Through the lens of therapeutic jurisprudence: the relationship between empowerment in the court system and well-being for intimate partner violence victims.
Research has established the connection between intimate partner violence victims' empowering experiences in the court system and their satisfaction with the process, but not between these experiences and victims' broader wellbeing, a link suggested by the framework of therapeutic jurisprudence. This study investigated the relationship between empowerment and victim depression, quality of life, fear, and intention to use the system in the future among 142 court-involved women. At 3 and 6 months after recruitment, over and above repeat abuse, the outcome of the criminal case, and expectations about the court system, more empowering experiences in the court predicted improvement in depression and quality of life, in addition to stronger intention to use the system in the future if needed. Implications include the need for research on what aspects of victim experience in the court are empowering and evaluations of innovations that can increase the likelihood they will occur.
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. lcattane@gmu.edu
Lauren Bennett
LB
Cattaneo
Lisa A
LA
Goodman
D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult