NCJ Number
113894
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1987) Pages: 69-81
Date Published
1987
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Reformers are attempting to restructure medical responses to 'battering' -- the injury of women by husbands and boyfriends -- by encouraging health care personnel to identify and intervene in cases involving battered women.
Abstract
In this participant observation study, I report on responses of staff members in three hospital emergency departments where there is resistance to dealing with battered women. I then describe a fourth emergency department where attempts to medicalize staff members' views of battered women create more favorable responses toward such women. I discuss implications for policy regarding treatment by battered women and for research on the process of medicalization. (Author abstract)