This study identified factors that inhibit, support, and sustain a woman's ability to leave an abusive relationship. Forty women who had either left or were in the process of leaving an abusive relationship were recruited from legal, nonprofit and health care agencies. Each participated in an individual semi-structured interview and was invited to participate in one of four focus groups, each including four to six women. Interviews included measures of past and current violence experience, depressive symptoms, daily stress, self-esteem, control and child abuse potential. Women represented diversity in the severity of abuse experience and stage of relationship; from those trying to leave a relationship to those who had left many years before. Ages ranged from 26 to 69 years, 80% were Caucasian and 20% African-American. A number of relationships were bi-racial. Annual incomes ranged between <$10,000 to >$50,000. Results indicate a high incidence of childhood abuse, high depressive symptoms, low self-esteem and high everyday stressors. NVIVO software was used for content analysis of the focus group transcriptions. Nurses, physicians and clergy were identified as the weakest resource for victims, often making their situation more difficult. Friends and police were cited as being most helpful during the process of leaving a relationship. All women talked at length about the lack of sustaining resources for themselves and their children, particularly those families with bi-racial children. The findings will facilitate the development and refinement of community interventions and programs that enhance the choices and successes of women who have experienced domestic violence.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss a variety of factors that inhibit a battered woman from leaving an abusive relationship. 2. Describe three factors that support a battered woman in sustaining her choice to leave an abusive relationship. 3. Describe the relationship between childhood abuse and current mental health status in a sample of battered women
Keywords: Battered Women, Community Response
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.