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Article
Who Seeks Counseling for Intimate Partner Violence? The Role of Emotional Distress
Criminal Justice Review
  • Chad Posick, Georgia Southern University
  • Laura E. Agnich, Georgia Southern University
  • Christina Policastro, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  • Heather Hatfield, Georgia Southern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2016
DOI
10.1177/0734016816635249
Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive problem in the United States affecting every demographic group. Victims of IPV suffer a wide range of negative health issues including depression, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem. However, little is known about help-seeking behaviors among IPV victims. This study utilized a university sample to explore who seeks counseling for exposure to threatening IPV. Results revealed that older students and females were more likely to seek counseling than younger students and males. Students who were exposed to greater levels of IPV and reported greater emotional distress were more likely to seek counseling than those with lower exposure to IPV and distress. Importantly, victimization accompanied by emotional distress was the key to explaining help-seeking help behavior. Programs and policies should focus on outreach to young students and males who have experienced IPV and provide focused services to victims with high levels of emotional distress.

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Citation Information
Chad Posick, Laura E. Agnich, Christina Policastro and Heather Hatfield. "Who Seeks Counseling for Intimate Partner Violence? The Role of Emotional Distress" Thousand Oaks, CACriminal Justice Review Vol. 41 Iss. 2 (2016) p. 159 - 172 ISSN: 1556-3839
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/chad_posick/46/