Although support groups for battered women are a widely used intervention, little research has
been conducted on their efficacy. This article presents a rationale for support groups as the
intervention of choice for assaulted women and describes the available research. This secondary
analysts of outcome data from a previously published study of 76 women in 12 different support
groups investigates the effects of various group process vanables and client characteristics. The
group variables selected for discussion include group size and attendance, whether participants
completed the group as opposed to dropping out, and the number of group leaders (1 or 2). Client
characteristics include whether the client still resides with her assaultive partner, recontracted
versus first-time clients, and age. The results are discussed in light of their implications for
developing and planning effective support groups for assaulted women.
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