By Robert P. Brady, Ed.D.

This is a sensitive counseling tool to help women consider their situations and take action to protect themselves and their children from abusers. It can be given in groups or individually, and the test encourages insight and discussion in any group setting.

The entire DSI can be administered in just 45 minutes to an hour. Discussion and additional interaction can be used to constructively structure one or more additional sessions.

The DSI contains 155 statements in a simple format that takes about 20 minutes to complete. The woman simply puts a check mark by each statement that is true for her. The statements ask about the past and present nature of her relationships, feelings, and situations she has experienced.

Check-marked statements are counted, and a total score is computed by the test taker. The DSI then provides information to help test takers understand their scores and to help them determine whether they are in situations that are, or are likely to become, abusive.

The DSI encourages women to ask for immediate help if they or their children are in danger. It includes phone and Internet contact information for national domestic abuse and violence hotlines plus guidance on how to find local resources such as women's shelters. It also suggests how to develop an escape plan and how to handle emergency situations.

Comes in a package of 25 6-panel foldouts that are 8.5 x 11 in size. Includes a free Administrator's Guide. 2003. $53.95 for one package of 25. SPECIAL: $48.95 per package when ordering 10 or more packages.

IJW

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