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Knowledge of the Physical Abuse of Women in the Community: A Comparison Across Locations

NCJ Number
118178
Author(s)
L W Kennedy; D R Forde; M D Smith
Date Published
1989
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This paper combines an investigation of incidence counts through third-party knowledge with an assessment of the degree and kind of informal support available to women who are physically assaulted by their husband or male partner.
Abstract
Drawing on samples of respondents from rural through to metropolitan areas, the authors examine the relationships between awareness of the physical abuse of women in the community, the level of abuse in a household, and the intervention strategies of formal agencies. There are significant differences in the awareness level between women living in non-metropolitan versus metropolitan locations. The research clearly indicates that non-intervention in domestic assaults is not dependent on low levels of knowledge of the problem. 6 tables, 28 references. (Author abstract modified)