R-DAP Annotated Bibliogrophy
Resources Annotated Bibliography
Adams, A. E., Sullivan, D. B., & Greeson, M. R. (2008). Development of the scale of economic abuse. Violence Against Women, 14(5), 563-588.
This article describes a study undertaken for the purpose of developing a formal scale to measure economic abuse by male batterers in intimate partner relationships. The various abusive behavioral tactics used to control economic resources are discussed, as well as the impact on the women involved. The Scale of Economic Abuse, which is comprised of twenty-eight questions regarding economic abuse tactics, is provided in the Appendix.
Andersen-Clark, K., Biddle, A. K., & Martin, S. L. (2002). A cost-benefit analysis of the violence against women act of 1994. Violence Against Women, 8(4), 417-428.
This article describes research conducted utilizing a societal perspective for the purpose of determining the net social benefit of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. VAWA-I was created to reduce violent victimization of women, thereby increasing safety for women in their homes, communities, and in the court system. Methods utilized for the cost-benefit analysis of the study are explained. The authors conclude that the net benefits of VAWA-I supersede the costs of program implementation.
Baldry, E., Bratel, J., & Breckenridge, J. (2006). Domestic violence and children with disability: Working towards enhancing social work practice. Australian Social Work, 59(2), 185-197.
With the goal of informing and improving social work practice, the authors present issues arising from the examination of case studies where domestic violence affects children with disability.
Beach, S. R., Schulz, R., Williamson, G. M., Miller, L. S., Weiner, M. F., & Lance, C. E. (2005). Risk factors for potentially harmful informal caregiver behavior. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 53(2), 255-261.
This study focuses on how decrements in caregiver mental and physical health my negatively impact quality of care and be a precursor to abuse or neglect. More harmful behavior occurs in spousal caregiving situations, when care recipients have greater needs, and when caregivers themselves have mental or physical impairments.
Brownridge, D. A. (2006). Partner violence against women with disabilities: Prevalence, risk, and explanations. Violence Against Women, 12(9), 805-822.
This Canadian study investigated the risk for partner violence against women with disabilities in comparison to women without disabilities. Results conveyed that disabled women are subject to elevated risk of severe acts of violence. Other findings include data suggesting that unique perpetrator characteristics alone indicate an increased risk of violence against disabled women, namely, the presence of male patriarchal beliefs and sexual proprietariness (possessiveness and jealousy).
Butler, S. S., Corbett, J., Bond, C., & Hastedt, C. (2008). Long-term TANF participants and barriers to employment: A qualitative study in Maine. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, XXXV (3), 49-69.
The authors conducted focus groups and interviews with long-term TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients in Maine to learn about the impact on this population of a proposed State bill to change the program’s terms of eligibility. Numerous key issues affecting economic self-sufficiency, including domestic violence, surfaced as major obstacles for the women participating in this study. TANF was the mitigating factor providing many of the women in this study the financial means to finally leave an abusive partner, as well as the ability to stay away, permanently, from the violent situation.
Copel, L. C. (2006). Partner abuse in physically disabled women: A proposed model for understanding intimate partner violence. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 42(2), 114-129.
From their findings, the authors of this study constructed a model depicting the unique characteristics and events revealed in the domestic violence experiences of women with disabilities. Emerging themes during the various phases of the abuse episodes are discussed and conceptualized. Key differences in the experiences of disabled women versus non-disabled women in the domestic-violence cycle are presented.
Chang, J. C., Martin, S. L., Moracco, K. E., Dulli, L., Scandlin, D., Loucks-Sorrel, M. B., Turner, T., Starsoneck, L., Dorian, P. N., & Bou-Saada, I. (2003). Helping women with disabilities and domestic violence: Strategies, limitations, and challenges of domestic violence programs and services. Journal of Women’s Health, 12(7), 699-708.
This study describes community-based domestic violence services provided to women with disabilities in the state of North Carolina. Challenges and strategies are discussed.
