NCJ Number
163238
Date Published
1996
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This article provides a format for use by mental health professionals in their work with women who are victims of violence in adult inmate relationships.
Abstract
Assessment and intervention strategies reviewed in the article are limited to measures and techniques that have been empirically demonstrated to be effective with battered women. Although the article addresses concerns specific to battered women, many of the assessment and intervention strategies described may be applicable to other victim populations. In addition, since many battered women have experienced a variety of past and current life stressors, as well as actual battering episodes, the authors examine assessment and treatment concerns related to compounding stressors. Issues relevant to clinical work with battered women are explored, along with current research findings and theoretical conceptualizations of battered women. Attention is also paid to cognitive, interpersonal, physiological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of battering and to public and professional attitudes and their role in help- seeking and treatment outcomes. Techniques for evaluating significant dimensions of the battering episode, obtaining a history of battering, assessing danger, and assessing psychological symptoms and personality functioning are described. Problems complicating clinical interventions with battered women and benefits of short-term therapy are noted. A case example is included that illustrates a range of victim experiences, symptom patterns, adjustment levels, and social support networks. An interview guide designed to identify a range of concerns relevant to abuse victims is appended. 123 references and 3 notes