Female Victims Of Domestic Violence Research Articles

Empathic Love Therapy to Reduce Depression among Female Victims of Domestic Violence

Female victims of domestic violence often experience depression. This research used Empathic Love Therapy (ELT) to reduce depressive symptoms, by enabling individual to understand one-self deeper by realizing, understanding, accepting, and loving all aspects of the self, which is the early process of healing. This research is quasi-experiment research using a single group simple interrupted time series design. Five women aged 30-60 years old who experience depression, based on BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) score, participated in an eight-session therapy. Participants were recruited purposively based on theory-based or operational construct sampling. Data analysis combined quantitative and qualitative methods, of which Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used for quantitative analysis, whereas qualitative analysis adopted a descriptive analysis. Quantitative findings significant difference in BDI score between before and after treatment (Z = -2.023 with p= 0.043<0.05). Qualitative findings showed that participants were able to find survival personality that emerged from past painful experiences and plays a role in the depression symptoms they are currently experiencing. With the power of love they find from God, they are able to accept themselves, and focus their lives on their potential and positive future plans. Therefore, it can be concluded that Empathic Love Therapy is effective to be used to reduce depressive symptoms.

Socio-psychological portrait of women who have been subjected to violence: general characteristics of the problem in the Scandinavian countries and Russia

The article provides a comparative analysis of the socio-psychological portrait of women who have been subjected to violence abroad and in Russia. The subject of the analysis is the psychological, social and national characteristics of women who have ever been subjected to violence. The difficulties of adopting the draft law "On the prevention of domestic violence in the Russian Federation" are considered in detail. This draft law gives a broad interpretation of the concept of "domestic violence" and proposes to accept this phenomenon as a legal problem in order to effectively combat domestic violence. It is noted that Scandinavian women differ from each other in their national and psychological characteristics, consequently, when faced with domestic violence, they will also behave completely differently. However, the socio-psychological portrait of the victims, both in Russia and in Northern Europe, will be the same. In this regard, there is an urgent need for theoretical and empirical research in the field of organizing social work with women who have been subjected to violence, where the key element is the provision of a wide range of social services by social work specialists to this category of the population. The social experience of the Northern European countries in providing assistance to female victims of domestic violence is very effective.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Based on Psychological Capitals on the Experience Avoidance and Suicidal ideations in Female Victims of Domestic Violence

AbstractIntroduction: Violence against women and girls is currently one of the most important and specific forms of violence against human rights.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral intervention based on psychological capital on experience avoidance and suicidal ideations in girls victims of domestic violence in Isfahan.Materials & Methods: The research design was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all girls’ victims of domestic violence in Isfahan who were referred to a Counseling Center in Isfahan in 2019. The sample consisted of 30 girls who were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to one experimental group (cognitive-behavioral intervention based on psychological capital) and a control group (each consisting of 15 people). The research tools included Beck Scale for Suicidal ideations (BSSI) and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Data were analyzed by SPSS.22 software and univariate analysis of covariance. Results: The findings of this study showed that cognitive-behavioral intervention based on psychological capital was effective on experience avoidance (p <0.001) and suicidal ideation (p <0.001) in girls’ victims of domestic violence in Isfahan.Conclusion: It can be concluded that cognitive-behavioral therapy based on psychological capital is an effective treatment to reduce problems related to experience avoidance and suicidal thoughts of girls’ victims of domestic violence and can be used to improve psychological problems of girls’ victims of domestic violence.

Women Facing Psychological Abuse: How Do They Respond to Maternal Identity Humiliation and Body Shaming?

This research analyzes the decisions made by women facing simulated situations of psychological abuse. Seventy-three women (36.9 ± 13.6 years) who had been victims of domestic violence participated. The analysis was based on their coping strategies, early maladaptive schemes, and their decisions in response to vignettes describing the following domestic violence situations: humiliation to women’s maternal identity with children as witnesses and body shaming. We used Student’s t and Mann–Whitney tests to compare the results between groups. The participants presented some coping strategies (social support seeking, wishful thinking, and professional support seeking) and several early maladaptive schemes (emotional deprivation, defectiveness/shame, social isolation/alienation, failure to achieve, attachment, and subjugation) associated with their reactions facing a situation of humiliation with children as witnesses. When the humiliation was against the body image, their reactions were associated with some coping strategies (wishful thinking, professional support seeking, autonomy, negative auto-focus coping, and positive reappraisal) and one maladaptive scheme (defectiveness/shame). Women who reacted avoidantly showed higher social and professional support seeking but experienced higher indicators of discomfort and deterioration of self-esteem than those who opted for assertive decisions. The presence of children as witnesses seems to be a factor of stress in the configuration of coping strategies and maladaptive schemes in female victims of domestic violence. The evolution of early maladaptive schemes and coping strategies requires observation to avoid the risk of isolation and permanence in victimizing relationships.

