Domestic Violence

Screening

Women's Beliefs and feelings that act as Barriers to Disclosure

1. Tendency to minimize the abuse (denial)
2. Cultural/ethnic/religious beliefs
3. Fear of reprisal
4. Shame
5. Belief that the abuse is deserved
6. Love for the perpetrator
7. Belief that he will change
8. Financial dependence
9. Concern about children
10. Previous negative experience with disclosure

Last Modified: September 5, 2006