Improving Survivor Support: An Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Intervention
Major
Biological Sciences
Advisor
Waite, JoAnne
Advisor Department
Psychology
Date
5-2020
Keywords
Intimate Partner Violence; Criminal Justice; Domestic Violence
Abstract
JEAN AMORE (Biological Sciences)
Improving Survivor Support: An Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Intervention
Sponsors: JoAnne Waite (Clinical Director of Day One)
Intimate partner violence is a pervasive issue which warrants tremendous awareness and response. Communities across the nation have attempted to mitigate the pervasiveness of intimate partner violence, and with good reason. This specific type of violence has claimed its spot as the largest independent category of phone calls made to police, constituting 15% of all violent crimes reported to law enforcement. Despite ongoing efforts at intervention, intimate partner violence remains overwhelmingly prevalent throughout the nation as well as the state of Rhode Island.
Through my experience as a volunteer advocate for Rhode Island’s statewide helpline, I have observed some limitations in our capacity to intervene and prevent future revictimization for survivors. Intervention in these situations is complicated and there are no simple solutions to preventing intimate partner violence. However, there is considerable room for improvement in our system of intervention. My experience as an advocate prompted me to investigate the effectiveness of the various intervention options available for survivors. In order to analyze the effectiveness of these intervention methods, I conducted a review of relevant scholarly literature and placed it within the context of my experience as an advocate. This analysis examines the efficacy and limitations of criminal justice intervention, clinical therapy, and social service support towards preventing intimate partner violence. The results of this investigation will enhance my capacity to support survivors through advocacy and offer implications for reform throughout Rhode Island’s system of intimate partner violence prevention. A shift in priority from prosecution of and protection from the perpetrator to ensuring social support, housing, and mental health services would offer more effective and persisting solutions for the survivor.