This research study addresses the interaction patterns of victims of domestic violence in the setting in which the domestic violence occurred as compared to their family of origin, work/school, social, and current family settings. Two questions were asked. Do women who responded aggressively toward their partner in the domestic violence situation show the same aggressive patterns in the other settings? Conversely, do women who remained passive toward their partner respond in the same passive manner in the other settings?

The following conclusions were reached: (1) Women who are victims of domestic violence function better in work/school, social and current family settings than they do in the setting in which the domestic violence occurred. (2) Women who were aggressive toward their violent partners are more successful in current work/school, social, and family settings than the compliant women. (3) Women who responded in an aggressive manner toward the violent partner are more likely to seek treatment and leave the abusive partner. (4) Both aggressive and compliant women who sought the help of "mentors" were more able to leave and stay away from the violent partner.

To answer these questions, twelve women were interviewed using a semistructured interview format. Interaction patterns were explored with the women across the four settings. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed. The women were studied in two groups---an assertive-combative ( a-c) group and a compliant-acquiescent group ( c-a).

Because of the small sample size of twelve, these finding are not generalizable, but do pave the way for future research.