Jeanne E. Hathaway, MD, MPH, is a Research Scientist in the Division of Public Health Practice at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
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Perceived Changes in Health and Safety Following Participation in a Health Care–Based Domestic Violence Program
Article first published online: 24 DEC 2010
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.07.008
2008 American College of Nurse Midwives
Issue
1542-2011/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=16a9a18cbc368a51a4895fee3bc7f683ae97a0fa "Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health")
Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health
Volume 53, Issue 6, pages 547–555, November-December 2008
Additional Information
How to Cite
Hathaway, J. E., Zimmer, B., Willis, G. and Silverman, J. G. (2008), Perceived Changes in Health and Safety Following Participation in a Health Care–Based Domestic Violence Program. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 53: 547–555. doi: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.07.008
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Jeanne E. Hathaway, MD, MPH, is a Research Scientist in the Division of Public Health Practice at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
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Bonnie Zimmer, LICSW, is the Director of the Hospitals Helping Abuse and Violence End Now (HAVEN) Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
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Georgianna Willis, PhD, was a Senior Scientist at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Policy and Instructor of Health Policy at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, when this study was conducted. She is currently a consultant in health services and evaluation research.
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Jay G. Silverman, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Society, Human Development and Health and Director of Violence Prevention Programs in the Division of Public Health Practice at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 DEC 2010
- Article first published online: 24 DEC 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- intimate partner violence;
- outcome and process assessment (health care);
- program evaluation;
- spouse abuse (counseling)
This descriptive study explores perceived changes in health and safety and the potential process by which these changes occur. Forty-nine women experiencing intimate partner abuse participated in a health care–based domestic violence (DV) advocacy program for 6 months or more. An analysis of structured interviews in English and Spanish found that the majority of participants perceived positive changes in their personal safety and emotional health because of their involvement in the program. Some participants also perceived improvements in their physical health, unhealthy coping behaviors (e.g., overeating and smoking), and health care following program involvement. Participants' responses suggest a process of change whereby DV advocacy services first contribute to improved safety and emotional health, which then facilitates behavioral changes. Behavioral changes may subsequently contribute to improvements in physical health, which may also benefit emotional health. Longitudinal evaluations are needed to evaluate the impact of DV advocacy and other interventions for partner abuse on women's health and safety over time.