Treating the Effects of Interpersonal Violence: A Comparison of Two Group Models

Abstract

Surveys have shown that one in four women in the United States experiences intimate partner violence in her lifetime. Interpersonal violence has demonstrated negative effects on a victim's health and well-being. Yet research on interventions aimed at treating the psychosocial effects of this experience is limited. The purpose of the research reported here is to deepen our understanding of the impact of group-based interventions for treating this population. Specifically, this study looks at two different group models to determine their effectiveness in treating two widely recognized effects of intimate partner violence: increased depression and lowered self-esteem.

Keywords:

• intimate partner violence
• domestic violence
• IPV survivor
• depression
• self-esteem
• group work with IPV survivors
• self-defense group
• mutual support group
• dropout
• safety
• outcomes