Abstract:
This study was conducted to reach three main objectives: (i) to determine the impact of domestic
violence on psychological status of victims; (ii) to examine whether different types of domestic
violence influence on psychological status of victim differently, and (iii) to explore the different
coping mechanisms of victims. To reach these objectives, the study used both quantitative and
qualitative methods. The study sample was 50. Forty women were from Women in Need (WIN)
Colombo centre and 10 from Anuradhapura Center. Nine women participated in semi-structured
interviews designed to gather qualitative data. Scores from the Conflict Tactics Scales second
version short form (CTS2S) was used as the independent variable and GHQ 28 version was used
as dependant variable. Data was analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software package and tape recorded
interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Results indicated no
relationship between these two variables, but women scored high in both scales individually.
Variety of coping skills and strategies were reported during the interviews despite of the
limitations women have. The study data provides guidance to practitioners in the field of
domestic violence.
