Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Domestic 'Predictors of Death'
Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Study Reveals Domestic 'Predictors of Death' Leaving Abusive Relationship Is Most Dangerous Time A research of domestic violence-related deaths has revealed that in 83 percent of the cases the victim was either separated or about to terminate the relationship, giving scientific basis for the long-held belief that the most dangerous time for those involved in abusive relationships is when they try to leave. The University of Cincinnati's School of Social Work examined a seven-year period of 32 domestic violence-related deaths in Hamilton County, Ohio. In 96 percent of the cases, researchers say there were "predictors of death" or deadly warning signs present in the relationships. Substance abuse was present in 68 percent of the cases involving domestic-violence deaths. Assistant Professor Gary Dick, in partnership with Ann MacDonald, Executive Director of Rape Crisis & Abuse Center and Chair of the Hamilton County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council's Death Review Panel, analyzed the final reports from the panel that were collected from domestic violence deaths from 1997 to 2003. The research of those 32 cases found: 91 percent who died were female. 16 percent had a protection order. 36 had children present. "Our goal is to share this information with those professionals who work with victims and batterers," Dick says. Sponsored Links LifeSkills Training Cut drug use by up to 75% Visit us for free sample lessons! www.lifeskillstraining.com Drug and Alcohol Abuse Summer House Specializes in Drug & Alcohol Abuse.Comfortable Detox www.alcohol-withdrawal.net End Substance Abuse Detox At Home Safely & Comfortably Private Medical Care. 1-866-4869 www.MeditoxOfPalmBeach.com " In addition, this information will be shared with the public in order protect the health and safety of women." The major findings of this study identified the following risk factors (predicators of death): Separated – 83 percent Substance abuse – 68 percent Escalating abuse – 56 percent Stalking behaviors – 50 percent Criminal history – 46 percent Threats to kill – 43 percent Prior domestic violence-related charge – 36 percent Child abuse – 33 percent Threats of suicide – 33 percent Perpetrator mental illness – 31 percent Perpetrator brought a weapon – 29 percent Strangulation – 29 percent Threats with weapons – 25 percent Property damage – 23 percent Violated a protection order – 23 percent Previous serious injury – 23 percent Sexual assault – 21 percent Animal abuse – Eight percent "This project is designed to help us prevent future deaths because of domestic violence. This is information every woman in the community needs to know," MacDonald said. Source: University of Cincinnati's School of Social Work <a href="http://www.uc.edu/news/public_PrintableRelease.asp?information=3384">News Release</A>. Findings from the Cincinnati study were presented at the 10th International Conference on Family Violence in San Diego in September 2005. http://alcoholism.about.com/od/abuse/a/predict_death.htm