Violence in the family of origin and socialization in male perpetrators of intimate partner abuse

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the violence suffered in the family of origin and in other forms of polyvictimization and its relationship with distorted ideas about women and the use of violence, having verified the relevance of child violence in its intergenerational transmission. A sample of 120 men who used violence against their partner with a mean age of 43 years (SD= 11.88) was analyzed. The results reveal differences between those subjects who witnessed violence against their mother, suffered psychological violence and/or physical violence during their childhood compared to other forms of poly-victimization, finding a high risk in these conditions. No relationship was observed between these conditions and distorted thoughts about violence against women. In addition, three different profiles of aggressors were found which could favor specific interventions. Further studies of violence are needed in order to eliminate it as a normalized form of social interaction in family dynamics.