Effectiveness of the "blue cards" procedure with regard to aggression and stress in perpetrators and victims of domestic violence

Abstract

The aim of the research was to verify whether the actions which have been taken within the framework of the “Blue Cards” procedure towards the families affected by domestic violence are an effective psychotherapeutic support. The two factors which may have influence on the occurrence of the phenomenon of domestic violence within a family system were examined, namely level of stress and aggression syndrome among partners of intimate relationship. Participants in the study were 30 female victims of domestic violence (mean age 40 years old) and 30 male perpetrators of domestic violence (mean age 37 years old). Aggression syndrome was measured by using the Inventory of Psychological Aggression Syndrome (IPSA II) and stress level was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS – 10). The test-retest procedure was used in the prospective study. Both aggression and stress were measured twice: at baseline, and after six months from the beginning of the “Blue Cards” procedure. Participants have evaluated their own aggression syndrome and level of stress, and also they have estimated the aggression syndrome of his/her partner’s. Nonparametric statistical tests have been used for group comparisons. The results show that active participation in assistant activities decreased the level of stress in the group of victims of domestic violence, and the scale of aggression syndrome in the group of violence users. The procedure “Blue Cards” is an effective method of support people who are both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence.