Domestic Violence and Social Support in a Clinical Sample of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women

• NCJ Number: 234229
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2011 Pages: 63-69
• Author(s): Paula Johnston-McCabe; Micol Levi-Minzi; Vincent B. Van Hasselt; August Vanderbeek
• Date Published: January 2011
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined domestic violence and perceived social support in a clinical sample of Deaf and Hard of Hearing women.

Abstract

The present study examined domestic violence and perceived social support in a clinical sample of Deaf and Hard of Hearing women. Forty-six adult Deaf and Hard of Hearing females receiving outpatient mental health services completed a modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Results showed that nearly three-quarters (71.7 percent) of the sample related experiencing psychologically abusive behaviors, and over one-half (56.5 percent) reported a history of physical violence from a partner. In addition, participants reported experiences of domestic abuse directly related to their deafness. Level of perceived social support did not differ for participants with a history of domestic violence victimization compared to those with no such history. Findings underscore the need for increased awareness of Deaf and Hard of Hearing women as a population at high risk, and warranting further investigative attention, with regard to domestic violence. (Published Abstract)