NCJ Number
77568
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The nature and frequency of sexual abuse in the battering relationship and the link between sex and violence were examined by means of interviews with 403 self-identified battered women interviewed at the Battered Women's Research Center in Denver, Colo.
Abstract
One section of a lengthy questionnaire asked about the sexual relationship of the battering couple. The same questions were also asked if the women reported that they had had a nonbattering relationship. About half of the subjects had had a nonbattering relationship. A total of 59 percent of the subjects said that they were forced to have sex, and 85 percent of the subjects said that sex with the batterer was unpleasant. More women responded to the interview's direct question than to the indirect question regarding being forced to have sex. The specific incidents related by the women seemed to support the contention that sex and violence were used to dominate them. Violent and nonviolent assaults were reported. Results indicated that marital rape frequently occurs in a battering relationship and that the batterer uses jealousy and violent acts to control the sexual relationship. For example, some women were kept prisoners in their own homes and were not even able to go to church or visit with relatives. Results indicate the need for research on the long-term effects of sexual abuse on the women and on sexual assault in nonbattering relationships. Tables are provided. (Author abstract modified)