Spouse abuse in Texas: a study of womens attitudes and experiences.

This study examined the attitudes knowledge and experiences related to spouse abuse which was conducted among 2000 female residents of Texas. Using survey questionnaires 64.98% (n = 1210) were analyzed with 82% being White respondents 6.7% being Black 9.4% being Hispanic and 0.7% being of other ethnic origin. Findings revealed that about 8.5% of the respondents were victims of abuse within the past 12 months of the study with 29.7% being abused throughout their lifetime. This study estimates that at least 436072 women over 18 years were abused by their partners over the past year with 317528 suffering physical abuse. Legal husbands were indicated as the abusers in most cases in both the 12 months and lifetime periods (80% previous year; 87% lifetime). About 21.8% of the respondents claimed of knowing a close friend being abused by the partner during the previous year. Majority of the respondents (75%) regarded all items of the survey as abuse with significant differences in the perception of seriousness of the abuse. Respondents suggested several approaches to the problem including criminal prosecution. Less than half of the respondents claimed of being aware of available services for abused women although only 1% have utilized such services because of fear.