Cramer, E. P., Gilson, S. F., & DePoy, E. (2003). Women with disabilities and experiences of abuse. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 7(3), 183-199.
The authors of this study set out to contribute much needed empirically-based theory and knowledge regarding the often neglected population of abused, disabled women. The research herein was designed to explore and define the types of abuse and abusive experiences endured by women with disabilities. The authors present their findings with the goal of informing and improving curriculum and practice for those serving this population, with the ultimate aim of facilitating the removal of existing service barriers and the implementation of effective and sufficient services for abused, disabled women.
Curry, M. A., Renker, P., Hughes, R. B., Robinson-Whelen, S., Oschwald, M., Swank, P. R., & Powers, L. E. (2009). Development of measures of abuse among women with disabilities and the characteristics of their perpetrators. Violence Against Women, 15(9), 1001-1025.
In this article, the authors seek to begin to address the current lack of reliable and valid measurement tools and strategies for assessing violence against women with disabilities and deaf women, especially because these measurements are used in making key decisions impacting services for these women. The study presents findings from an anonymous computer-assisted self-interview administered during the Safer and Stronger Program (SSP) to women with various disabilities for the purpose of increasing their awareness of abuse. The specific interview questions used in this study are presented in Table 1 and Table 2. From the interview data, four distinct classes of abuse experiences and three classes of perpetrator characteristics emerged. The article concludes with specific recommendations for practitioners regarding the use of valid and reliable questions (contained herein) for assessment, as well as knowledge that can be utilized to facilitate the protection of women with disability in their lives.
Curry, M. A., Powers, L. E., Renker, P., Hughes, R., Robinson-Whelen, S., & Oschwald, M. (2009). Reply to our commentators. Violence Against Women, 15(9), 1080-1086.
The authors give a response regarding comments on their article on safety-promoting behaviors among women with disabilities and deaf women. Methodological challenges encountered by this team are discussed. There is agreement regarding the need for use of the social model in research design, as well as the significant need for future research, with suggestions for key areas. There is comment regarding the lack of financial and other resources needed to assist disabled women in domestic violence situations to be able to get away from their perpetrator.
DePoy, E. & Gilson, S. (2003). Chapter 10: Rural Disabled Elders. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 41(1), 175-190.
The authors provide definitions for rural, disabled, and elders which incorporate inherent natural and human resources that are rich in quality, diversity and difference. Commentary is given regarding the concepts of self-determination and legitimacy, generally, as well as in the field of social work with this population. The technique of “problem mapping” is presented as a systematic tool allowing for the identification of clear and empirically supported needs, which may then lead to strategic interventions for resolution. The article concludes with applicable principles to guide social work practitioners working with this population.
Dobash, R. E., Cavanagh, K., & Medina-Ariza, J. (2007). Lethal and nonlethal violence against an intimate female partner: Comparing male murderers to nonlethal abusers. Violence Against Women, 13(4), 329-353.
In this article, the authors provide a comparison of men’s lethal and nonlethal means of violence against an intimate female partner. Personal characteristics, as well as numerous other risk factors are examined. The overall findings suggest inaccuracy in the simple notion of nonlethal progressing to lethal violence.
Edleson, J. L. & Frank, M. D. (1991). Rural interventions in woman battering: One state’s strategies. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services, November, 543-551.
To address the shortage of systematic information regarding interventions for battered women in small cities, towns, reservations, and rural areas, the authors discuss thirty one statewide programs developed in Minnesota’s low-population-density areas. The programs exhibit effectiveness in assessing the needs of this culture and in providing services despite limited resources, including utilizing creative solutions in problem solving.
Edwards, M. A. (2003). Telemedicine in the State of Maine: A model for growth driven by rural needs. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 9(1); Special issue - Success stories in telemedicine: Some empirical evidence, 25-39.
