The aim of this research is to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of a brief and specific treatment program for women victims of partner violence (WVPV) with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Twenty three immigrants WVPV, all they fulfilling the PTSD diagnosis criteria (DSM-IV-TR) participated in this study. The treatment program, applied in a format group, consists of eight sessions, and includes psychoeducation, activation control training, cognitive therapy and exposure therapy. A quasi-experimental design of two independent groups (control group -10 women, and treatment group -13 women) with repeated measures in the pre-treatment, post-treatment and one, three, six and twelve months follow-up has been used. In the post-treatment and in the follow-up a significant improvement in the PSD symptoms (overcoming of the PTSD in 70% of the participants) it is obtained. Also significant reductions in associate problems were obtained: Depression, self-esteem, social maladjustment and posttraumatic cognitions. The implications of this study for the clinical practice are discussed.

posttraumatic stress disorder Cognitive therapy Battered women Exposure therapy

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