The Role of PTSD and Length of Shelter Stay in Battered Women's Severity of Reabuse after Leaving Shelter

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with significant morbidity, including high rates of reabuse even after women have taken steps to achieve safety. This study evaluated the roles of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and length of shelter stay in the severity of reabuse in 103 IPV victims over a six-month period after leaving a battered women's shelter. Results suggest that the length of shelter stay is inversely related to reabuse severity after leaving shelter. Additionally, more severe PTSD symptoms on shelter exit were associated with greater reabuse severity after leaving shelter. Furthermore, additional study findings support prior research suggesting that the emotional numbing symptoms of PTSD are a significant risk factor for reabuse among IPV victims after leaving shelter.

Keywords:

• battered women's shelters
• intimate partner violence
• PTSD
• revictimization

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by National Institute of Mental Health grant K23 MH067648 and pilot funds from the Summa-Kent State Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress. We would like to thank Cynthia Cluster, Keri Pinna, Brigette Shy, and the Battered Women's Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties for their assistance in data collection.