| The majority of research on abused women's experiences with the justice system has been conducted by advocates within the system seeking reform. This research typically has included both samples of justice officials as well as abused women. Usually predetermined surveys and interview schedules have been utilized. Research on how abused women cope with these experiences is limited. In this study concept mapping, a method which combines both qualitative and quantitative strategies, was used to identify and categorize the experiences or issues that abused women have had with the justice system and their ways of coping. The study consisted of two phases. In phase one semi-structured interviews, a focus group and a written format were used to gather information from abused women who attend groups for support. Ninety-eight issues and experiences with the justice system, and 59 different ways of coping with these experiences were identified. The data was sorted and named by the abused women. It was then analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis to produce two concept maps that resulted in ten and six themes. The themes identified by the women regarding issues and experiences were: minimizing the seriousness of wife assault by courts; the courts encourage continued abuse; problems with lawyers; victims through the legal system; continued financial abuse; lack of support, information and resources; child issues, custody issues and calls for assistance; failure to serve and protect; maintenance enforcement/child support; and effective/ineffective community services. The themes identified by the women regarding coping were: escape/reference to children's coping; seeking protection/effects of stress; struggling to stay sane; helplessness/giving up; coping through other resources and professionals; and seeking information/mending. In phase two, a survey was distributed to agencies and organizations that assist abused women to determine the prevalence and variation of the issues/experiences and coping strategies. The women surveyed experienced similar issues. They indicated they had difficulty coping with the justice system. The results of this research could serve as the basis for developing counselling strategies for abused women to help them cope with their experiences with the justice system. |
