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Biomedical subjects

A Malecha

Publications and source records attributed to A Malecha.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Women in danger: intimate partner violence experienced by women who qualify and do not qualify for a protective order.

Not all women who apply qualify for a civil protective order. This study compares the type and severity of violence reported by women who qualified with that experienced by women who did not qualify. Ninety women seeking a protective order against a male intimate were interviewed. Findings indicated that 28% of women applying for a protective order did not qualify primarily because of cohabitation requirements or childbearing status. Actual and threatened violence was measured with the 46-item Severity of Violence Against Women Scale. A 17-item questionnaire measured stalking behavior. Levels of reported violence for the preceding 3 months were measured for the two groups. The symbolic threat behavior only of throwing, smashing, or breaking an object was significantly higher for qualifying women. The physical abuse behavior only of being pushed, shoved, or pulled was significantly higher. None of the stalking behaviors were significantly different. Data are urgently needed that document the barriers to abused women receiving protective orders, the relevancy of qualifying criteria, and the effectiveness of protective orders issued.

Adolescent↗

Primary healthcare provider's lost opportunity to help abused women.

PURPOSE: To determine how often primary care providers have the opportunity to assess and intervene for intimate partner violence (IPV) in a population of women who are known to be experiencing IPV. DATA SOURCES: A convenience sample of 149 abused women presenting to the justice system for protection orders or to file assault charges against in intimate partner were interviewed about the date and reason for her last healthcare visit, whether she had been screened for IPV, and the presence of selected conditions, medication use, and hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Although 86% (n = 128) of the women had sought healthcare services within the previous year, only 24% (n = 36) had been assessed for IPV. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Abused women use healthcare services at higher rates and have more health conditions than non-abused women. Despite recommendations of professional organizations, health providers have low rates of screening for IPV. Universal screening for IPV by nurse practitioners could substantially interrupt ongoing abuse.

Adult↗

Referring abused women: does police assistance decrease abuse?

To evaluate if abused women's use of the police reduced further violence experienced, 90 abused women were interviewed at a large urban police department and followed for 6 months. Frequency and severity of violence as well as danger of homicide were measured before and at 3 and 6 months after women sought police help. Women seeking police help had significantly reduced threats of abuse (F = 124.62, df = 2,81; p < .0005), actual abuse (F = 90.11, df = 2,81; p < .0005), and danger of being killed (F = 188.69, df = 2,81; p < .0005) by her intimate partner. Bonferroni post hoc tests showed that significantly fewer threats of abuse, physical abusive acts, and risk indicators for homicide had occurred from prefiling to 3 months (p <.0005) and prefiling to 6 months (p <.0005). The data indicate that referring abused women to the police is an appropriate intervention.

Adolescent↗

Indicators of intimate partner violence in women's employment: implications for workplace action.

The study examined the indicators and consequences of intimate partner violence on women's employment and associated types and levels of violence. Interviews were conducted with a consecutive sample of 90 women seeking a protective order. Actual and threatened violence was measured with the Severity of Violence Against Women Scales (46 items). Eight questions were asked about type of harassment experienced at the worksite. The results found most of the abused women had been employed at one time (87%) and had also experienced harassment from an intimate partner related to their work (89%). Findings indicated lost productivity and reduced performance. The researchers concluded poor work performance, tardiness, and absenteeism may indicate an employee is suffering from intimate partner violence.

Absenteeism↗

Intimate partner violence. Mothers' perspectives of effects on their children.

PURPOSE: Intimate partner violence not only affects adults but also the children living within that "war zone." The present study expands our understanding about how children are affected when they observe violence in their own homes, as reported by their mothers. STUDY DESIGN: This descriptive study was conducted to describe mothers' perspectives of the impact of the violence on their children. A consecutive sample of 72 mothers attempting to file assault charges were interviewed in a private room by a registered nurse and were asked to describe the effect of witnessing intimate partner violence on their child's behavior. Each response was written verbatim by the interviewer. RESULTS: A majority (72%) of the mothers reported negative behaviors in their children that they believed were as a result of witnessing their mother's violent experiences. The most common negative traits were distress-indicating behaviors such as sleep disturbances, clinging, and fretful behaviors followed by problems with the abuser, problems in school, and problems with mother. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because intimate partner violence affects children, health care providers should become familiar with behaviors indicative of this problem. To promote the well being and development of children, recommendations for assessment and intervention for women experiencing intimate partner violence are discussed.

Adult↗