Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service Goal Priorities

• NCJ Number: 241813
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 16 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 3361-3382
• Author(s): Rebecca J. Macy, Ph.D., M.S.W.; Natalie Johns, B.S.; Cynthia F. Rizo, M.S.W.; Sandra L. Martin, Ph.D.; Mary Giattina, M.S.W.
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated agency directors' perspectives about how service goals should be prioritized for domestic violence and sexual assault service subtypes, including crisis, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, counseling, support group, and shelter services.

Abstract

The authors investigated agency directors' perspectives about how service goals should be prioritized for domestic violence and sexual assault service subtypes, including crisis, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, counseling, support group, and shelter services. A sample of 97 (94 percent response rate) North Carolina domestic violence and/or sexual assault agency directors completed a survey asking participants to rank the importance of service goals. Overall, participants considered emotional support provision to be a critical service goal priority across all service types. Social support and self-care service strategies were deemed less important. However, prioritization of other service goals varied depending on the service type. Statistically significant differences on service goal prioritization based on key agency characteristics were also examined, and agency characteristics were found to relate to differences in service goal prioritization. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.