Domestic Violence Victimization among South Asian Immigrant Men and Women in the United States.

Domestic violence is a pernicious social problem in the United States and a cause of national concern. The South Asian culture disempowers individuals experiencing domestic violence from recognizing and reporting victimization. Structural inequities may also discourage reporting victimization. These issues have led to inconsistent findings of domestic violence prevalence rates. Additionally, domestic violence studies with South Asians in the United States have predominantly focused on women, omitting men from this purview of research. The purpose of this study was to examine domestic violence victimization rates as well as their correlates among South Asian immigrant men and women. The sample for this cross-sectional study included 468 South Asians across the 50 U.S. states. Descriptive statistics were used to establish rates of domestic violence victimization. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of domestic violence victimization. All of the sociodemographic information was added in step 1, and acculturation and gender-role attitudes were added as covariates in step 2.The most prevalent type of domestic violence victimization was physical violence (48%), followed by emotional (38%), economic (35%), verbal (27%), immigration-related (26%), in-laws related (19%), and ultimately sexual abuse (11%). Prevalence rates were higher for women than for men in each type of violence. According to the logistic regression results, education, generational position, family type, and employment were significant correlates of domestic violence victimization. Prior to development of prevention programs by community agencies, it is essential to understand the nature and prevalence of domestic violence experiences among South Asians. The victimization of men in addition to women adds to the novelty of this research study and paves the way for practitioners and scholars to engage in conversations about providing both male and female victims of domestic violence with the needed resources and support. The article will discuss implications for research, practice, and policy.

Legal aid for female victims of domestic violence

가정폭력의 방지에 관련하여 국제법 및 국내의 법규가 어느 정도 정비되어 있지만 가정폭력은 아직도 주요한 사회문제로 간주되어 있다. 중국은 가정폭력의 여성피해자에 있어서 관련 사법과 정책 등이 피해자 보호와 가해자 처벌이 입법적 목적에 못 미치고 있는 실정이다. 예를 들면 사건의 처리에 있어서 피해자 보호를 앞세우지 아니하고, 가족 보호라는 명목으로 접근하는 문제점도 있다. 그리고 가정폭력에 대한 해결책이 적절하지 않아서 아직 피해자들이 원하는 요구에 부합하지 아니하다는 점이 끊임없이 반영되고 있다. 본고는 가정폭력의 여성피해자 법률지원에 있어서 존재하는 문제점과 상응한 대책 마련을 위하여, 우선 가정폭력의 현황을 고찰한 후, 관련 문제점을 제시하고 상응한 보완의 대책을 논의 할 것이다. 특히 독자적이며 완벽한 법률 체계를 세워서 가정 폭력 피해자를 전문 지원하는 부서를 설립할 것을 호소할 것이며, 사법과 치안관리 등 관련 부서의 역할도 강화해야 함을 주장 할 것이다. 그 외에도 일상생활에서 법률 지식, 성의 평등 등 이념을 끊임없이 보급하여, 더욱 많은 여성들이 법률의식을 갖추도록 도와주게 되면 그들로 하여금 법률적 수단을 이용하여 자신을 보호할 수 있을 뿐만 아니라, 가정 폭력의 발생원인도 근본적으로 억제할 수 있으리라 기대해 보고자 한다.

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

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.

Culturally adapted trauma-focused CBT-based guided self-help (CatCBT GSH) for female victims of domestic violence in Pakistan: feasibility randomized controlled trial.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), self-help and guided self-help interventions have been found to be efficacious and cost effective for victims of trauma, but there are limited data from low- and middle-income countries on culturally adapted interventions for trauma. To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of culturally adapted trauma-focused CBT-based guided self-help (CatCBT GSH) for female victims of domestic violence in Pakistan. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruited 50 participants from shelter homes in Karachi and randomized them to two equal groups. The intervention group received GSH in nine sessions over 12 weeks. The control group was a waitlist control. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2 (WHO DAS 2). Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 12 weeks. Out of 60 clients who met DSM-5 criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 56 (93.3%) agreed to participate in the study. Retention to the intervention group was excellent, with 92% (23/25) attending more than six sessions. Statistically significant differences were noted post-intervention in secondary outcomes in favour of the intervention. A trial of CatCBT GSH was feasible and the intervention was acceptable to Pakistani women who had experienced domestic violence. Furthermore, it may be helpful in improving symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety and overall functioning in this population. The results provide a rationale for a larger, confirmatory RCT of CatCBT GSH.

