A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Health, The University of Auckland.

Recommended reading

This thesis investigates the relationship between the domestic violence that women have experienced, their subsequent feelings of being 'crazy', and the role of mental health services. Ten women with personal experience of domestic violence from their partners and 20 service providers were interviewed. The data was analysed from a feminist perspective. Themes were identified and were analysed in accordance with phenomenological processes. The major finding from the research was that domestic violence drives women 'crazy' and that the response of existing services was ineffective. Information from the literature and this study support the inference that there is a group of women who are not only abused by their partners, but also experiencing severe mental distress. There are a range of services for women who have been abused by their partners and for women who experience mental illness. However, at the intersection of these two issues, there appears to be a gap in understanding these women and providing effective responses. This research begins to fill that gap and the author makes recommendations to mental health services and public health services. A general recommendation is also made for there to be better responses to the needs of women, especially women who are abused and are experiencing mental distress.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT

nz