A cohort study of 450 victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) was conducted to assess effectiveness of protection orders (PO) in preventing subsequent abuse and fostering well-being of victims. Survey data collected at baseline, 3-months and 9-months included demographics, abuse history, protection order status, and subject's mental and physical health. Using logistic regression to control for marital and employment status and relevant baseline factors, findings from the 3 month follow-up survey indicate IPV victims with PO were less likely than those without PO to subsequently: have contact with the abuser (Odds Ratio=0.5; 95% Confidence Interval=0.3-0.9), been physically abused (OR=0.6; 95%CI=0.4-0.9) or injured (OR=0.5; 95%CI=0.3-0.9). At 9-month follow-up, victims with PO were less likely to: have contact with the abuser (OR=0.4; 95%CI=0.2-0.6), received medical care for abuse (OR=0.2; 95%CI=0.1-0.7), have abuser threaten them with a weapon (OR=0.1; 95%CI=0.0-0.9), and been psychologically abused (OR=0.5; 95%CI=0.3-0.8). For women with PO, decreased odds ratios at 3 months were found, but CI included 1.0 for symptoms of depression, unwelcome visits, medical care, threats, psychological abuse and sexual abuse. At 9 months, trends for decreased OR were also found for: depression, unwelcome visits and phone calls, injury, threats, physical abuse and sexual abuse. In contrast, at both 3 and 9-month surveys women with PO were more likely to feel in danger (OR=1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.7 and OR=1.6; 95% CI=0.8-3.0 respectively) than women without PO. Overall the preliminary findings indicate that protection orders are associated with a subsequent reduction in contact and abuse for IPV victims.
Learning Objectives: During this session, faculty will present recent research assessing the effectiveness of protection orders for domestic violence in preventing reabuse
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.