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Women Court-Ordered for Domestic Violence: Improvements in Depression

NCJ Number
223985
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 40-54
Author(s)
Leslie E. Tower; Darcy Schiller; Maria Elena Fernandez
Date Published
2008
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study measured changes in depression among Latina women as a result of a batterer intervention program.
Abstract
The study found that when culturally competent, gender-appropriate treatment was given to a sample of women ordered by a court to participate in a batterer intervention program, depression symptomatology could decrease to levels of normal functioning. A quasi-experimental design was employed to compare depression at intake and completion of a sample of primarily Latina women court-ordered to a batterer intervention program. Overwhelmingly, women reported being abused by their current and former partners. It is noted that court-ordered women may not be passive victims of domestic violence, however, they are often abused, afraid, and controlled by their partners. Although neither battered women nor court-ordered women may be homogenous groups, it appeared that court-ordered women were frequently battered. A need for further research is cited in order to understand court-ordered women as well as how to meet their unique needs. Data were derived over a 24-month period from the intake assessments of 112 women referred to a batterer intervention program from a specialized program that allows clients to avoid prosecution at an unknown U.S. location. Approximately 58 percent of the women in this sample were depressed at intake. Data were derived from face-to-face intake interviews that included a history, Violence Index, and Beck Depression Inventory. Tables, references