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Who gets protection orders for intimate partner violence?
M E Wolf1, V L Holt, M A Kernic
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104-2499, USA.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|November 7, 2000
Summary
Women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) who seek civil protection orders are more likely to be employed and have family members abused. Financial independence and family abuse influence this decision.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- The characteristics distinguishing intimate partner violence (IPV) victims who seek civil protection orders from those who do not remain largely unknown.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted support services and legal interventions for IPV survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the demographic, abuse history, and health characteristics of women who obtained civil protection orders with those who did not, following an intimate partner violence incident.
- To identify key factors influencing the decision of IPV victims to seek legal protection.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 448 women in Seattle, Washington, who had police or court contact for an intimate partner violence incident.
- Data collection included interviews covering subject and abuser demographics, abuse history, and the victim's mental and physical health status.
Main Results:
- Women obtaining protection orders were more likely to be employed full-time, pregnant, married, and over 24 years old.
- These victims were less likely to be involved with the perpetrator during the index incident but more likely to have family or friends assaulted.
- Perpetrators in both groups frequently had alcohol/drug problems and criminal histories; victims reported significant psychological and physical abuse and depression symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Financial independence and the abuse of family or friends are significant factors associated with IPV victims seeking protection orders.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay of personal circumstances and external factors in the decision-making process for seeking legal protection against intimate partner violence.