The Toll of Domestic Violence

Abstract

The study examines the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among battered women in Israel and the associated psychological distress. This study inquires into the psychological reactions of battered women in comparison to women who experienced other types of traumas by examining PTSD rates and intensity of psychiatric symptoms and suicide risk. The research sample was comprised of 91 battered women, and the control group was comprised of 82 women who underwent other traumas excluding interpersonal traumas. The participants were administered questionnaires relating to type and intensity of domestic violence, PTSD symptoms, intensity of psychiatric symptoms, and suicide risk. The results showed that 51.6% of the battered women had full PTSD. Battered women exhibited significantly higher levels of psychiatric symptoms than the control group. Battered women who were diagnosed with PTSD scored significantly higher than battered women without PTSD on the same indicator. The findings emphasize the toll and severity of domestic trauma.