VICTIM DEPRESSION, POSITIVE PARTNER BEHAVIOR, AND TYPE OF PARTNER AGGRESSION AS DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S STEPS TOWARD LEAVING AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

Abstract

This study investigated factors associated with the degree to which victims of partner violence take steps toward leaving the relationship. It was a secondary analysis of clinic data from pre-therapy couple assessments of demographic characteristics; physical, psychological, and sexual partner aggression; victim depression; perpetrator positive partner behavior; and steps the victim took toward leaving. Females’ income and education were not associated with steps toward leaving. Physical, psychological, and sexual aggression were all associated with steps toward leaving. Greater depression was associated with more steps toward leaving and more positive partner behavior was associated with fewer steps toward leaving. Neither depression nor positive partner behavior moderated the association between physical or psychological aggression and steps toward leaving. The association between sexual aggression and steps toward leaving was positive when positive partner behavior was higher, but non-significant when positive partner behavior was lower. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.