Social Support Protects Against the Negative Effects of Partner Violence on Mental Health

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1152 women, ages 18-65, recruited from family practice clinics from 1997-1999. They were screened for intimate partner violence during a brief clinic interview & physical & mental health status was assessed in a follow-up interview. Intimate partner violence was associated with poor perceived mental & physical health, substance abuse, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, current depression, anxiety, & suicide ideation/actions. Among women experiencing intimate partner violence & controlling for its frequency, higher social support scores significantly reduced the risk of suicide attempts. (74 refs.)