Assessment of Intimate Partner Violence in Spanish Women: The Index of Spouse Abuse

• NCJ Number: 241809
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 16 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 3267-3288
• Author(s): Juncal Plazaola-Castaño; Isabel Ruiz-Pérez; Vicenta Escribà-Agüir; Isabel Montero-Piñar; Carmen Vives-Cases
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study analyzed the internal consistency and construct validity of the Spanish version of the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA) in Spain in 2006-2007.

Abstract

The authors aimed to analyze the internal consistency and construct validity of the Spanish version of the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA) in a representative sample of 8,995 women attending general practice in Spain in 2006-2007. The factor structure analysis shows that the ISA measures four intimate partner violence (IPV) dimensions: emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and controlling behavior. Cronbach alpha ranges from .82 (sexual factor) to .94 (emotional). Construct validity analysis shows that IPV is associated with poorer self-perceived health, higher psychological distress, and lower tangible social support. The ISA can help make more visible forms of gender violence in the intimate relationship that sometimes are not recognized as such, like sexual violence or controlling behavior. This can contribute to the development of specific interventions for women experiencing IPV, considering the specificities of the violent acts experienced. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.