This article describes the collaborative development and various components of Maine’s state-wide telemedicine system designed to provide effective statewide delivery of health care for rural populations. Strong future growth is expected in numerous areas of need, including domestic violence advocacy.
Farrell, S. & McKinnon, C. (2003). Technology and rural mental health. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 17(1), 20-26.
This article explains the potential for technology to improve education, support, and connectedness between clients of mental health services and providers in rural areas.
Fisher, B. S. (2009). Commentary on Curry et al.’s safer and stronger program and suggestions for future methodological research. Violence Against Women, 15(9), 1026-1034.
This article gives response and opinion regarding the Safer and Stronger Program (SSP) of Curry, et al. Acknowledgement of the need for standardized assessment/screening tools for the population of abused disabled and deaf women is reiterated, without which these women will continue to be overlooked and underserved. Suggestions and modifications for improvement of Curry et al. SSP questionnaire, as well as ideas for future research are given.
Fishwick, N. (1998). Issues in providing care for rural battered women. In Jacquelyn C. Campbell, (Ed.), Empowering survivors of abuse: Health care for battered women and their children (pp. 280-290.) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
In this chapter the author provides an overview of rural life in the US and addresses the needs of rural battered women. Excerpts from interviews with rural battered women are used to illustrate certain points. The chapter concludes with specific strategies for health and social service providers to improve their care of rural battered women.
Foster, K. & Sandel, M. (2010). Abuse of women with disabilities: Toward an empowerment perspective. Sexuality & Disability, 28(3), 177-186.
In this paper, the author summarizes issues relevant to abused women with disabilities, stressing the importance of empowering approaches to interventions.
Gilson, S. F., DePoy, E., & Cramer, E. P. (2001). Linking the assessment of self-reported functional capacity with abuse experiences of women with disabilities. Violence Against Women, 7(4), 418-431.
This article presents an analysis of the unique abuse experiences of disabled women and proposes assessment procedures that will aid service providers in identifying abuse and implementing relevant interventions for this population.
Glover-Graf, N. M. & Reed, B. J. (2006). Abuse against women with disabilities. Rehabilitation Education, 20 (1), 43-56.
The authors present an overview of abuse against women with disabilities, citing reasons why this population is at increased risk. Specific risk factors are distinguished by categories of disability. Program and policy issues related to accessibility of services are discussed and pertinent recommendations given.
Goodman, L., Dutton, M. A., Vankos, N., & Weinfurt, K. (2005). Women’s resources and use of strategies as risk and protective factors for reabuse over time. Violence Against Women, 11, 311-336.
In this longitudinal study, researchers investigated relationships between women’s resources and strategies and their ability to stay safe in a sample of African American women seeking help. Various aspects of social support, in relation to the occurrence of reabuse, was a key variable explored and demonstrated in the study. Implications for program and policy development from these findings are discussed.
Grossman, S. F. (2009). Commentary on Power’s et al’s article: Interpersonal violence and women with disabilities: An analysis of safety promoting behaviors. Violence Against Women, 15(9), 1070-1074.
The author gives a review and comments regarding Powers et al.’s research study of help-seeking behaviors of women with disabilities who experience partner violence. The findings of Power et al. have important implications for prevention and intervention, as well as raise awareness of areas where further research is needed.
Hague, G., Thiara, R., & Mullender, A. (2011). Disabled Women and domestic violence: Making the links, A National UK study. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 18(1), 117-136.
This article provides information from the first-ever national study of domestic violence and disability in the United Kingdom. Verbatim comments regarding the nature and types of harmful experiences of the disabled women interviewed are included in this report. Quoted remarks of disabled women’s advice to agencies is also included. The authors conclude with overwhelming evidence that the needs of this population are severely overlooked and underserved. Heavy emphasis is placed on the tremendous need for relevant service agency provision, at both management and operational levels, that is informed specifically by disabled women, themselves. Recommendations for interventions are given.
