Definition Of Intimate Partner Violence Research Articles

How do adolescents perceive intimate partner violence and its associated issues?

ABSTRACT In the UK, adolescents, particularly those aged 16 to 19, are among the most vulnerable groups to suffer intimate partner violence (IPV). Health promotion and intervention on this phenomenon is therefore significant and important. Due to the fact that varied definitions related to IPV have been documented in educational practice, it is unclear what knowledge adolescents have obtained from previous schooling and how they perceive IPV issues. To adequately prevent IPV and its associated issues from adolescent students, it is of crucial importance to examine how they understand definitions of IPV and their current knowledge of healthy or unhealthy, acceptable or unacceptable behaviours. To achieve this, mixed methods research was conducted to elicit students’ knowledge and understanding towards IPV episodes. Results from this study indicated that adolescents outlined inadequate understandings of IPV, an endorsement of some IPV myths and wrong conceptions of IPV-related issues existed among those in this sample. The findings of this study can be used to assist policy makers, educational practitioners and future researchers in understanding the crucial aspects of IPV-related issues among adolescent students.

Intimate Partner Violence and the Complexity Turn. The Multiple Conceptions of Gender in IPV Policy in Switzerland

Abstract Based on socio-historical research of domestic violence treatment in the cantons of Vaud and Geneva, this article analyses how the co-presence of many actors and approaches has affected the definition of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Switzerland. IPV policies centred on gender and then reframed to define violence as a complex issue. We show what the consequences of framing complexity for policy are.

A Scoping Review on the Role of Religion in the Experience of IPV and Faith-Based Responses in Community and Counseling Settings

Research on religion and intimate partner violence does not appear to have integrated well the current evidence on religion/spirituality, marital functioning, and mental health and lacks a cross-sectoral perspective that bridges psychology, public health, international development, anthropology, and sociology. A better integration could reveal how religious experience could be leveraged resourcefully in developing faith-based interventions engaging religious leaders and when counseling victims/survivors and perpetrators in religious contexts. The current scoping review explored (a) the influence of religious experience on the rationalizations, behaviors and mental state of victims/survivors and perpetrators, and (b) the approaches and effectiveness of faith-based interventions to respond to domestic violence engaging religious leaders, communities, and psychologists. In pursuing these questions, we aimed to overcome the dominance of Western definitions of intimate partner violence and religion by combining evidence from sectors that are more international-looking and studies from low-and middle-income societies that historically received less attention. The review suggests the need to move toward more diversified and holistic understandings of religion and more context-specific approaches to designing faith-based interventions and counseling responses that are theologically grounded and trauma-informed and embedded in the sociological realities of the individuals and communities they seek to support.

Intra-familiar homicides: From 2006 to 2021 in the judicial district of Milan

IntroductionThe present research aims at analyzing criminological and medico-legal characteristics of intra-familiar homicides occurred in two major Italian cities (Milano and Monza) from the beginning of 2006 to the end of 2021. MethodsCases were identified using the Institutional database of the Institute of Legal Medicine of Milan, where all the autopsies of victims were performed. Data about these cases were obtained from autopsies findings, preliminary investigation reports, local papers and victim relatives’ interviews.In this period 11,480 autopsies were performed: 392 were homicides and, among these, 94 were confirmed as intra-familiar homicides (as a result of 84 events).Cases were classified according to the classic definition of intimate partner violence (referring only to an intra-familiar context), parricides, filicides, fratricides, familicides and grannicides.Age, sex, nationality and risk factors of the victims and perpetrators, as well as methods of murder were registered for each case. Only in some cases, motives for murder were known. ResultsThe most frequent type of intra-familiar homicides was intimate partner violence (41.5%), followed by parricides (16%, mainly matricides), filicides (10.7%) and fratricides (6.4%). 9.6% of the total number of events were familicides.Risk factors were frequently involved, in particular among perpetrators and in the group of parricides, while among siblicides they showed minimal relevance. Overall, psychiatric pathologies were the main risk factors involved (at least 23.8%), unlike extrafamiliar homicides, where previous criminal report or involvement in illicit traffics are frequently reported among perpetrators. This finding enlightens the difficulties of caring for a relative with a mental disorder, who can become dangerous for the domestic caregiver.Furthermore, the high number of physical illness and the advanced age of victims points out the tragical consequences of the lack of social support system for these categories of people. Methodsof murder were mainly cold steel (30–31.9%) and firearms (21–22.3%). However choking/manual ligature (9–9.6%), blunt force trauma inflicted using objects found on the scenario or bare handed (16–17%) and combined methods (11–11.7%) were frequently represented confirming the expected high level of impulsivity related to this kind of crime.

