Domestic violence, psychological distress, and physical illness among New Zealand women : results from a community-based study Kazantzis, Nikolaos; Flett, Ross A.; Long, Nigel R.; MacDonald, Carol; Millar, Michelle
Material type:
- 0112-109X
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Vine library | Online | Available | ON13010020 |
New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 2000, 29(2): 67-73
This article discusses a study that aimed to measure the prevalence of psychological distress and physical illness among New Zealand women, with specific reference to domestic violence. It also aimed to identify the risk factors for psychological distress and health. A survey was administered among a community sample of 961 women aged 19-90 years. The results indicate that 25% of women were classified as experiencing psychological distress at the time of the interview. It was found that domestic violence was the single most important risk factor in predicting psychological distress and physical illness. An estimated 12% of all cases of psychological distress, and 7% of all cases of serious physical illness, were attributable to domestic violence. The authors conclude that screening for domestic violence within the health system is needed.