Mental Health Disorders and Functioning of Women in Domestic Violence Shelters

• NCJ Number: 237053
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 437-453
• Author(s): Glen T. Fujiura; Christine A. Helfrich; Violet Rutkowski-Kmitta
• Date Published: April 2008
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): H133G990144-00
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the presence of mental health symptoms and disorders reported by women in a domestic violence shelter.

Abstract

This study investigates the presence of mental health symptoms and disorders reported by 74 women in a domestic violence shelter and the impact of those symptoms on function in work, school, and social encounters. Findings are compared to estimates of U.S. women generally, based on a national sample of over 65,000 women drawn from the 1995 National Health Interview Survey. The sheltered sample presents significantly higher rates of mental conditions and functional impairments affecting their work, school, and social functioning. These women are also less educated and poorer and use more health services than the U.S. population. Mental health conditions must be identified in shelters to improve functioning and facilitate independence from abusers. (Published Abstract)