Masters Thesis

Trends and disparities in the life histories of women who have been convicted of domestic violence against their male intimate partners

Life histories of women who are or have participated in an intervention at Men/Women Experiencing Non-Abusive Directions (M/WEND), a local private agency serving domestic violence offenders, were analyzed. An analysis of existing data and case files that contain intake interviews documenting the life histories of women batterers as they relate to their own experience with domestic violence. The existing data has been examined for common and unique events and themes related to the participants' life histories. Intake files for women participating in the study were gathered by organization staff at the time of enrollment in a batterer's intervention program (BIP) and documents life histories of program participants related to domestic violence. Existing data has been selected from women in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties who have been convicted of domestic violence as outlined in California Penal Code 243 (e)(1) and have enrolled in the BIP within the last 2 years (2012-214). This project is aimed at helping to develop effective prevention and intervention programs for local women who have engaged in abuse. Research on the efficacy of current prevention and intervention practices in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties as well as additional, more thorough research on personal histories of all people who have been convicted of domestic violence is in great need if we are to stop the cycle of intimate partner violence (IPV).

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