Violent Lives of Women: Critical Points for Intervention-Phase I Focus Groups

Abstract

While clinicians should be vigilant for the presence of domestic violence with all clients, it is important to know when a woman experiences increased risk for violence. The findings indicate a need for education for communities, those who provide care for women and children, and people in whom victims may confide.

Girls and Violence: A Review of the Literature

“…It is commonly noted that violence among young girls is best predicted by early and frequent exposure to or victimization of violence (Deeds, Lagrange, & Simoni-Wastile, 2007;Guttman, Mowder, & Yasik, 2006;Henderson & Jackson, 2004). Researchers agree that violence may be transferred between generations and young children and teens may emulate aggressive behavior and violent acts based on their past exposure and family experiences (Brown & Gourdine, 2001;Smith & Thomas, 2000;Tilley & Brackley, 2004). In fact, some believe that exposure to violence early in life may be the strongest predictor for later aggression, substance use and abuse, and participation in high risk behaviors (Buka et al, 2001;Horowitz et al, 2005).…”

“…Additional research identified that violence in young women may be related to substance use and abuse (Buka et al, 2001;Graves, 2007;Smith & Thomas, 2000;Tilley & Brackley, 2004); loneliness and decreased acceptance by classmates; exposure to violence in films, television, and music (Brown & Gourdine, 2001;DiNapoli, 2003;Guttman et al, 2006;Schaffner, 2006;Smith & Thomas, 2000); mental health disorders (Smith & Thomas, 2000) and depression (Deeds et al, 2007); early sexual behavior (Zahn et al, 2008); academic failure (DiNapoli, 20003); hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (Graves, 2007); early aggressive behavior (Reese et al, 2001); and having older friends (DiNapoli, 2003). It is conjectured that exposure to violence both in the media and in their personal lives may desensitize young individuals to future violence (Schaffner, 2006).…”

“…In this form of counseling, girls are encouraged to develop thinking skills that allow for pursuing alternatives, considering means-end processes, understanding consequences, and establishing goals for the future (Smith & Thomas, 2000). Other experts recommended that emphasis be placed on fostering adolescents' abilities in empathy and perspective taking, problem solving, appraising consequences, and assessing risk as part of counseling and behavior therapy (DiNapoli, 2003;Smith & Thomas, 2000;Tilley & Brackley, 2004). Anger management instruction has proven helpful, and Smith and Thomas (2000) described a program called "Givin it, takin it, workin it out" as effective in working with young women (p. 570).…”

“…Smith and Thomas (2000) proposed that girls are often thought of as victims of violence, and not generally as perpetrators, slowing society's response to examination of potential intervention strategies with this population. In addition, a discussion on girls and violence must appreciate that adolescent girls are not a homogenous group but, instead, must consider both the commonalities and differences of this population (Tilley & Brackley, 2004).…”

Violent Lives of Women: Critical Points for Intervention/Life Charting

“…This phase (Tilley & Brackley, 2004) was funded by the School of Nursing Mentorship Award at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as well as the Army Nurse Scholar Award. Two focus groups were conducted to develop a template for life charting, determining critical times when girls and women might be exposed to violence.…”