US college women’s understandings of definitions of intimate partner violence

Objective: Past research suggests students have differing definitions of sexual assault, violence and intimate partner violence (IPV). To adequately develop violence prevention efforts, it is important to examine how college students understand these terms and associated behaviours. The purpose of this study was to identify which behaviours are categorised as IPV by college women and whether there are any ‘grey areas’ when it comes to IPV. Design: A three-phase e-Delphi study was conducted with US college women to reach consensus on the behaviours commonly associated with IPV. Setting: The study was conducted in one large, Southeastern USA university. Method: In a first phase of work, participants answered open-ended questions about the behaviours they associated with IPV and related terms. In phase 2, participants categorised the behaviours identified in phase 1. In phase 3, consensus was reached by the 12 women who completed all three phases of work. Results: Women agreed on a list of 45 behaviours that constitute IPV as well as behaviours that fall into a ‘grey area’, with many of the latter occurring between boyfriends/girlfriends. Conclusion: Findings from the study contribute to the current knowledge base concerning IPV among US college students and their understanding of which behaviours are acceptable by intimate partners and which are not. Future research is needed with a larger more representative sample to extend the current findings. However, interim findings can be used to drive future research and may provide some insight into current student perceptions of IPV.

Preventing Gender-Based Homelessness in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: The Need to Account for Violence Against Women.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to increases in intimate partner violence (IPV), a leading cause of women's homelessness. Although the Canadian Government provided emergency funding to the violence against women and housing and homelessness sectors in response to COVID-19, Canada lacks a national legislative and funding framework to support coordinated prevention efforts. We review the context of IPV and homelessness among women and international policy exemplars. We then propose several starting points for developing a Canadian strategic framework, including adopting inclusive definitions of IPV and homelessness as well as evaluating a broad continuum of IPV-housing options and intersectoral partnership models.

\u201cValidation of a cyberbullying questionnaire as a screening tool for other forms of intimate-partner violence towards young women\u201d

BackgroundThe use of electronic media is widespread among young people and is a potential tool for the perpetration of intimate-partner violence (IPV) towards women. The aim of this study is to validate two questions focused on harassment and control by electronic tools (HCE-2) as a screening tool for the detection of IPV in young women.MethodsThe data source was the third Community of Madrid IPV survey in 2014. The screening tool consisted of two questions with five possible answers prepared by a group of experts. As the gold standard we used the definition of intimate partner violence based on a 26- question survey. The validity indices (with 95% confidence intervals) were compared between two age groups: 18–24 and 25–29 years.ResultsSix hundred ninty-four women were sampled. The response rate was 68.7%, and 477 surveys were analyzed. The prevalence of IPV was 10.7% (95% CI: 8.2–13.8). HCE-2 was positive in 5.9% (95% CI: 4.1–8.4). The overall efficiency of the test was 93.5% (95% CI: 91.1–96.7), sensitivity 47.1% (95% CI: 33.7–60.8), specificity 99.1% (95% CI: 97.5–99.6), and positive predictive value 85.7% (95% CI: 67.1–94.6). The best validity indices of the questionnaire were observed in women aged 18 to 24 years: overall efficiency of the test 95.1% (95% CI: 92.6–97.7), sensitivity 62.5% (95% CI: 44.5–77.6), specificity 99.6% (95% CI: 97.0–99.9), and positive predictive value 95.2% (95% CI: 71.7–99.4).ConclusionsThe existing need to improve the detection of IPV in young women and the good validity indices observed here justify the recommendation of the HCE-2 questionnaire as a screening tool in young women.