Hague, G., Thiara, R., Mullender, A., & Magowan, P. (2007). Making the links; Disabled women and domestic violence; Final report. Retrieved from www.vawpreventionscotland.org.uk on July 1, 2011.
This is the final report on the first ever national UK study of the needs of disabled women experiencing domestic violence and of the available services to meet those needs. The two surveys which were conducted as part of the study are presented here in an abbreviated format. The initial report was published in 2007 at www.womensaid.org.uk and should be used for a more comprehensive examination of the issues arising.
Hassouneh-Phillips, D. (2005). Understanding abuse of women with physical disabilities: An overview of the abuse pathways model. Advances in Nursing Science, 28(1), 70-80.
This article presents an overview of the Abuse Pathways model of abuse of physically disabled women, which was developed from the findings of this critical disability research study. The authors address the complexity and various related components of abuse of women with disabilities, including social and cultural context, women’s abuse trajectories, and vulnerability factors.
Hassouneh-Phillips, D. & McNeff, E. (2005). “I thought I was less worthy”: Low sexual and body esteem and increased vulnerability to intimate partner abuse in women with physical disabilities. Sexuality and Disability, 23(4), 227- 240.
The authors explore the relationship between low sexual and body esteem and the occurrence of intimate partner violence in physically disabled women. Findings indicate that women with high levels of physical impairment are more likely than those with mild impairment to perceive them-selves as unattractive and inadequate. Furthermore, when combined with a high level of desire to be partnered these women are more vulnerable to beginning and staying in abusive relationships. Major themes surfacing in the study are presented.
Helfrich, C. A., Badiani, C., & Simpson, E., K. (2006). Worker role identity development of women with disabilities who experience domestic violence. Work, 27(3), 319-328.
Results from this two-year qualitative longitudinal study exploring the development of worker role identity in seven women with disabilities who experience domestic violence suggests a conflict between agency staff’s urgency to support these women in obtaining economic sufficiency, and the women’s readiness to assume stronger work identities.
Laird, S. (2010). Trust puts human rights at heart of care. Learning Disability Practice, 13(2), 6-7.
This article presents an overview of a piloted service project incorporating a human rights-based approach, citing advantages. The Human Rights Act of 1998 is the legal foundation of this project, which aims to protect individuals with learning disabilities from disrespect, neglect and/or abuse of power. Partners in the project include Mersey Care National Health Service (NHS) Trust in England, the British Institute for Human Rights (BIHR), and the Department of Health.
Laney, G. P. (2011). Violence Against Women Act: History and federal funding. Journal of Current Issues In Crime, Law and Law Enforcement, 3(3), 305-321.
This report provides detailed information regarding the various Acts implemented and the funding appropriated for the provision of women’s domestic violence programs. Recent developments in the Obama administration are also presented.
Macy, R. J. (2009). Commentary on development of measures of abuse among women with disabilities and the characteristics of their perpetrators. Violence Against Women, 15(9), 1035-1039.
The author comments on the article by Curry and her colleagues, expounding on the vital importance of valid, reliable, feasible, and multidimensional tools for measurement of violence tailored to the unique experiences of women with disabilities, as well as their perpetrators. Strengths and recommendations for improvement are given in regard to Curry et al.’s research and measurement device. Acknowledgement is given regarding the significant contribution of this study.
Mays, J. M. (2006). Feminist disability theory: domestic violence against women with a disability. Disability & Society, 21(2), 147-158.
In this study, the author endeavors to go beyond the dominant psychological and sociological traditions of conceptualizing domestic violence. The nature and perceptions of violence against women with physical impairments were examined incorporating an integrative framework of feminist structural interpretations and disability theory, which the author conveys allow for a more encompassing understanding of the relevant issues and consequences involved in violence against women with disabilities.
Moloney, L. (2008). Family violence: What’s in a name? Journal of Family Studies, 14(2-3), 157-159. Special issue: Innovative approaches to family violence.
