Journal of interpersonal violence
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J Interpers Violence · Nov 2004
Comment ReviewIssues related to defining and measuring violence against women: response to Kilpatrick.
This paper asserts that although there is considerable agreement in the U. S. and internationally about the importance of uniform terminology and measurement related to violence against women, we need a strategy for choosing standardized definitions and measures. ⋯ Uncertainty about the impact of context on survey findings and the lack of agreement about the optimal scope of measurement are discussed. The author also comments on some difficulties associated with implementing Kilpatrick's proposed modifications to existing measures of rape and sexual assault.
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J Interpers Violence · Nov 2004
ReviewWhat is violence against women: defining and measuring the problem.
Violence against women (VAW) is a prevalent problem with substantial physical and mental health consequences throughout the world, and sound public policy is dependent on having good measures of VAW. This article (a) describes and contrasts criminal justice and public health approaches toward defining VAW, (b) identifies major controversies concerning measurement of VAW, (c) summarizes basic principles in identifying and measuring VAW cases, and (d) recommends changes to improve measurement of VAW. In addition to reviewing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Workshop on Building Data Systems for Monitoring and Responding to Violence Against Women and the World Health Organization World Report on Violence and Health, the article concludes that changes are needed in the FBI Uniform Crime Reports and National Crime Victimization Survey to improve measurement of rape and sexual assault.