Beliefs of Service Providers about Abused Women and Abusing Men

Counselors' Attributions of Blame Toward Female Survivors of Battering

“…Women seeking services have reported victim blaming, siding with the abuser, and inadequate or not useful community resources as some barriers to obtaining the help they need (Davis, 1984). Misdiagnosis and non-violent revictimization have also been barriers for many women seeking relief (McLeod, Hays, & Chang, 2010).…”

“…Another limitation in sampling seems to be the lack of samples of counselors who may not work in domestic violence specific agencies, but who likely still come into contact with victims on a semi-regular basis. The attitudes of other mental health professionals such as social workers (Davis, 1984), social work students (McMullan, Carlan, & Nored, 2010), and psychologists (Wandrei & Rupert, 2000) have been examined. In addition, shelter workers (Davis, 1984) and victim advocates (Thapar-Bjorkert & Morgan, 2010) have shown similar attitudes as other mental health professionals, such as social workers and psychologists.…”

“…Among these resources are both informal and formal supports such as social services, emergency rooms and medical professionals, legal aide, clergy, women's shelters, police, crisis lines, and counseling (Davis, 1984;Gordon, 1996). Many of these formal supports are well equipped to provide institutional and material support to women and children through advocacy, collaboration, education, and referral (Postmus, Severson, Berry, & Yoo, 2009).…”

“…Although multiple services may be available, the diversity in services may aggravate rather than ameliorate the problems associated with battering (Davis, 1984).…”

“…As an example of this, Davis (1984) quotes Heppner's (1978) example of a battered woman seeking aide:…”