@article{ref1,
title="Breaking the cycle of family violence: understanding the perceptions of battered women",
journal="Journal of Pediatric Health Care",
year="2004",
author="Lutenbacher, Melanie and Conner, Nichole M. and Cohen, A.",
volume="18",
number="5",
pages="236-243",
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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0891-5245",
doi="10.1016/j.pedhc.2004.04.002",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2004.04.002"
}