al, 2004). There is some evidence that suggests that social support may influence a woman's reactions to domestic violence, and may in fact influence whether or not a woman decides to stay or leave a relationship (Bogat, et. al, 2004). When support exists it is related to a positive outcome more often than not for women (Bogat, et. al, 2004). There are some studies that find that women who are in violent relationships often lack positive support role models and even when they do they are reluctant to ask for help (Bogat, et. al, 2004).
There is adequate empirical evidence which suggests that most battered women tend to be socially isolated and thus do not have a readily available network of people they can rely on for support and encouragement when faced with a violent situation (Bogat, et. al, 2004). This may perhaps be the single most telling factor related to woman's victimization. Numerous studies have supported the notion that women who are victimized rarely have access to adequate social support systems that can help them overcome a violent home life (Thompson, 2000).
There are many different theories that exist as to why women in violence situations may lack adequate social support system. Reasons for this may be varied, but may include the fact that their partner may isolate them in order to control them, or that women are afraid to reach out for support for fear of embarrassment and shame (Bogat, et. al, 2004). Some women may also not believe that they would receive help even if they wanted or needed it, perhaps as a result of the abuse received time and time again from their partner (Bogat, et. al, 2004).
Summary of the Literature
There is ample evidence which suggests that a number of factors contribute to a woman's susceptibility for domestic violence. Among the key factors related to domestic violence include a woman's social support structure, socio-economic status and perceived sense of self-esteem and self-worth (Bogat, et. al, 2004; Thompson, 2000). The exact relationship between all of these variables needs to be examined in greater detail so that researchers can identify specifically what factors are implicated in a woman's inability to leave a harmful situation.
Methods
Research Design/Participants
The study will consist of a base survey of 100 women who are aged 18 and older who have been victims of domestic violence. Selection criteria will include women who experienced a domestic violence incident within the previous 2 years prior to the study. An incident of domestic violence will be defined as any form of sexual or physical assault or threat of assault that occurs from an intimate partner, family or friend that cohabitates with the partner (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003). Factors that will be recorded for demographic purposes for this study include: race and age.
The rates of women that are victims of violence that stay in a relationship will be compared with several variables which include poverty, education, unemployment and cultural heritage (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003). There are numerous published studies which support the use of survey methodology and which analyze domestic violence in relation to demographic variables such as those described (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003; Miles-Doan & Kelly, 1997). From the information provided a theory will be developed that draws from the information gathered in the data, providing information related to "individual, situational, environmental and ideological levels of explanation" (Gjelsvik, et. al, 2003; Bachman & Coker, 1995).
Data on women who are affected from violence will come from surveys that collect information from victims anonymously.
The Severity of Violence Against Women Scales also referred to as SVAWS may be used to assess the amount of violence a woman is experiencing (Marshall, 1992; Bogat, et. al, 2004). This scale consists of a 46 item questionnaire that examines the severity of abuse that women are receiving, and may be beneficial for determining whether severity of abuse impacts whether or not a woman is likely to stay in a relationship when abuse is occurring (Bogat, et. al, 2004). The questionnaire requires that respondents measure events on a 4-point scale that extends over varying time frames. Though this scale may be more useful in studies examining the severity of domestic violence against women, it may provide some insight as to whether women who are victims are more likely to stay in a relationship depending on the severity of the violence they are subjected to.
In addition to this the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Bogat, et. al, 2004) will be utilized to measure self-esteem and feelings of self-worth in victims. The scale incorporates a 10 item questionnaire that requires that participants rate statements on a 4 point scale (1=strongly agree, 4= strongly disagree) with negative items reverse coded (Bogat et al., 2004). This scale has been associated...
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