NCJ Number
213025
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 20 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 625-643
Date Published
December 2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) identified current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 185 men and 369 women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).
Abstract
Twenty-four percent of the women had symptom scores consistent with moderate-to-severe PTSD. Twenty percent of the men were currently experiencing moderate-to-severe PTSD. Psychological abuse, measured as abuse of power and control, was as strongly associated with PTSD as was physical IPV. Sexual assault by a partner was linked to increased PTSD scores among women. Findings confirmed previous studies in showing a link between higher PTSD scores and major depressive disorders. Protective factors against moderate-to-severe PTSD symptoms among both male and female IPV survivors were higher socioeconomic status, being married, and the cessation of IPV. Data from the NVAWS were for November 1995 to May 1996. This was a random survey of noninstitutionalized residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia. The survey sought national estimates of the incidence, prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of physical assault, sexual assaults, and stalking of women ages 18 and older by all types of perpetrators, including intimate partners. Participants were 8,000 men and 8,000 women. Only participants who reported IPV were included in the current study. Data show survivors' and partners' characteristics, current IPV, social and environmental support, help-seeking and response to IPV, general health, and PTSD score as measured by a modified version of the Impact of Event Scale--Revised. 2 figures, 2 tables, and 46 references