In this editorial, the author postulates that a growing body of data from population studies, in contrast to data from clinical studies, indicates the existence of widespread female-initiated violence in partner relationships. Furthermore, there is great need for a broader view of the complex nature of violence in our society, generally, and specifically, of family violence and abuse.
Morell, Carolyn (2004). Empowerment theory and long-living women. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 7(3), 225-236.
In this article the author comments regarding women’s later life “bodily realities” that are often incongruent with interventions espoused by empowerment theory. Furthermore and paradoxically, acceptance and affirmation of one’s weakness, suffering, and involuntary bodily dysfunction is involved in late life empowerment.
Murphy, S. B., Risley-Curtiss, C., & Gerdes, K. (2004). American Indian women and domestic violence: The lived experience. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 7(3), 159-181.
This paper reports the findings from a study exploring the experiences of thirteen American Indian women survivors of domestic violence from ten American Indian Nations. The researchers used the Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach, the goal of which was to better understand the everyday, common shared experiences of these women. Data emerged from the study indicating a spiraling pattern of domestic violence experiences, from entrapment to eventual escape. The resulting significant implications for social work practice, policy, and research are presented.
Nadien, M. B. (2006). Factors that influence abusive interactions between Aging women and their caregivers. Annals New York Academy of Sciences, 1087, 158-169.
This article provides an exploration of numerous factors involved in abusive interactions between aging women and their caregivers. Various forms of harm and neglect are discussed, as well as some general characteristics of abusers and their victims. Known cases of elder abuse and/or neglect are primarily limited to those elders requiring assistance with activities of daily life (ADL’s). Loss of self-reliance among the elderly is often due to chronic and/or debilitating physical or mental impairments.
Nario-Redmond, M. R. (2010). Cultural stereotypes of disabled and non-disabled men and women: Consensus for global category representations and diagnostic domains. British Journal of Social Psychology, 49(3), 471-488.
Utilizing a free-response methodology, this study explores stereotypes of disabled men and women in contrast to non-disabled men and women. Results and implications are presented.
Nixon, J. (2009). Domestic violence and women with disabilities: Locating the issue on the periphery of social movements. Disability & Society, 24(1), 77-89.
This UK study presents existing known information regarding domestic abuse perpetrated against disabled women, exploring some of the dynamics involved. The author discusses the lack of action by both the domestic violence movement and disabled people’s movement in the UK to address and work toward alleviating this problem.
Nixon, J. & Humphrey, C. (2010). Marshalling the evidence: Using intersectionality in the domestic violence frame. Social Politics, 17(2), 137-158.
The authors contend that a more empirically based and accurate picture of domestic violence could be advanced through taking into account issues of intersectionality. Empirical data regarding the more complex issues of prevalence, gender, ethnicity, and poverty, for example, renders increased understanding that may translate into a more comprehensive framework for defining domestic violence, as well as improved interventions.
Peckham, N. G. (2007). The vulnerability and sexual abuse of people with learning disabilities. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 35, 131-137.
In this article the author discusses the prevalence of sexual abuse perpetrated against individuals with learning disabilities and summarizes data regarding the development, delivery, and evaluation of a pilot survivors’ group for a population of women with learning disabilities. The author concludes with clinical implications and recommendations.
Peckham, N. G., Corbett, A., Howlett, S., McKee, A., & Pattison, S. (2007). The delivery of a survivors’ group for learning disabled women with significant learning disabilities who have been sexually abused. Original Article: British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 3, 236-244.
Detailed information is presented regarding the development and delivery of a pilot survivors’ group for women with learning disabilities who have been sexually abused. Information regarding the essential co-occurring carers’ Educational Support Group is also given.
Peckham, N. G., Howlett, S., & Corbett, A. (2007). Evaluating a survivors group pilot for women with significant intellectual disabilities who have been sexually abused. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20, 308-322.
