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Domestic Abuse

From sexual or spousal abuse to child abuse and neglect, domestic violence entails any abusive behavior by one person to maintain power over another in a close relationship. The scope of RAND's research on domestic violence includes its effects on families and children, the link between substance use and domestic violence, domestic violence by or against military service members, and how clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder may be contributing factors.

Tool

Empowerment-Based Domestic Violence Programming Within a Family Court Setting: An Implementation Guide

This guide supports the implementation of an empowerment-based domestic violence program within a family court setting. It was developed to share the best practices learned during an evaluation of the Safe Horizon Family Court organization.

Jan 6, 2022
Infographic

Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors Within the Family Courts

This infographic accompanies a tool that supports the implementation of an empowerment-based domestic violence program within a family court setting.

Jan 6, 2022
Journal Article

Data Activism Against Gender Violence in Latin America

Google searches may help researchers find missing data on gender violence.

Jul 23, 2021
Research Brief

Weinberg Center for Elder Justice Offers Potential Cost Savings and Other Benefits

The Weinberg Center is the first shelter designed for older adults experiencing abuse or mistreatment. In addition to counseling and medical care, clients can get help with their finances, are encouraged to socialize, and are introduced to outside social services. The Center has the potential to generate benefits and savings that far exceed its operating costs.

May 10, 2021
Report

An Initial Evaluation of the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice's Shelter Model for Elder Abuse and Mistreatment

The authors describe the model of the Weinberg Center (the nation's first elder-specific shelter), examine some client outcomes, and begin to quantify the model's costs and benefits for individuals experiencing elder abuse or mistreatment.

May 10, 2021
Report

Ending the use of physical and emotional violence against children and adolescents in Peru: A case study on the advocacy efforts of INFANT and ONNAS

Case study on the work of civil society organisations to introduce a law in Peru to ban the use of physical and psychological violence towards children.

May 10, 2021
Commentary

Domestic Violence Support Staff Need More Help

During the first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns, European Union states had a 60 percent increase in emergency calls about intimate-partner violence. Amid a protracted second wave that has led to further lockdowns, it may not be too late to provide the funding and legislative changes necessary to ensure domestic violence service providers can offer crucial support.

Mar 15, 2021
Journal Article

The Covid-19 Pandemic and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the EU

This study offers a preliminary overview of the measures undertaken across the EU to support victims of violence during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mar 9, 2021
Brochure

Spotlight 2020–2021

Spotlight 2020-2021 features examples of our research that helped to improve people's lives during a turbulent year. It also highlights a selection of research initiatives on the horizon for 2021.

Jan 26, 2021
Report

Australia's Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children, Priority Area 2: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women and Their Children — Final Report

The authors discuss their evaluation of the Australian government's Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children, designed to address family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Jan 20, 2021
Journal Article

Intimate Partner Violence and Witness Intervention: What Are the Deciding Factors?

This report examines the factors that encourage witnesses of intimate partner violence to intervene (including reporting the violence to the relevant authorities). It draws on qualitative research in Denmark, Germany, France and Portugal.

Nov 25, 2020
Journal Article

Women-centered Rituals and Levels of Domestic Violence: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Ritual as a Signaling and Solidarity-Building Strategy

Prior research suggests domestic violence against women to be more common in societies with patrilocality. Women-centered rituals build social solidarity to mitigate domestic violence. We find domestic violence is not particularly associated with patrilocality, but that women-centered rituals appear protective against domestic violence irrespective of post-marital residence pattern.

Aug 11, 2020
Blog

Online Shopping, Living in a Riskier World, Stress in Communities: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on Americans' online shopping habits during the pandemic, living in a riskier world, how stress builds in communities, and more.

Jul 10, 2020
Commentary

Preventing Homelessness Among Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Without assistance, domestic violence survivors are more likely to be forced into homelessness. Now could be the time to invest in programs that help victims—before a second wave of COVID-19 cases pushes more families into unsafe environments.

Jul 2, 2020
Commentary

Public Health Lessons on Intimate Partner Violence Tucked into Tiger King

Substantial work has been done to figure out how best to address intimate partner violence, but with limited attention regarding how best to meet the unique needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual victims. The popularity of Netflix's Tiger King, and its depiction of intimate partner violence between Joe Exotic and his two husbands, could help to focus attention on a very real, and often hidden, problem.

May 15, 2020
Blog

Preparing for a Post-Vaccine World, Domestic Abuse, the Future of War: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on why we need a blueprint for a post-vaccine world, helping domestic abuse victims during COVID-19, the pandemic's historic economic effects, and more.

May 15, 2020
Commentary

Measures to Help Domestic Abuse Victims During COVID-19 Are Welcome but Not Enough

One of the most worrying and consistent trends during the COVID-19 lockdown is an increase in domestic violence. Governments are taking different approaches in how they act to stop the violence and help victims to be heard during the lockdown. Securing adequate resources for support services is vital.

May 12, 2020
Report

Availability of Family Violence Services for Military Service Members and Their Families

The authors examine resources available to military-affiliated victims and perpetrators of child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse, barriers to utilization, and challenges faced in addressing these issues, and recommend ways to improve services.

Nov 25, 2019
Journal Article

Detecting and Reducing Post-Traumatic Stress Among Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: A Multi-Agency Early Intervention Program

This study examined the Child Trauma Response Team and its efforts to reduce PTSD symptoms among children exposed to domestic violence.

Aug 20, 2019
Journal Article

Economic Policies and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention: Emerging Complexities in the Literature

Are economic factors an entry point for addressing intimate partner violence (IPV), and can economic policies and programs serve to reduce rates of IPV?

Dec 4, 2018

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RAND Topic:
Domestic Violence

Topic Synonyms:
Child Abuse;
Domestic Abuse

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