Thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Arts (Applied) in Social Work.

This thesis investigates aspects of assault on women by their husbands, compares the findings with overseas studies, and recommends ways in which social workers and social welfare agencies can be more effective in dealing with the problem. The author conducted informal, semi-structured interviews with 11 women who had recently been assaulted by their husbands and had, for one reason or another, sought assistance from a social welfare agency. The sample was drawn from women who were asked by social workers to participate. The author notes that social workers did not always recognise the battered situation for what it was and that new contacts were often made after the author reminded them of the project. The study focused on the personality characteristics of couples, as reported by the women. In each case the woman appeared to be dominant while the man had a passive-aggressive nature. Inglis suggests that where the man is the socially ascribed dominant member of the family, yet lacks the skills and resources required to maintain this socially ascribed position, violence could be expected. In accordance with previous research, she also found that there is no single cause of family violence. It is not confined to lower socio-economic groups, and while there is a positive correlation between use of alcohol and violence, alcohol is not the cause of violence. The study refutes any suggestion that women stay in violent relationships because they like being beaten. Inglis calls for further research to ascertain why women stay in violent relationships, to determine the extent of the need for refuges in New Zealand, and to form the basis for preventative policies and treatment plans.

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