How accurate and useful are published UK prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV)? Rapid review and methodological commentary

PurposeThis paper aims to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the UK general population and in the low-risk clinical population and to identify the methodological challenges presented by this task.Design/methodology/approachA rapid review of the evidence was conducted. Data were extracted with the help of pre-designed tools and were synthesised to answer the two study aims. The data extracted was both qualitative and quantitative.FindingsIn the general population, crime survey data gave a range of past-year IPV prevalence from 1.8% to 4.5%. This was higher in women than men (2.5%–6.3% vs 0.9%–2.7%). In both the general and low-risk clinical population, there was little data on pregnant women or gay men and lesbians. No significant relationships between IPV and ethnicity were found. Different surveys used different definitions of IPV and domestic violence, making it difficult to give an accurate estimate. There were also problems with data accuracy.Originality/valueThis research is original and contributes to the knowledge about IPV screening and if prevalence studies help.

Vietnamese Men's Definitions of Intimate Partner Violence and Perceptions of Women's Recourse-Seeking.

The Vietnamese government has made efforts to promote gender equality and to discourage intimate partner violence (IPV), yet IPV remains a common experience for married women in Vietnam. IPV leads to severe injury, poor mental health, chronic disease, and substance abuse among women, yet little is known about why men perpetrate IPV. We explored how men defined IPV and perceived women's recourse-seeking following IPV in Vietnam. Using data from 10 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with Vietnamese men, taken from a parent study on attitudes about IPV in Vietnam, we found that men often viewed IPV against women as normal and justified violence occurring when a husband was "hot-tempered," drunk, or when the wife was seen as at fault. Men interviewed were often reluctant to endorse recourse-seeking on the part of the woman unless the violence was both frequent and severe. While frequent and severe IPV was seen as warranting recourse-seeking, infrequent or less severe IPV was normalized and seen as a private family issue. For less severe IPV, men felt that women could potentially engage in recourse such as running or hiding from a husband to avoid instances of IPV. Only when IPV was happening multiple times per week and was severe enough to warrant medical treatment was recourse such as approaching family or neighbors for help, notifying authorities, and petitioning for divorce seen as appropriate. Interventions with men are needed to support recourse-seeking for women and to reduce IPV in Vietnam.

Describing Intimate partner violence against ever-partnered women in Europe and perpetrator’s characteristics. Results from the Violence against women EU-wide survey

Abstract Available data on intimate partner violence (IPV) are derived from asynchronous and heterogeneous studies. Definition of IPV varies, is often partial, and only a limited number of potential determinants are considered. The Violence against women survey collected data consistently and simultaneously on all dimensions of IPV. Women were also asked about the perpetrator's characteristics. The present study aims to describe prevalence of physical, sexual and psychological IPV against European women, and reported perpetrator's characteristics. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with randomly selected women aged between 18 and 74, by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. IPV was defined by a positive answer to at least one question about violence perpetrated by current or ex-partner. Among the 40357 ever-partnered women, lifetime prevalence of overall IPV was 51.7% (95%CI 51.2-52.2). Prevalence of physical, sexual and psychological IPV were respectively 20.0% (19.6-20.4), 8.4% (8.2-8.7) and 48.5% (48.1-49.0). Partners' or ex-partners characteristics associated with IPV perpetration included: lower education level, unemployment or staying at home, earning less than the woman, a relationship lasting between 1 to 10 years, high frequency of drunkenness, and perpetration of other type of violence. Lifetime prevalence of IPV in EU is high and likely to be underestimated. Specific trajectories and profiles of perpetrators should be characterized to ground the interventions. The risk of underreporting violence should be addressed as it jeopardizes the efficacy of interventions for prevention. They may be undifferentiated and differentiated, targeted and time-sensitive, respectively dedicated to general audience and high-risk populations.

