Citation

Saltzman LE. J. Interpers. Violence 2004; 19(11): 1235-1243.

Affiliation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260504269680

PMID

15534327

Abstract

This paper asserts that although there is considerable agreement in the U.S. and internationally about the importance of uniform terminology and measurement related to violence against women, we need a strategy for choosing standardized definitions and measures. Responding to Kilpatrick's comments at the October 2003 national research conference on violence against women, the author stresses the importance of developing and using uniform terminology related to violence against women, and discusses the lack of a formal mechanism to achieve uniformity of definitions and measurement. Uncertainty about the impact of context on survey findings and the lack of agreement about the optimal scope of measurement are discussed. The author also comments on some difficulties associated with implementing Kilpatrick's proposed modifications to existing measures of rape and sexual assault.