Dissertation submitted for the degree of Master of Health Sciences at the University of Otago. Available for loan from Otago University's Canterbury Medical Library.

This dissertation describes a survey of the extent of violence and violence-related behaviours experienced by women attending for alcohol and drug treatment. Eighty women clients of the Community Alcohol & Drug Service, Christchurch (CADS) were interviewed within 2 weeks of agreeing to participate in the CADS Women's Study, of which the Violence questionnaire was one section. The results indicate that the women experienced high levels of many different types of violence. Individual violent behaviours or violence-related behaviours had been experienced by as many as 90% of the women. Violence occurring once or more a week was reported by 32.5% of the women, while violence at intervals ranging between one to three times a month and once or more a day was the experience of 65% of the women. They predominantly cited the personal attributes of their partners, rather than other factors, as the main reasons for the violence occurring. Despite just under half the women needing medical attention due to the severity of injuries received during violent altercations, only small numbers sought help through external agencies. Weapons, as a means of defence, were used by only 11 of the 76 women - most often the weapon being an easily accessible, household item. The women's main reason for not seeking help was a belief that the violence was their problem, with reduced trust in relationships being the main effect on their lives. The author establishes the extent of the violence facing New Zealand women presenting for alcohol and drug treatment and discusses the implications of this. Directions for future research are suggested.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT

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