Understanding the Nature and Context of Domestic Homicide Committed by Female Victims of Domestic Violence in Iran: Examining Current and Alternative Criminal Justice Responses

AbstractDomestic homicide is the most serious type of violence in a marital relationship, which is punishable by the death penalty as retaliation (Qisas) according to the Penal Code of Iran. The present paper analyzes why a woman commits this crime (the killing of her husband), examining the killer’s status in a marital relationship. Data show that the killers had been victims of domestic violence for 10–25 years. In other words, domestic homicide has a direct relationship with the killer being victimized by domestic violence, including physical (assault and battery), mental (insult and obscenity), sexual and sometimes financial violence that may result from addiction. The most important reason for domestic homicide is the failure to provide legal and social protection for women. This incites hatred for the husband, which arises from repeated victimization in a coercive relationship with the husband. These women cannot end this coercive relationship because of insufficient or unavailable legal, social or family protection. Moreover, the process of divorce for a woman in Iran is quite complex. This article also examines the potential defense of mental capacity and self-defense and its place in the Iranian penal code. Based on this research, this article argues for the need for the legislature to review the death penalty for this kind of crime and to consider other possible responses to such murders.

The Effect of Expressive Writing Programs on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Symptoms in Female Victims of Domestic Violence

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of expressive writing on the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in female victims of domestic violence. This research uses quasi-experimental methods (using the untreated control group design). Participants in this study were 10 women who are victims of domestic violence. Participants were assigned into two groups, experimental and control groups. The results showed that there was a significant effect between experimental group posttest scores with the control group (p=0,043), which means that the research hypothesis was accepted. From the results of this study also found that there is a decrease in scores of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder which measured using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) in participants in the experimental group. Keywords : expressive writing; symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder; domestic violence.

The Mediating Role of Cognitive Processing in the Relationship Between Negative and Positive Effects of Trauma Among Female Victims of Domestic Violence.

Exposure to domestic violence may lead not only to negative but also positive consequences of trauma. Negative effects are indicated by posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), and positive effects by posttraumatic growth (PTG) changes. PTG has been conceptualized to follow experiences of PTSSs. Therefore, the positive and negative effects of trauma appear to be related to one another. The cognitive processing may play a special role in determining whether the positive and negative consequences of trauma exposure are experienced. The aim of the study was to establish the mediating role of multiple patterns of cognitive processing, reflected by the cognitive strategies used to cope with trauma, in the relationship between negative and positive posttraumatic changes in women following domestic violence. Data were obtained from 63 Polish women who had experienced domestic violence. The age of the respondents ranged from 19 to 71 years (M = 42.25, SD = 14.81). The Polish versions of the following standardized tools were used: the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and the Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale (CPOTS). PTSS severity appeared to be negatively related to that of PTG. Negative coping strategies were positively related to the PTSS severity but negatively to PTG, while positive strategies were negatively related to the PTSS severity but positively to PTG. Cognitive strategies for coping with trauma, such as resolution/acceptance, downward comparison, and regret, appeared to play a mediating role in the relationship between PTSS severity and PTG. Positive coping strategies strengthen the occurrence of positive posttraumatic changes while strategy of regret weakens the PTG changes occurrence. The process of adaptation and human development among people who have experienced traumatic events is favored by the use of more frequent positive and less frequent negative strategies of dealing with trauma.

Соціально-правові аспекти домашнього насильства над жінками

The article focuses on the problem of domestic violence against women. The main views of scientists on understanding the essence of domestic violence against women are determined. Special attention is paid to the characterization of domestic violence against women in the normative legal documents of the international and state level. Types of domestic violence against women, the main causes and factors of the phenomenon under study are presented. Special features of women who are victims of domestic violence are considered. The main manifestations of domestic violence are characterized. The research highlights the consequences of domestic violence for women and emphasizes the reasons why women conceal the facts of domestic violence. A number of international normative legal documents has been proposed that guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of women, and an analysis of the main international standards on the prevention of domestic violence against women has been carried out. The legal documents of Ukraine aimed at preventing and combating domestic violence against women are presented and analysed. The content of articles of normative legal documents protecting the rights of women from domestic violence is highlighted. Much attention is paid to social work aimed at implementing general social and special measures to prevent violence against women. The list of special institutions providing assistance to female victims of domestic violence has been determined. The tasks for improving social and legal activities in order to overcome the problem of domestic violence against women are indicated.

