Citation

Cattaneo LB, DeLoveh HLM, Zweig JM. J. Prev. Interv. Community 2008; 36(1-2): 137-153.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. lcattane@gmu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10852350802022415

PMID

19042468

Abstract

Within intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault is often subsumed under the heading of physical abuse, but evidence suggests qualitative differences in outcomes when both types of abuse occur. This study explores the cumulative effect of sexual assault and physical abuse by a current or former intimate partner on helpseeking. Using a dataset of 1,072 IPV victims from 8 states, we found that women who had experienced sexual assault in addition to physical abuse (44%) used more help, but were also more likely to say that they did not seek help when they needed it. Among those who were aware of services, fear was the greatest obstacle to reaching out for help. Implications include the need for information on best practices in addressing the sequelae of both physical and sexual assault in victim service agencies.

Language: en