survivors mention fear as a barrier for action, whereas nurses are more likely to say that the woman is in denial. Survivors emphasize emotional support and respect, whereas nurses emphasize informational and instrumental support. IPV victims desire appropriate, respectful responses by nurses, suitable to their stage of readiness. Nurses need more insight into women's decisions to disclose and leave a relationship and skills to provide emotional support.

Book Review: Adams, D. (2007). Why Do They Kill? Men Who Murder Their Intimate Partners. Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University Press

Dale, M. — 2008-06-05

Training Opportunity: Audio Conference on Violence Against Women: Research/Practitioner Discourse

2008-06-05