Breaking the cycle of family violence: understanding the perceptions of battered women

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.