Adverse Consequences of Intimate Partner Abuse Among Women in Non-urban Domestic Violence Shelters
Wingood G M~~DiClemente R J~~Raj A
This study examined the health consequences of having experienced both sexual & physical abuse relative to women experiencing physical abuse only. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 women seeking refuge in battered women’s shelters. Compared to women experiencing physical abuse, women experiencing both sexual & physical abuse were more likely to have health problems, use alcohol and marijuana to cope, attempt suicide, feel as if they had no control in their relationships, experience more episodes of physical abuse in the past 2 months, rate their abuse as more severe, & be physically threated by their partner when they asked that condoms be used. Given the prevalence of adverse health outcomes, counselling & prevention strategies are briefly discussed. (19 refs.)