All authors were at Texas Woman's University, College of Nursing, Houston, TX, when the research was completed.
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Research Article
Women in danger: intimate partner violence experienced by women who qualify and do not qualify for a protective order†‡
Article first published online: 9 JAN 2002
DOI: 10.1002/bsl.462
Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issue
1099-0798/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=27cb3cb3b3e789b2519ed5b84bdb198bf5ddfb33 "Behavioral Sciences & the Law")
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
Special Issue: Current Directions
Volume 19, Issue 5-6, pages 637–647, December 2001
Additional Information
How to Cite
Gist, J. H., McFarlane, J., Malecha, A., Fredland, N., Schultz, P. and Willson, P. (2001), Women in danger: intimate partner violence experienced by women who qualify and do not qualify for a protective order. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 19: 637–647. doi: 10.1002/bsl.462
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The authors wish to thank the counselors, attorneys, and staff of the Family Criminal Law Division of the Harris County District Attorney Office for unflagging support and assistance toward the collection of data for this study.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 9 JAN 2002
- Article first published online: 9 JAN 2002
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Not all women who apply qualify for a civil protective order. This study compares the type and severity of violence reported by women who qualified with that experienced by women who did not qualify. Ninety women seeking a protective order against a male intimate were interviewed. Findings indicated that 28% of women applying for a protective order did not qualify primarily because of cohabitation requirements or childbearing status. Actual and threatened violence was measured with the 46-item Severity of Violence Against Women Scale. A 17-item questionnaire measured stalking behavior. Levels of reported violence for the preceding 3 months were measured for the two groups. The symbolic threat behavior only of throwing, smashing, or breaking an object was significantly higher for qualifying women. The physical abuse behavior only of being pushed, shoved, or pulled was significantly higher. None of the stalking behaviors were significantly different. Data are urgently needed that document the barriers to abused women receiving protective orders, the relevancy of qualifying criteria, and the effectiveness of protective orders issued. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.