Citation

Lutenbacher M, Cohen A, Conner NM. J. Pediatr. Health Care 2004; 18(5): 236-243.

Affiliation

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 461 21st Ave South 503 GH, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. melanie.lutenbacher@vanderbuilt.edu

Comment In:

J Pediatr Health Care 2005;19(1):66; author reply 66

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pedhc.2004.04.002

PMID

15337918

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Domestic violence screening recommendations that guide pediatric care providers exist but screening remains low. Many providers do not understand the linkages between aversive childhood experiences and adult abuse experiences. PURPOSE: To describe the childhood abuse experiences in 40 battered women.Research questions How prevalent is childhood abuse in a sample of battered women? How do these women describe their childhood abuse experiences? METHOD: Women who had left or were currently in abusive relationships were recruited by posting advertisements in public areas. Each woman participated in a semi-structured individual interview that included open-ended questions and administration of standardized measures. RESULTS: Most women described abuse during their childhood, reported high depressive symptoms, and indicated a high potential risk for child abuse. Content analysis of descriptions of childhood abuse experiences yielded five themes: socialization not to tell, normalcy of events, abandonment, escape, and shame. Women reported limited assistance during their childhood and adult abuse experiences from health care providers who lacked a family focus. DISCUSSION: Mothers' experiences with childhood and adult abuse challenge their ability to develop healthy family relationships. Pediatric health care providers must routinely screen for abuse in mothers and children within a family-centered approach.

Language: en