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Life Constraints and Psychological Well-Being of Domestic Violence Shelter Graduates

NCJ Number
210060
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 109-121
Author(s)
Kathleen A. Ham-Rowbottom; Erin E. Gordon; Kelly L. Jarvis; Raymond W. Novaco
Date Published
April 2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined psychological adjustment and life constraints of domestic violence shelter graduates through the use of interviews, an assessment of current life status, satisfaction with life domains, and violence experience.
Abstract
This study assessed the psychosocial functioning of 81 adult female clients of an emergency shelter and a second-stage shelter who had graduated from the shelter programs and had been living in the community for at least 6 months. The associations between abuse exposure (partner and childhood) and depression, trauma, and life constraints were examined, taking into account quality-of-life factors, such as financial resources. The vast majority of the women reported living violence-free in the community. The participants had been living in the community from 6 months to 7 years, and only two women had experienced any violence in a relationship. The study findings constitute an alternative outcome about which community agencies can be hopeful. The findings indicate that continuing efforts ought to be made to assist women post-shelter in meeting their long-term needs and examine the provision of specialized treatment, both in shelter and community, regarding depression and PTSD symptoms. References