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Clinical Research and Practice with Battered Women: What We Know, What We Need to Know

NCJ Number
188646
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse: A Review Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 120-141
Author(s)
Marta Lundy; Susan Grossman
Date Published
April 2001
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article provides a review of process and outcome research on treatment for battered women
Abstract
Studies of treatment efficacy provided by process and outcome research with battered women is much less well developed than research on the treatment of batterers. There is little clinical research that addresses the efficacy of the more than 16 commonly used models. Because many domestic violence victims are repeatedly victimized it has become a serious criminal justice and public health concern. The complexity of the problems surrounding partner violence indicates the utility of an integrated model for clinical practice and research. The themes of this article are threefold: (a) more clinical practice research using a multi-method approach; (b) more explicit focus on women of color and immigrant women; and (c) more theoretical and philosophical integration of treatment approaches. Implications for practice and policy include: bridges between domestic violence shelters and mental health agencies; integration of various practice approaches such as feminist, family systems, relational, and object relations; realization of the need for policy mandates that implement coordination of services; and mandated coordination of outreach services with shelters and counseling centers. Focusing attention on the need for an integrated approach to practice and research will inform and guide practitioners. 1 table, 140 references