Violence against Women : Impacts on Women's Health Derived from a U.S. Nationwide Study

Using data from the National Violence Against Women Study (NVAWS) and general strain theory (GST) as a theoretical basis, Stewart explores the impact of the victim-offender relationship on psychological and physical health and wellbeing for the crimes of rape, stalking, and physical assault. She asks two questions: first, what is the prevalence of violence against women by victim-offender relationship? and, second, what is the effect of the victim-offender relationship on health outcomes? Findings indicate that a variety of perpetrators are responsible for violence against women. Additionally, while victimization is related to negative health outcomes, the victim-offender relationship does not significantly contribute to increased odds of experiencing negative health outcomes.