Love Is a Battlefield: Risk Factors and Gender Disparities for Domestic Violence among Mexican Americans

Abstract

Debate continues regarding whether domestic violence is mutual or more often perpetrated by men against women. Results from this study indicate relatively high incidence rates for physical assault victimization (32%–38%) among Mexican Americans. Men and women reported approximately equal levels of domestic violence victimization. A small percentage (8.5%) of young adult males were most prone to weapon use during domestic violence. Physical assault perpetration in relationships is otherwise equal between genders. Being physically abused in childhood was the most consistent risk factor for men, whereas viewing domestic violence in the family of origin was the most consistent risk factor for women. Watching violent television or playing violent video games were not associated with the perpetration of domestic violence.