Muslim refugee women’s perspectives on intimate partner violence

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a recognized public health problem, and despite clear practice recommendations from service providers to recognize diverse cultural perspectives when addressing IPV, the narratives of Muslim refugee women are missing in our professional literature. The objectives of this qualitative exploratory research project are to (a) document the narratives of Muslim refugee women on IPV, and (b) identify the barriers that stop refugee women from accessing culturally appropriate services. Through in-depth interviews, the compelling narratives of 16 refugee women illuminated their perceptions of IPV. Our methodology was based on participatory action research (PAR), whereby participants have an active role in shaping research questions as well as in the analysis and verification of research findings. The three major themes that emerged were: (a) participants’ definition of IPV, (b) cultural perspectives on IPV, and (c) barriers and strategic resources needed to support refugee families. We also provide recommendations for professionals working with this population.

Validación de la versión corta del Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) en población general

ObjectiveTo perform a concurrent validation of the short version of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST), used to detect intimate partner violence, estimating the validity indexes in the general population. MethodThe information source was the third Intimate partner violence survey in the Region of Madrid (Spain) conducted on women aged 18-70 in 2014. As the gold standard we used the definition of intimate partner violence based on a 26- question survey. The short version of WAST includes two questions with three possible answers. The prevalence of intimate partner violence and the validity indexes were calculated and compared according to two scoring criteria with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). ResultsThe response rate was 60.0%, and 2979 surveys were analysed. The prevalence of intimate partner violence was 7.6% (95%CI: 6.6-8.5). We showed 21.1% (95%CI: 19.6-22.5) positive test results according to WAST criterion 1 and 11.0% (95%CI: 9.9-12.1) according to criterion 2. Criterion 2 presented higher overall efficiency of the test (81.5% [95%CI: 80.1-82.9] criterion 1 vs. 88.8% [95%CI: 87.7-89.9] criterion 2). The best indexes were obtained in women ≥30 years old. ConclusionsThe short version of the WAST showed acceptable validity indexes for use as a screening tool of intimate partner violence in the general population. We recommend using scoring criterion 2 to estimate prevalence of intimate partner violence in surveys on the general population.

Meaning Attribution to Intimate Partner Violence by Counselors Who Support Women With Intimate Partner Violence Experiences in Greece.

The present study refers to the meaning attributed to intimate partner violence by counselors supporting women who have experienced abuse and seek for help. The main focus of the study is the investigation of the effect of the counselors' work experience in changing the meaning of intimate partner violence. The research involved 10 counselors working in social services (counseling centers and shelter services), in Greece, who support women who have suffered intimate partner violence in their relationships. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and their analysis followed the interpretative phenomenological method. The qualitative analysis of the interviews showed that the counselors' work experience broadens the meaning of intimate partner violence. The broadened definition of intimate partner violence seems to affect simultaneously the counselors' sense of (their) vulnerability to violence.

Estimating the Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in Mainland China – Insights and Challenges

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been the subject of inquiry by scholars and governments, the latter being required by International Conventions and explicitly supported in National Plans in select jurisdictions to undertake this type of research. While establishing the prevalence of IPV has been a priority globally for some time now, there has been relatively little focus on estimating the prevalence of IPV in Mainland China until recently. This article presents the findings of a scoping review of literature examining the prevalence of IPV in China. The scoping process located only 14 peer-reviewed articles written in English and 12 in Chinese-language journals published between 1997 and 2016 meeting the inclusion criteria set for the review. The results of the scoping review indicate that in China, the lifetime prevalence of victimization of IPV reported in the general population is within a range of 17.4 to 24.5% for psychological violence, 2.5 to 5.5% for physical violence, and 0.3 to 1.7% for sexual violence using national survey data. The prevalence of IPV in China can also be estimated from research data sets focusing on specific population groups. However, the methodologies used in such studies vary considerably making comparison of results difficult. As well as providing insight into the prevalence of IPV in China, this article identifies the challenges in estimating prevalence and presents contextual factors particular to China. Directions for future research to develop a culturally specific definition of IPV and identify IPV in non-married couples are also suggested.

