NCJ Number
214897
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 12 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 622-640
Date Published
July 2006
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Utilizing observations made by staff at the Jersey Battered Women’s Services’ VISTA Program, this article provides an extended view of women who use force in their intimate heterosexual relationship.
Abstract
During the individual intake interview with a VISTA Program staff worker, a woman usually takes full responsibility for her use of force within her intimate heterosexual relationship, expresses her desire to change her behavior, and often reveals she called the police during the current incident. The question that seems to elicit the most information regarding the women’s use of force is, “What, if anything, was different about the presenting incident for you?” It was also observed that women did not share laughter when describing the costs of having used force. In addition, it was observed that these women used force because they felt they lacked other options and a long-term view of what the impact of that use of force might be. Appropriately serving women who use force seems to be a natural progression of the anti-domestic violence movement. Creating a safe place for women who use force can be a critical part of extensive assessment, education and support, and advocacy. The Jersey Battered Women’s Services’ VISTA Program provides services, since 2002, to women who used coercion, control, force, and/or violence in their intimate relationships. Through the author’s experience managing the VISTA Program and co-facilitating VISTA support groups, the article explores observations made of 53 women who used force in their intimate heterosexual relationships through an assessment process, education and support, and advocacy. References