NCJ Number
100208
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This is a summary of a book that recounts the methodology and findings of a Texas study of victims and perpetrators of family violence.
Abstract
Data resources included detailed histories of 542 women and their batterers who entered two Texas shelters, followup interviews with selected shelter residents 1 to 2 years after leaving the shelters, telephone interviews with 2,096 persons who called a shelter hotline, and informal discussions and formal interviews with dozens of abused women outside the shelter and with various professionals who have worked with battered women. Information on the victims covered type of abuse, age, marital status, race, education, income, drug and alcohol use, and history of abuse as children. The study also examined why they stayed in the abusive situation and why they decided to leave and enter the shelter. The profile of the batterers encompassed age, education, income, patterns of violent behavior, and background of abuse as a child. After reviewing options for staying and leaving the abusive relationship, the summary discusses the role of shelters for battered families, what happens after leaving the shelter, and the criminal justice system's response to spouse abuse. Recommendations focus on the need for legislation, public education, and support for shelters. 5 suggested readings and 3 sources of information.