NCJ Number
192311
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 7 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1284-1302
Date Published
November 2001
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study provides descriptive statistics on women who access the services of the Women's Crisis Centre, a nongovernmental organization in Kingston, Jamaica, whose mission is to provide 24-hour counseling and shelter for women who are the victims of domestic violence.
Abstract
Questionnaires were completed by the center's trained staff at the close of a counseling session with adult women who accessed the services of the center between September 1 and November 30, 1999. This study analyzed 187 questionnaires for which the perpetrator of the incident was a male intimate partner. The sample was fairly homogeneous demographically. A 25-item instrument was used to obtain basic demographic data, the reason for the call or visit, type of injury sustained, and help-seeking behavior. Almost all respondents were injured and had a similar profile regarding police reporting and help-seeking behavior. All of those who experienced physical injury also reported experiencing emotional or psychological abuse. Although bruises, cuts, and bites were prominent types of injuries, the number of broken bones (18 percent) were particularly significant. There was a low level of reporting violent incidents to the police (26 percent). Although 75 percent sought medical care, women first turned for assistance to pastors and counselors. Multisectoral support to strengthen and expand the services of the Women's Crisis Centre is recommended. 4 tables and 30 references