Vítimas de Violência: atendimento dos profissionais de enfermagem em Atenção Primária

Esta é uma revisão integrativa que teve como objetivo buscar, analisar e cotejar a literatura referente a atenção às mulheres vítimas de violência doméstica no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) com enfoque na percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem. Para a busca utilizou-se os descritores: violência contra a mulher, violência doméstica, atenção primária em saúde, nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, IBECS, BDENF, Coleciona-SUS e, BVS; entre os anos de 2012-2017, na íntegra, em português e inglês. Foram encontrados 73 artigos e selecionados 14 para este estudo. Verificou-se as seguintes categorias: Serviços da Atenção Primária de Saúde como porta de entrada para o atendimento de mulheres em situação, Falhas na identificação de situação de violência e na rede de apoio de violência e, Percepção da equipe de enfermagem em relação a mulher vítima de violência doméstica. Observou-se que as atividades realizadas na APS possuem grande potencial para atendimento adequado à mulher vítima de violência, porém o bloqueio da equipe de reconhecer essas situações, em conjunto com diversos fatores dificultam o processo. A APS apresenta-se como principal porta de entrada para assistência de qualidade a mulher vítima de forma integralizada e holística, porém demanda capacitação e fortalecimento da equipe.

FEMALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THEIR RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION IN MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, victims of domestic violence including women may seek protection under the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) (hereinafter “DVA 1994”). Pursuant to section 10 of the DVA 1994, female victims of domestic violence (hereinafter “FVDV”) have the right to claim compensation from their husbands or former husbands (hereinafter “Abusive Husbands”). The criminal court also has jurisdiction to make a compensation order as stated under section 426 (1A) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593) (hereinafter “CPC”). A qualitative approach was used for this research, consisting of a detailed analysis of the DVA 1994, CPC, Penal Code (Act 574), case laws, journals, newspapers and scholarly writings related to this area. Based on the findings, there are shortcomings within both provisions which may affect the FVDV’s claim for compensation. Thus, it is timely to propose amendments and reforms to enhance their rights. These include the insertion of a provision stressing that the claim for compensation under section 10 of the DVA 1994 can be applied through a stand-alone application, the inclusion of a provision allowing the compensation order to be initiated by the court on its own motion or upon the application by the FVDV themselves, imposing a responsibility on the court to give reasons if the court decides to disallow the application for compensation made, explaining the legal consequence to the offender should the offender fail to comply with the compensation order, and alternatively to consider a state-funded compensation scheme to provide immediate financial assistance to FVDV without going through the court process. Keywords: Abusive husbands, domestic violence, female victims of domestic violence (FVDV), right to compensation. Cite as: Mohammed Na’aim, M. S., Rajamanickam, R., &amp; Nordin, R. (2019). Female victims of domestic violence and their rights to compensation in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 4(1), 384-400. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol4iss1pp384-400

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Upon Admission to Shelters Among Female Victims of Domestic Violence: An Ecological Model of Trauma.

The study used the ecological model of trauma and recovery (Harvey, 1996) to examine the rates of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among female victims of domestic violence. Five hundred and five participants completed questionnaires upon entering shelters in Israel. Analysis showed that 61% of the participants reported probable PTSD. Childhood exposure to violence, violence severity, and feeling helpless were all associated with high PTSD levels. By contrast, Ethiopian ethnicity, social support, and a stronger sense of control were associated with lower PTSD levels. However, the interaction between social support and violence duration showed that social support did not moderate PTSD when exposure to violence endured. The study emphasizes that resources deteriorate, and that policy-augmenting prevention programs would increase treatment potential to strengthen survivors' coping capacities.

Incidencia política de las OSC de California para la protección de mujeres inmigrantes víctimas de violencia doméstica

The aim of this research was to characterize the assistance given to Mexican immigrant female victims of domestic violence by identifying the actions of CSOs in Los Angeles County, CA, in order to analyze whether they impact local development or not. The study employed a qualitative methodology based on grounded theory and used theoretical sampling, collecting data through semi-structured interviews. It was found that these CSOs have become agents of development, fulfilling a vital role and exerting public and political influence to empower battered women. They also achieved the creation of DART, a program to help battered women, and pushed for the implementation of Law SB 674, which requires that police issue a certification in cases of domestic violence.

