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Spouse Abuse in Texas - A Study of Women's Attitudes and Experiences

NCJ Number
89131
Author(s)
R H C Teske; M L Parker
Date Published
1983
Length
32 pages
Annotation
The report discusses findings from a survey of 1,210 female respondents in Texas concerning their attitudes, knowledge, and experiences regarding spouse abuse.
Abstract
The survey covered perceptions of the problem, including what constitutes spouse abuse; how the public believes the problem should be addressed; the extent to which respondents have been abused; knowledge of others being abused; and several secondary issues. A total of 29.7 percent of the respondents had been abused during their lifetime, and 8.5 percent had been abused during the past 12 months. A total of 21.8 percent knew at least one close friend who was abused during the previous year. At least half of the respondents said that in physical and sexual abuse, the abuser should be considered emotionally disturbed and should be ordered to receive treatment. In cases of physical abuse, only 24 percent felt that the woman should call the police. About one-third of the respondents were aware of some type of service available to abused women in their community. A total of 63 tables are included. (Author summary modified)