Reasons for returning to abusive relationships : Effects of prior victimization

Studies have demonstrated that women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at increased risk of revictimization, but research has not yet examined whether a history of CSA may affect patterns of remaining in or returning to abusive relationships in adulthood. This study examines the imp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family violence 2005-10, Vol.20 (5), p.341-348
Main Authors: GRIFFING, Sascha, RAGIN, Deborah Fish, MORRISON, Sheena M, SAGE, Robert E, MADRY, Lorraine, PRIMM, Beny J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Analysis
Biological and medical sciences
Child abuse & neglect
Child Sexual Abuse
Decision Making
Domestic violence
Family law
Family studies
Family Violence
Female-male relations
Interpersonal relations
Medical sciences
Personal relationships
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Risk assessment
Sex crimes
Social behavior disorders. Criminal behavior. Delinquency
Social problems
Victimization
Victims
Violence
Women
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Summary:Studies have demonstrated that women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at increased risk of revictimization, but research has not yet examined whether a history of CSA may affect patterns of remaining in or returning to abusive relationships in adulthood. This study examines the impact of a CSA history on decisions to return to abusive relationships in a sample of 104 adult domestic violence survivors. Participants were interviewed about the number of times that they had previously separated from and returned to their abusive partner, the factors that influenced their decision to return (both psychological/internal and environmental/external factors), and their perceived likelihood of returning in the future. As predicted, CSA survivors (n = 34) reported a significantly greater number of past separations than non-CSA survivors (n = 70). CSA survivors were also significantly more likely to report that their decisions to return were influenced by emotional attachment to the batterer. CSA survivors did not perceive themselves to be at greater risk of returning in the future, suggesting that they may be more likely to underestimate their vulnerability to returning to the battering relationship. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
ISSN:0885-7482
1573-2851
DOI:10.1007/s10896-005-6611-8