NCJ Number
59531
Editor(s)
S M AUMER
Date Published
1981
Length
126 pages
Annotation
THIS MINNESOTA STUDY ADDRESSES THE PROBLEM OF BATTERED WOMEN, REVIEWS THEIR COMMON PSYCHOLOGY AND THAT OF THEIR ABUSERS, AND LOOKS TO COMMUNITY, LEGAL, MEDICAL, AND JUDICIAL RESPONSES.
Abstract
THE MINNESOTA STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SEEKS TO IDENTIFY AND OFFERS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR BATTERED WOMEN. THE TERM 'BATTERED WOMAN' REFERS TO ANY ADULT WOMAN IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH A MAN WHO IS PHYSICALLY ABUSED TO THE POINT WHERE SHE CHANGES HER BEHAVIOR IN ORDER TO AVOID MORE ABUSE OR ESCALATION OF ABUSE. COMMON ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ABUSE ARE NOTED, ESPECIALLY THE ASSUMPTION THAT THIS IS A PRIVATE, FAMILY AFFAIR. PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WOMEN ARE NOTED, ESPECIALLY FEAR, ISOLATION, LOW SELF-ESTEEM, ECONOMIC INSUFFICIENCY, AND THE INABILITY TO ACT, ALL OF WHICH KEEP WOMEN IN A BATTERING SITUATION. CAUSES OF BATTERING ARE EXPLORED, INCLUDING ALCOHOL (40-60 PERCENT OF THE TIME) AND EARLIER EXPERIENCE WITH VIOLENCE. THE UNSYMPATHETIC OR UNINFORMED RESPONSES OF FRIENDS, FAMILY, OR PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE MAKES MATTERS WORSE. A PROTOCOL FOR EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT IS INCLUDED, AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF MINORITY WOMEN ARE ADDRESSED. THE REPORT REVIEWS LEGISLATION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION. THE APPENDIX INCLUDES COPIES OF A VICTIMS' INFORMATION SHEET.