This article summarizes the results from a follow-up pilot study to evaluate a survivors group for women with learning disabilities and an educational support group for their carers. The author was searching for indications of improvement in the variables associated with the consequences of sexual abuse and found that, while sexual knowledge and depression improved, participants experienced no increase in self-esteem or decrease in anger.
Powers, L. E., Curry, M. A., Oschwald, M., & Maley, S. (2002). Barriers and strategies in addressing abuse: A survey of disabled women’s experiences. Journal of Rehabilitation, 68(1), 4- 13.
This study focused on investigating abuse by personal assistance providers (PAS) against women with disabilities. A survey was designed and administered to 200 women with various physical and cognitive impairments. Findings indicated that this population experienced abuse at approximately twice the rate than non-disabled women. Multiple critical barriers and strategies for preventing or stopping abuse emerged. Recommendations for interventions based on the findings from this study are given.
Powers, L. E., Renker, P., Robinson-Whelen, S., Oschwald, Hughes, R., Swank, P., & Curry, M. S. (2009). Interpersonal violence and women with disabilities: Analysis of safety promoting behaviors. Violence Against Women, 15(9), 1040-1069.
In this study, information was gathered from an anonymous, computer-assisted, self –interview of 305 disabled women regarding their use of safety promoting behaviors. Numerous factors related to such behaviors were revealed and are discussed in this article. The authors conclude that identifying and understanding the safety promoting behaviors of this population is essential in the development and provision of validating and empowering supports and services, and that these services need to go beyond basic safety planning in response to imminent threat, such as social connection, safety skills, and personal assistance management.
Radford, J., Harne, L., & Trotter, J. (2006). Disabled women and domestic violence as a violent crime. Practice; Special issue: Victims and survivors of crime and abuse; 18(4), 233-246.
With the aim of improving the relevance and accessibility of domestic violence services, this article summarizes results from a UK domestic violence and disability study conducted in 2005 in the wake of a domestic homicide involving a disabled woman.
Rothman, E. F., & Corso, P. S. (2008). Propensity for intimate partner abuse and workplace productivity. Violence Against Women, 14(9), 1054-1064.
This study focuses on the costs and consequences associated with employing perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). The authors recommended that employers and IPV advocates respond in and via the workplace to develop policies, prevention initiatives, and interventions.
Salomon, A., Bassuk, S. S., & Huntington, N. (2002). The relationship between intimate partner violence and the use of addictive substances in poor and homeless single mothers. Violence Against Women, 8(7), 785-815.
The researchers in this study investigated the impact of adult partner violence on poor and homeless single mothers regarding their use of addictive substances. Findings indicated that women with histories of partner violence were nearly three times more likely to use illegal drugs. A number of theories are cited which attempt to explain the association between interpersonal violence and subsequent abuse of substances in women.
Sasaki, M., Yumiko, A., Kumamoto, K. A., Arai, A., & Mizuno, Y. (2006). Factors related to potentially harmful behaviors towards disabled older people by family caregivers in Japan. International Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22, 250-257.
This study presents data regarding family caregiver harm towards disabled elders in Japan. Factors discovered to be associated with harmful caregiver behaviors are given.
Saxton, M., Curry, M. A., Powers, L. E., Maley, S., Eckels, K., &Gross, J. (2001). ‘Bring my scooter so I can leave you’: A study of disabled women handling abuse by personal assistance providers. Violence Against Women, 7(4), 393-417.
These researchers present key themes and issues emerging from their study investigating the perceptions and experiences of disabled women related to abuse by personal assistance providers. Recommendations based on these findings and the suggestions offered by participants are given regarding improved supportive interventions to assist these women in managing personal assistance services (PAS).
Smith, D. L. (2008). Disability, gender and intimate partner violence: Relationships from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Disability & Society, 26, 15-28.
