English- and Spanish-Speaking Women's Use of Violence

• NCJ Number: 236718
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 21-38
• Author(s): Leslie E. Tower; Maria Elena Fernandez
• Date Published: January 2008
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the context, consequences, and violence experience and perpetrated by English- and Spanish-speaking women court ordered to a State Certified Batterers Intervention Program.

Abstract

This study analyzes variables related to the context and consequences of women's use of violence as well as a wide range of violent behaviors used and experienced by court-ordered English- and Spanish-speaking women. Data were derived from intake assessments of 125 court-ordered women over 24 months. Almost all of the women reported a history of abuse perpetrated by their partners. Women committed significantly fewer violent acts against their partners than their partners committed against them. Differences between English- and Spanish-speaking women's victimization, use of violence, and help seeking were largely similar, however, important differences emerged. (Published Abstract)