A review of the literature was conducted relevant to the history of wife battering, the incidence of such abuse in the United States, and difficulties in the definition of domestic violence. Major attempts to explain wife battering found in the literature included a focus on: (1) personality factors of the individuals involved (the ontogenic…

Data from the National Violence Against Women Survey show that the two major forms of husband violence toward their wives (intimate terrorism and situational couple violence) have different effects on their victims. Victims of intimate terrorism are attacked more frequently and experience violence that is less likely to stop. They are more likely…

Presents results of empirical studies that contradict the popular conception of domestic violence as essentially a masculine form of assaultive behavior. Suggests that the popular view has contributed to men's increasing legal and social defenselessness. Discusses the appropriateness of psychotherapeutic approaches to the problem. (Author/KS)

Research suggests that wife abuse may be significant precipitant of female suicide. Case studies and data from several societies suggest that if a woman's support group does not defend her when she is victimized, suicide may be form of revenge. Research focused on relationship between domestic violence and female suicide should be priority for…

Presents a proposed model to organize spouse abuse services within communities. Proposes family service agencies take the lead in organizing and implementing the program. The community team would consist of representatives from agencies and disciplines that serve spouse abuse families. The community would benefit from direct services to affected…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to inform the ongoing quest for efficacious treatment of domestically violent women by (a) describing their representation in cases of intimate partner homicide over the period of 1985-1999 in Houston, Texas, and (b) by utilizing a measure known as the spousal sex ratio of killing (SROK), determining…

Reports rate of intimate partner homicides (married and unmarried, heterosexual and homosexual) in Chicago from 1965-1993 (2,556 in all). Identifies major trends in intimate homicide over this 29-year period; discusses the people who are most at risk and the riskiest situations. Explores implications for intervention strategies. (LKS)

The myths maintaining the violence between men and women are woven deeply into the matrix of society's norms and values. Crisis intervention succeeds to the extent that it is supported by wider reaching interventions--interventions that challenge the myths. Such programs include day care for mothers wanting to work and flexible time schedules for…

Gives an overview of issues related to domestic violence against women as a social problem: changing responses from the legal system and the community over the course of history, possible causes of domestic violence against women, current perspectives and trends, prevalence, seriousness, and our response as a society. (LKS)

Discusses factors involved in the decision by battered women to seek court orders of protection. Women seeking such orders confront both tangible and symbolic fears. There are powerful motivations counteracting these fears; in addition, women experience psychological benefits from a sense of gaining some measure of control in their lives. (LKS)

Considers major reforms in the criminal justice system in response to domestic violence incidents: more frequent arrest, reduced control of victims in domestic court cases, more widespread use of restraining orders, and court-mandated treatment for batterers. Concludes that these do not work well across a variety of situations to reduce future…

A conference on the role of the prosecutor in spouse assault cases, organized by the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) and the Center for Women Policy Studies (CWPS) was held in Memphis, Tennessee, September 25-28, 1978. The objectives of this conference are described in terms of the need to reach consensus on how cases should be…

Examines problem of domestic violence in Great Britain, which has a stronger feminist movement and a much lower level of stranger-to-stranger violence than does the United States. The prevalence rate of domestic violence is quite similar to that of the United States and the British system has been less progressive in its response. (LKS)