NCJ Number
105905
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Wife abuse refers to violence in an intimate relationship that may result in serious injury or death.
Abstract
Factors contributing to wife abuse include social attitudes toward violence and toward women; a family background of abuse; and characteristics of the abuser such as anger, hostility, insecurity, and immaturity. Wife abuse often follows a cyclical three-stage pattern of tension-building, actual abuse, and reconciliation. Women may remain in abusive relationships because they feel ashamed, guilty, or afraid. Emotional and economic dependency also may help maintain the relationship. Women can help protect themselves against abuse by having plans for emergency action during and immediately following the abuse, by calling police, and by leaving the house with the children. Emergency shelters can help women deal with the aftermath of abuse; a variety of agencies, organizations, and other resources are available to provide aid in long-range planning. 7 references.