NCJ Number
123648
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling, Services & Rehabilitation Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 45-56
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Although spouse abuse is a critical social issue in the United States, the literature is relatively silent on actual risk assessment for abuse cases.
Abstract
The study described in this report used a sample of 20 abuse cases referred to a local spouse treatment center. A structured interview was developed from the research literature that addresses risk factors. The interview focused on the female's perception of her mate's personality and behavioral characteristics, her perception of the relationship, and other situational factors associated with risk. Results indicated that dominance, anger, blaming, minimization, poor self-image, moodiness, acceptance of violence as a problem-solving technique, alcohol and/or substance abuse, possible emotional disturbance, rigid cognitive style, and jealousy were perceived in at least 75 percent of the relationships. Cycles of abuse, lack of communication, and fear of divorce were present in at least 85 percent of the cases, with 60 percent reporting sexual problems, unrealistic expectations, and problems with children. Types of reported abuse were physical abuse (100 percent), psychological and/or emotional abuse (90 percent), destruction of property and/or harm to pets (85 percent), and sexual abuse (30 percent). Study findings suggest that it may be practical to rely on behavioral and personality characteristics perceived by abused spouses, in conjunction with certain situational factors, for risk assessment. 8 references, 3 tables, 1 figure.