Domestic violence: the psychosocial impact and perceived health problems
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5042/jacpr.2010.0137 |
| Date | 14 April 2010 |
| Pages | 4-15 |
| Published date | 14 April 2010 |
| Author | Gayle Brewer,Mark Roy,Yvonne Smith |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research • Volume 2 Issue 2 • April 2010 © Pier Professional Ltd4
10.5042/jacpr.2010.0137
Introduction
Domestic violence is the single most common
cause of violence-related trauma in women
(Rand, 1997). Despite underreporting (Smith,
1989), domestic violence accounts for 16%
of UK violent crime, and has more repeat
victims than other crimes (Nicholas et al, 2005),
highlighting the threat posed to a substantial
proportion of the population. Although domestic
violence raises important concerns about
victims’ safety, its effects are more extensive,
with serious implications for the physical health
and psychological well-being of sufferers. The
severity of the relationship between domestic
violence and health status (both physical and
psychological) is reinforced by the finding that
victims generate 92% more lifetime healthcare
costs than non-victims (Wisner et al, 1999).
For example, sufferers are more likely to visit
the accident and emergency department, visit
primary care practitioners and contact mental
health agencies than normative populations
(Bergman et al, 1992).
Women from violent relationships are more
likely to judge their health status as poor or
fair than women who have not experienced
this form of abuse (Ratner, 1998). These
judgements do not simply reflect a bias towards
negative reporting, and in fact appear to
Domestic violence: the
psychosocial impact and
perceived health problems
Gayle Brewer
Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK
Mark Roy
Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK
Yvonne Smith
Postgraduate, School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK
ABS TR AC T
Self-reported health (and the extent to which this was associated with partner abuse or
psychosocial variables) was investigated in 132 women recruited from a domestic violence
service. The survey instrument included abuse disability, life event and daily stress exposure,
social support, anger expression style, and perceived health status. The prevalence estimates
for this sample were significantly higher than standard estimates across a range of health
problems. Regression models demonstrated that whilst the extent of partner abuse predicted
the prevalence of three conditions, psychosocial factors were more substantial predictors
of health and well-being in domestic violence victims. Of these, life event frequency and
anger expression were the most significant. These findings provide important information
about the health of domestic violence victims as they seek support from domestic violence
agencies, with relevance for practitioners working with victims who have terminated a violent
relationship and for those supporting victims who remain with a violent partner.
KEY WORDS
Domestic violence; perceived health; stress; victimisation.
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