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Effects of Partner Violence Victimization in Drug Using Women (SAVA II)
Research Method: Basic Research
Principal Investigators: Merrill Singer, Ph.D., HHC (PI),
Margaret R. Weeks, Ph.D. (Co-PI)
Grant: National Institute on Drug Abuse - Lead grantee: Hispanic Health Council
Partners: Hispanic Health Council, Institute for Community Research
Dates of Study: 2000-2003

Abstract
This project is a partnership between the Hispanic Health Council and the Institute for Community Research, with the Hispanic Health Council as the lead grantee and implementation agency. The three-year study examines the relationship between partner violence, drug use, and HIV risk among inner city women. Building upon results from an earlier study on exposure to and participation in violence among Puerto Rican drug using networks, this project investigates the psychosocial factors that influence the connection between violence, drug use and HIV risk. Salient factors include: women's commitment to the status quo, cultural norms regarding acceptable/appropriate behavior, financial dependence on the relationship, and women's behavioral controls/supports. Using qualitative (in-depth interviews and focus groups) and quantitative data (survey), the study will focus on identifying factors in partner relationship, social contexts and behaviors that foster partner violence, and how they impact drug use patterns and relate to HIV sex and drug-related risks.

Project Goals and Objectives


	Determine the features of partner violence and abuse among street drug using women as well as the victims' understanding of violence/abuse committed against them.
	Determine how the factors of women's behavioral control, commitment to the status quo, and self-concept within the context of a relationship contribute to both risk behavior and actions taken to leave the abusive relationship.
	Determine the impact of ethnicity on the variables noted above.

Project Contact:
Merrill Singer, Ph.D., HHC, Principal Investigator

Margaret Weeks, Ph.D., ICR, Co-Principal Investigator
Associate Director

Project Details
The project is coordinated by the leading grant agency, the Hispanic Health Council. As Co-Principal Investigator, ICR staff Margaret Weeks, Ph.D. assists in project implementation, implementation of research, and data analysis. The study's target population is active drug-using women between ages 18-58. Project staff have conducted focus groups and interviews with women. Also planned are focus groups with approximately 20 men who are perpetrators of partner violence. Findings from the interviews will be used to further develop the survey, which will be administered to approximately 500 women. All data collection takes place at the Hispanic Health Council. Research results will be used to develop effective public intervention programs for high risk women.

Link to Research Methods page

Link to Basic Research Methods page

Links to other ICR projects:
Intertwined Epidemics Among Puerto Rican Drug Users: Substance Abuse, Violence, and AIDS (SAVA)

Links to other related sites (external links)
Hispanic Health Council