This article presents data from a large population-based survey examining intimate partner sexual and physical abuse of disabled women compared to non-disabled women, as well as men, with and without disabilities. Findings from the study indicate that disabled women experience all forms of violence at rates higher than non-disabled women, as well as men with disabilities. The author recommends that health care providers and social service agencies recognize the increased risk of violence toward this population and incorporate appropriate devices for screening into intervention practices.
Smith, D., L. & Strauser, D. (2008). Examining the impact of physical and sexual abuse on the employment of women with disabilities in the United States: An exploratory analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 30(14), 1039-1046.
The authors present findings from their research examining the relationship between the employment status of women with disabilities and the incidence of physical and sexual abuse. They conclude that unemployment increases the disadvantageous situation for this already vulnerable population and potentially inhibits them from being able to break the cycle of violence in their lives. Recommendations for interventions by rehabilitation professionals are provided.
Smith, P. H., Thornton, G. E., DeVellis, R., Earp, J., & Coker, A. L. (2002). A population-based study of the prevalence and distinctiveness of battering, physical assault, and sexual assault in intimate relationships. Violence Against Women, 8(10), 1208-1233
These researchers used a population based scale (WEB) to assess three types of intimate partner violence in this community-based study; namely, battering, physical assault, and sexual assault. Study results revealed that all three types of abused women were more likely than non-abused women to have a decreased perception of social support, although they had similar contact with family and friends.
Spicer, I. (2007). Disability and family carers. Family Matters, 76, 30-31.
The author of this article discusses the significant challenges for families faced with caring for a disabled family member, especially when the disability is unanticipated and unplanned. Improved community supports and alternatives are needed.
Strother, P. (2004). Exit from poverty: How “welfare mothers” achieve economic viability. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 7 (3), 97-119.
This study examined factors related to women’s experiences in successfully overcoming poverty. From a person-in-environment perspective, applications to social work practice include understanding and supporting clients’ perceptions and goals, while also dispelling stereotypes and prevailing myths about the poor. Based on these findings, the author concludes with recommendations for policy initiatives that would increase monetary assistance to the poor while negating stigma and preventing undue hardship.
Thomas, K. A., Joshi, M., Wittenberg, E. & McCloskey, L. A. (2008). Intersections of harm and health: A qualitative study of intimate partner violence in women’s lives. Violence Against Women, 14(11), 1252-1273.
Focus groups of women in this study show a complex relationship involving three primary points of intersection between recent exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and adverse health repercussions. These findings illuminate how IPV contributes to and exacerbates health conditions and disabilities, reinforcing entrapment in an abuse cycle that is difficult to escape.
Wilson, C., & Mansell, I. (2010). Access to health and social care services and information. Learning Disability Practice, 13(5), 32-38.
The authors discuss existing inequality of access to services for many disabled adults, children, and their carers, despite clear policy directives. Professionals serving this population need proper training in providing carers’ with timely, comprehensive, and appropriate access to support and services.
Yoshida, K. K., Odette, F., Hardie, S., Willis, H., & Bunch, M. (2009). Women living with disabilities and their experiences and issues related to the context and complexities of leaving abusive situations. Disability and Rehabilitation, 31(22), 1843-1852.
This Canadian study involved focus group discussions using internet technology (i.e. message boards and chat rooms) among disabled women living with disabilities. The authors convey women’s accounts and experiences of violence, and highlight intersections emerging regarding disability and gender. Participants stressed the need for improved training of service providers regarding the complex and unique realities they face. Strong policy directives are needed for the allocation of dedicated financial resources to serve the presently overlooked needs of this population.
Ziller, E. C., Anderson, N. J., Coburn, A. F. (2010). Access to rural mental health services: Service use and out-of-pocket costs. The Journal of Rural Health, 26(3), 214-224.
This study was undertaken for the purpose of examining rural and urban differences in mental health services use. Findings indicate unmet mental health needs among rural residents and the need for social service approaches which focus on reducing underinsurance for all health related services among this population.
