Spousal abuse and violence against women: the significance of understanding attachment

Cognitive-affective predictors of women's readiness to end domestic violence relationships

A model of women's readiness to terminate an abusive relationship was examined, using cognitive and emotional factors to predict readiness to change as conceptualized in the transtheoretical model. Factors previously identified in the domestic violence literature were selected to represent cognitive predictors (attribution and attachment style) and affective predictors (depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and anger) of readiness to end a domestic violence relationship. Responses by 85 female victims of intimate partner violence indicated that their overall readiness to terminate a relationship was predicted by a preoccupied attachment style and high emotional arousal. However, women's low level of anger predicted their precontemplation of change, the earliest stage of readiness, whereas internalizing emotional difficulties and preoccupation with their batterer predicted maintenance, the final stage of readiness to persist in their decision to leave their abuser. Implications of these findings for working with women considering leaving their partner are discussed.

Domestic violence in women

Domestic violence is a significant public health issue affecting women. Numerous medical organizations have recommended that routine screening of women be conducted to assist in the prevention, identification, and care for victims of violence. This article examines the scope of domestic violence in women, reviews ways to recognize abuse, examines the potential impact of abuse upon health and discusses the management of victims.

Violence against ex-wives: anger and advocacy

Researchers on violence against women have failed to reveal any studies that provide definitive explanations for the violent behaviors of certain males. However, violence against women has been known to occur as a result of unusually potent situational stressors, regardless of the male's propensity toward violence. Some of these situational stressors occur during the process of marital separation and divorce, particularly in relation to disputes over child custody, support, and access. In this paper I report on a second-level analysis of a set of studies in Australia aimed at examining the experience of separating parents who did not gain custody of their children. One of the dominant themes that emerged in the initial analysis from the male cohort was the real or vicarious violence that pervaded the men's interactions with their ex-spouses. These men, from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups, freely discussed episodes in which they had either planned, executed, or fantasized about violence against their spouses in retaliation for real or perceived injustices related to child custody, support, and/or access. In many cases, these thoughts and actions were reinforced by the encouragement of other males. To a lesser extent, women also reported violent inclinations induced by the situation. The implications for those advocating for women and families are clear. There is a need to understand the experience of marital separation from the perspective of both spouses as a basis for family counseling. We must also heighten awareness of the need to educate young people away from an "ownership" model of marriage and relationships, which is counterproductive to the personal development of both partners. Equally important is the need for all health professionals to advocate for changes that would help to correct injustices in the family court system, many of which are related to gender issues.