NCJ Number
208556
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 17 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 972-986
Editor(s)
Jon R. Conte
Date Published
September 2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the potential of informal helpers (i.e., family and friends) in responding to victims of intimate partner violence and tested a model for predicting their helping behavior.
Abstract
Evidence indicates that intimate partner violence is widespread. Evidence also points to friends and family members as being some of the most sought-out resources available to battered women. However, limited research attention has been paid to predicting the helping behaviors of these informal social networks. This study examined the expectations to help victims of intimate partner violence held by potential informal helpers, such as friends and family. Study participants consisted of 157 undergraduate students in psychology courses at a midsize, private midwestern university. The study tested a specific model in which victim blame mediates the relationship between helper characteristics and the type of intervention helpers expect to use. Consistent gender differences were found with males and females differing on rating of general victim blame but not those of specific behaviorally anchored victim blame. Higher perceived provocation and violence-condoning attitudes held by participants predicted greater victim blame and general victim blame appeared to mediate the relationship between attitudes and intervention. As opposed to males, female participants demonstrated less general victim blame and offered more helpful interventions. References