This study examined the degree to which battered women talked with family and friends about abuse they were experiencing and how family and friends responded. Participants were 137 women who had recently experienced domestic violence and were exiting a shelter. Most women confided in family and friends about the abuse. Family and friends' reactions depended on contextual factors, including the woman's relationship with her assailant, number of separations, number of children, and whether family and friends were threatened. Family and friends' negative reactions and offers of tangible support were significantly related to women's well-being, although positive emotional support was not.
Women with abusive partners utilize a variety of coping strategies to deal with and heal from the violence and sense of betrayal they have experienced. For many women, their trust in a higher power and the support they receive from their faith community is integral to their healing. Of 151 women interviewed for this study, the majority (97%) noted that spirituality or God was a source of strength or comfort for them. Extent of religious involvement predicted increased psychological well-being and decreased depression. For women of color, greater religious involvement was also related to increased social support. Implications for research and direct services are discussed.
This study investigated the link between stereotypic images of African American women and intimate partner violence in the African American community. Abrief questionnaire was given to a community-based sample of 221 African American men to (a) examine the degree to which African American men endorsed stereotypic images of African American women and (b) explore whether a belief in these images related to a belief that it is justified to use violence against an intimate partner. Results indicated that a large percentage of African American men endorsed stereotypic images of African American women. Endorsement of the stereotypes positively related to justification of violence against women.
Relatively few studies have looked specifically at the experiences and needs of African American women who are survivors of domestic violence. This study sought to find out from African American survivors (a) what their experience was with various community entities and (b) how they feel race may have affected these experiences. Results indicate a great deal of dissatisfaction with the services received as they attempt to escape and/or stay away from their abusive partners. This dissatisfaction was in large measure due to lack of cultural competence. Implications for service and suggestions for community entities are presented.
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