Treatment Needs of Women Arrested for Domestic Violence: a Comparison With Male Offenders

In this study, data were obtained regarding demographic characteristics, mental health functioning, & childhood familial dysfunction for a large sample of male & female domestic violence offenders. Women were demographically similar to men, & few differences were noted in their childhood experiences. However, women were more likely than men to have previously attempted suicide, whereas more men had conduct problems in childhood & substance abuse in adulthood. Treatment implications of these findings are discussed. (47 refs)