Women and domestic violence in the professional experience of Italian general practitioners (IGP)

TitleWomen and domestic violence in the professional experience of Italian general practitioners (IGP)
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsCoronella F, Tuccillo F, Di Napoli I, Arcidiacono C
JournalInterdisciplinary Journal of Family Studies
Volume17
Issue1
Pagination79-96
Date Published06/2012
PublisherPadova University Press
Place PublishedPadova, IT
ISSN Number2282-2011
Keywordsdomestic violence, General practitioner, Grounded theory methodology, intimate-partner violence, qualitative research
Abstract

A number of studies have investigated the roots of the destructive power acting within the couple (Welzer Lang, 1991; Walker, 1979, 2000). Danis and Lockhart (2003) highlighted how social workers’ best practices, are not frequently used, especially in regards to contact with the victims of intimate-partner violence. We investigated how Italian general practitioners (IGPs) deal with this issue within their professional practice. A snowball sample of 268 IGPs was taken, in order to collect their beliefs concerning the victim, the aggressor and the violent couple’s relationship. Furthermore the experience in coping with both suspected and actual cases of domestic violence, as well as the GP’s needs and expectations was taken in consideration.

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