Impact of Differential Patterns of Physical Violence and Stalking on Mental Health and Help-Seeking Among Women with Protective Orders

• NCJ Number: 215524
• Journal: Violence Against Women: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal Volume: 12 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 866-886
• Author(s): T. K. Logan; Lisa Shannon; Jennifer Cole; Robert Walker
• Date Published: September 2006
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the impact of the severity partner violence on women’s mental health, help-seeking, and perceptions of safety and protective-order effectiveness.

Abstract

The most significant finding was that stalking had an additive and negative impact on victims’ mental health and perceived safety. Overall, the analysis suggested four main conclusions: (1) stalking combined with severe violence had an additive impact on victim’s mental health and perceived safety; (2) the co-occurrence of severe violence and stalking was related with psychological abuse; (3) severe violence combined with stalking did not impact the help-seeking behavior of victims; and (4) protective orders might not be adequate protection for women experiencing stalking. The authors noted the significant lack of financial, educational, and employment resources available to women in all three samples and the high rates of psychological distress reported across all three groups of women. Data were drawn from a sample of women who were enrolled in a study of women with protective orders against a male partner. Three groups of women were compared: (1) those reporting moderate physical violence but no history of severe violence or stalking (N=102); (2) those reporting severe violence but no history of stalking (N=142); and (3) those reporting severe violence and stalking (N=145). Participants completed psychological and physical abuse assessments, including assessments for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety, and reported on the nature and frequency of violence occurring within the last year of the relationship. Statistical data analysis included the use of chi-squares, one-way ANOVAs, and logistic regression models. Future research should explore protective order violations and enforcement procedures for stalking victims. Tables, references