The aim of this study is to empirically validate an assessment process, the Battered Woman Syndrome Questionnaire (BWSQ) and demonstrate its ability to collect reliable and valid data concerning:
A theoretically and clinically informed Revised BWSQ will be administered to a diverse multi-cultural U.S. population, a Russian population, and a Spanish population. Embedded in and included with the BWSQ administration are measures to assess the psychological impact from interpersonal trauma, the role of gender ideology, the effects of betrayal and single or multiple traumas, and the role of attachment theory all of which address the objectives listed above. Using descriptive statistics and principal component analysis, we will determine:
Few empirically validated assessment or treatment protocols have been studied or implemented to provide psychological help to victims of domestic violence. The results of this project will inform appropriate treatment protocols and theoretical conceptualizations of battered women. Through the dissemination of this research, we hope to integrate these important findings into the current intervention programs in mental health centers, battered women shelters, forensic services and other community agencies.