Rights to protection and the state: the Australian Government's National Plan to reduce violence against women and children and victim's justice

ABSTRACTDue to increased awareness and impact of domestic violence, women's safety in the domestic sphere has become a prominent problem in Australian politics. In an analysis of criminal injuries compensation (CIC) processes in WA, this paper highlights a specific aspect of national policy failure in relation to safety for women who have experienced domestic and family violence. It establishes policy impetus to acknowledge a right to protection by the state within the domestic sphere, then discusses the history and relevance of state responsibility/obligations for victims of crime compensation and demonstrates how the failure to comply with the nationally endorsed plan to address domestic violence places some women at risk of further harm. The example of WA's victims of crime compensation processes highlights the high level of female domestic violence victims using the scheme and important intersectional issues pertinent for Indigenous women. The paper points to how a specific failure of policy implementation may be addressed.

How to Help Female Victims of Domestic Violence? A Dialogue Between Scientific, Professional and Political Expert to Build Networks of Support

How and through which instruments can social policies prevent domestic violence? Three of these instruments are, in our point of view: 1) the professional competence of the social workers and caregivers in protecting and preventing; 2) a shared gender-sensitive methodology, to help victims of domestic violence; 3) and the dialogue (necessary but not yet realized) among scientific, professional and political experts. Competent help is the pivot around which prevention strategies can be developed, to support networks of solidarity with victims. The building of networks is conclusive in overcoming the lack of social capital, above all in situations characterized by the fragility of social ties. Furthermore, the sector skill alliance could represent an innovation in the field of interventions to prevent the phenomenon of domestic violence and to build a more radical culture of non-violence in interpersonal relationships. In that way it will be possible a common vision on gender-based violence in diverse disciplinary fields: medicine, sociology, psychology, human rights, social services, criminology, social pedagogy and, at the same time, outline social policies that lead to effective solutions.

Social workers' attitudes towards female victims of domestic violence: A study in one English local authority

AbstractThis paper aims to explore childcare social workers' attitudes towards female victims of domestic violence in England. The study discusses the concept of “mothering” and the processes through which mothers are potentially denigrated rather than empowered. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with social workers in a single child protection agency to investigate their perceptions of domestic violence, its gendered nature, and the implications for their practice. Participants' responses were coded using thematic analysis. The results demonstrated social workers' cognisance of the challenges domestic violence poses for abused mothers in terms of the ability to safely parent their children. Although the study is not without its limitations, it nevertheless indicates the need for a more holistic approach to safeguarding children within domestic violence settings. Moreover, it underscores the necessity for improving awareness about the prevalence and importance of domestic violence as a child safeguarding concern within social work training. Indeed, improved training would help to develop social workers' knowledge and understanding of service provisions and partner agencies, thus potentially improving practice in this critically important area.

Heterogeneity in emotion regulation difficulties among women victims of domestic violence: A latent profile analysis

BackgroundResearch over the past two decades supports emotion regulation as a transdiagnostic factor related to the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric difficulties and risky behaviors. However, prior investigations are limited by their focus on difficulties regulating negative (but not positive) emotions. Further, research has not accounted for the heterogeneity in difficulties regulating emotions. MethodsParticipants were 210 female victims of domestic violence (DV; M age = 36.14, 48.6% African American) who completed measures assessing emotion regulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Positive), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale), alcohol misuse (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) and drug misuse (Drug Abuse Screening Test). Latent profile analysis was utilized to identify subgroups of DV-victimized women who were similar in endorsed difficulties in regulating negative and positive emotions. Differences in psychiatric difficulties (i.e., PTSD and depressive symptom severity) and risky behaviors (i.e., alcohol and drug misuse) were examined across these classes. ResultsThree classes of DV-victimized women differentiated by levels of difficulties regulating negative and positive emotions were identified. Greater psychiatric difficulties were found among classes defined by higher levels of difficulties regulating emotions, regardless of emotion valence. Risky behaviors were more prevalent among the class defined by higher levels of difficulties regulating both negative and positive emotions. LimitationsAlthough results add to the literature on difficulties regulating emotions and their correlates, findings must be interpreted in light of limitations present including use of a cross-sectional and correlation design, reliance on self-report measures, and assessment of a select sample of women victims of DV. ConclusionsResults highlight the potential importance of tailoring interventions accounting for the heterogeneity in negative and positive emotion regulation dimensions among DV-victimized women.