Cognizance and utilization of civil tort remedies by victims of domestic violence.

摘要

This dissertation focused on issues of domestic violence as seen through the lenses of social and forensic psychology and jurisprudence and included participants' experiences, perceptions, values, and beliefs relating to domestic violence and civil tort remedies. This study was imperative because torts are civil wrongs that cause injuries and damages, and the literature review confirmed that scholars have failed to conduct sufficient research regarding civil tort remedies for victims of domestic violence. The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether victims of domestic violence were cognizant of California civil tort remedies and to what extent such remedies were utilized against their perpetrators.;Qualitative research was the principal method used to collect, analyze, and interpret data gained through standardized, face-to-face, open-ended interviews. The study was composed of 22 participants: 21 females and 1 male between the ages of 19 and 55 who were victims of domestic violence. All of the participants were residing in Ventura County, California.;The recurring themes that emerged from the study were organized into four categories: (1) the general lack of awareness of civil tort remedies and benefits, (2) the failure to utilize civil tort remedies other than restraining orders, (3) the contrast in motives as to whether or not victims sue abusers, and (4) the importance of victims gaining information about how to sue abusers. This study revealed that all of the participants were unaware of and failed to utilize civil tort remedies for obtaining compensation from their abusers. Many of the participants were willing to sue their abusers for physical and psychological injuries and for damages. All of the participants believed that it was important for victims to be given information about how to sue abusers.;The implications of this research were discussed in terms of psychology and law, the education of victims, and the utilization of civil tort remedies. Suggestions for future research were also covered.;Keywords: Battered Women, Conflict Resolution, Family Violence, Ethnic and Gender Studies, and Women's Studies.