Integrative Review of Separation in the Context of Victimization: Consequences and Implications for Women

• NCJ Number: 204954
• Journal: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 143-193
• Author(s): Robert Walker; Tk Logan; Carol E. Jordan; Jacquelyn C. Campbell
• Date Published: April 2004
• Length: 51 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After reviewing the research on the consequences of intimate partner divorce/separation and victimization within intimate partnerships, this article integrates these two research domains to examine divorce/separation in the context of intimate partner victimization; the implications for practice and research of separating these two research domains are discussed.

Abstract

One of the key points of this literature review is that divorce/separation is a stressful life event whether or not violence has been an issue in the relationship; a history of violence adds complications and risks. The general consequences of separation include the need for psychological adjustment, economic status changes, social support changes, other life changes, and health/mental health/substance use problems. The presence of children introduced the increased need for financial resources, role strain, and more complex legal issues. Abuse as a factor in the relationship and the separation can have significant effects on a victimized woman in many domains of her life. The consequences of victimization include mental health problems, health problems, substance use and substance-related problems, and increased stress. Making life-altering decisions while experiencing fear and threat not only increases the "normal" stress associated with separation, but may make the separation experience fundamentally different. Understanding separation in the context of abuse includes appreciating the impact of continuing violence and safety concerns, concerns about child safety and custody conflicts, internal and external barriers, exacerbated health problems, and mental health problems. Each of the two domains of research is incomplete without reference to the cumulative and distinctive situational and stress-related factors related to the process of divorce/separation in the context of a history of abuse in the relationship. The implications of these co-occurring experiences for women are discussed for practice, the legal community, and research. 441 references