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Perceptions of Safety in Intimate Relationships: Group Differences Based on Gender and Setting

NCJ Number
236519
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 6 Dated: August 2011 Pages: 431-438
Author(s)
David Servino; Douglas B. Smith; Robert D. Porter; Matthew D. Brown
Date Published
2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines the importance of safety in violent intimate partner relationships.
Abstract
Intimate partner violence continues to be prevalent, resulting in negative consequences for the individuals involved and for society as a whole. Perceptions of safety in relationships where intimate partner violence is present is an understudied topic in the literature. The Safety Assessment of Future Events Scale (SAFE) was developed to assess respondents' perceptions of safety in their intimate relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine whether group differences existed on respondents' SAFE scores. 428 participants from community and clinic samples completed the SAFE and other measures contained in a southwest university's marriage and family therapy clinic intake packet. ANCOVA was used to control for gender and setting in determining if group differences existed on the SAFE based on measures assessing interpersonal violence, relational adjustment, intrapersonal symptoms, and PTSD symptoms. Results indicated group differences based on gender, interpersonal violence victimization, and relational adjustment. (Published Abstract)