Abstract
This paper explains that the research will attempt to determine (1) the factors which impact a women's mental status in a domestic violence situation, (2) the degree to which the level of support a woman receives effects her ability to leave a violent situation and (3) the common demographic variables of women who stay in violent situations. The author points out that the literature indicates that there is ample evidence that a woman's social support structure, socio-economic status and perceived sense of self esteem and self worth contribute to a woman's susceptibility for domestic violence. The paper relates that study will consist of a base survey of 100 women, aged 18 and older, who have been victims of domestic violence within the previous two years; the data will come from surveys such as the Severity of Violence against Women Scales ( SVAWS}and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale plus the researcher will design a ten question open-ended interview questionnaire examining these womens' attitudes and beliefs toward domestic violence.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Background to the Problem
Theoretical Framework
Literature Review/Studies Analysis
Domestic Violence Defined
Demographic Variables
Summary of the Literature
Methods
Research Design/Participants
Data Collection Measures
Procedures
Access to Site
Researchers Role
Reflexivity of Approach
Logistics
Conclusion
Limitations
Contributions Research Will Make
Implications of the Research
Interview Questions

From the Paper
"The study is limited in a number of ways. It will focus predominately on women living in shelters or women who have sought out help for domestic violence whether from healthcare facilities or social support networks, thus it may not be possible to generalize the material and findings to women in domestic situations that have not reported violence. The largest group of women experiencing domestic violence is believed to be those women who have not reported violence and are living in a violent situation; however, it would be nearly impossible to survey this portion of the population."

Tags:support, survey, questionnaire, demongraphics, self-esteem