Psychopathology in Women Arrested for Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 233208
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 376-389
• Author(s): Gregory L. Stuart; Todd M. Moore; Kristina Coop Gordon; Susan E. Ramsey; Christopher W. Kahler
• Date Published: March 2006
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1K23AA13231
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the prevalence of psychopathology among women arrested for violence and whether the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) was associated with Axis I psychopathology.

Abstract

Women who were arrested for domestic violence perpetration and court referred to violence intervention programs (N = 103) completed measures of IPV victimization, perpetration, and psychopathology. Results revealed high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Violence victimization was significantly associated with symptoms of psychopathology. Logistic regression analyses showed that sexual and psychological abuse by partners were associated with the presence of PTSD, depression, and GADdiagnoses. Results highlight the potential importance of the role of violence victimization in psychopathology. Results suggest that Axis I and Axis II psychopathology should routinely be assessed as part of violence intervention programs for women and that intervention programs could be improved by offering adjunct or integrated mental health treatment. (Published Abstract)