Citation

Severson M, Postmus JL, Berry M. J. Sociol. Soc. Welfare 2009; 36(2): 145-167.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Western Michigan University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In an effort to more fully understand the experiences and aftermath of girlhood and adult woman physical, sexual and psychological victimization, research was undertaken that explored the prevalence and the consequences of such victimization, and the survival strategies women activate at various points in their lifespan in the aftermath of that violence. Women participants were recruited from five different communities; three urban, one rural and the only correctional facility for women in a Midwestern state. These venues were selected as ideal sites in which to secure a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse sample of women age 18 and older. Findings yielded from the total sample of 423 women reveal a significantly high rate of multiple types of victimization amongst the entire sample population. Certain health and mental health-related adult outcomes for these women are reported, as are the relationships between the types of victimization experienced and those adult outcomes and the influence of certain factors on those adult outcomes. Finally, women's experiences using and evaluating the helpfulness of a variety of services post-victimization are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)