NCJ Number
222042
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 18 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 839-856
Date Published
August 2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
In an attempt to assess treatment needs of female offenders, this study provided a comparison of the psychological functioning and family backgrounds of convicted male and female domestic violence offenders.
Abstract
Results of the study indicate that women were demographically similar to men in the study, and few differences were noted in their childhood experiences. Women were more likely than men to have previously attempted suicide, whereas more men had conduct problems in childhood and substance abuse in adulthood. Compared to the male offenders, women reported more symptoms of personality dysfunction and mood disorder. A significant body of research, accumulated over the last few decades has characterized the family histories and psychological functioning of those convicted of abusing an intimate partner. However, this past research has focused exclusively on male offenders. With this lack of research, the rising number of women arrested for domestic violence has presented many theoretical and practical challenges. In this study, data were obtained regarding demographic characteristics, mental health functioning, and childhood familial dysfunction for a sample of 2,254 male and 281 female domestic violence offenders. The data were used to conduct exploratory analyses that highlight gender differences and similarities across these areas, offering knowledge on the applicability of available theories and treatments to women arrested for domestic assault. Tables, references