Mental health in girls and boys exposed to intimate partner violence.

Children of abused women have a greater risk of mental health problems. This study assesses the association between women's exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and the mental health of their children in the population of the Madrid Region. Cross-sectional. Data were drawn from the '2014 Survey on Intimate Partner Violence against Women in the Madrid Region'. Women meeting the definition of IPV answered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) on the mental health of one of their children aged 4-16 years. The comparison group was made up of mother-child dyads that had not been exposed to IPV. We used multivariate analysis to assess whether the children of abused women had a greater probability of having higher SDQ subscale and total scores. A total of 209 mother-child dyads were analyzed, 64 exposed (50% boys) and 145 unexposed to IPV (51% boys). Exposure to IPV was associated with a high SDQ score (greater risk of mental health problems), with a prevalence ratio of 3.6 (95% CI 1.2-10.3) in girls and 2.4 (95% CI 1.1-5.1) in boys. Among girls, moreover, exposure to IPV was significantly associated with behavioral and inattention/hyperactivity problems. In conclusion, exposure to IPV was associated with an increased frequency of mental health problems among children in general, and girls in particular. This study reinforces the recommendations to conduct studies with data disaggregated by sex and to address the impact of IPV in mothers and children jointly.

Intimate Partner Violence: An Overview of the Existing Theories, Conceptual Frameworks, and Definitions

Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), also known as domestic violence, spousal abuse, and relationship violence, among other names, is becoming a widely recognized social and public health problem. Theory and practice suggest it is vital that the issue be addressed comprehensively in both the healthcare and socio-legal contexts. The theoretical perspectives underlying inquiries into the nature and etiology of the IPV phenomenon are of fundamental importance in promoting our understanding of how to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the problem. In order to integrate various aspects of knowledge about the phenomenon, it is important to consider and evaluate the approaches to IPV currently prevalent in the field. Objectives: The present article aims to provide a critical overview of the existing theories, methodological frameworks, typologies, and definitions of Intimate Partner Violence. Design: The present paper reviews the international literature on the conceptual frameworks and definitions of IPV. First, it draws on the conceptual frameworks of violence; it then reviews relevant theories and definitions of IPV considered from sociocultural, individual, and integrative perspectives. The disparities, limitations, and explanatory powers of these theories, as well as their clinical and research applications, are discussed in an attempt to bring more clarity into the current state of understanding in the field. Results and Conclusions: Our review suggests that there is no universally accepted definition of IPV, nor a conceptual framework that would encompass the complexity of the phenomenon. Some of the theoretical frameworks for studying IPV appear to provide potential advantages over others, but their empirical viability has yet to be determined. We argue that, due to the complex multifaceted nature of IPV, a narrow theoretical stance might exclude a variety of exploratory factors and limit understanding of the phenomenon.

Adding Insult to Injury: Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Juror Decision-Making in a Case of Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACTSocietal definitions of intimate partner violence (IPV) are highly gendered and heteronormative, resulting in dissonance regarding cases of same-sex IPV. This study explored perceptions of IPV when the context of the case is inconsistent with societal norms regarding sex and sexuality. Mock jurors read a vignette describing a case of alleged IPV in which the sex and sexual orientation of the defendant were manipulated. Participants (N = 415) rendered a verdict and provided ratings of the defendant, victim, and case. Results suggest participants were more confident in a guilty verdict when the defendant was male, compared to female. Further, male defendants were perceived as more morally responsible, but only when the victim was female. Perceptions regarding the crime suggest violence perpetrated by a man against a woman is viewed more adversely than any other condition. Data are discussed in terms of implications for legal decision-makers and public policy.

Intimate partner stalking: Contributions to PTSD symptomatology among a national sample of women veterans.

Women veterans are at high risk for intimate partner violence (IPV), which has previously been defined as psychological, physical, or sexual violence from an intimate partner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently added stalking to its uniform definition of IPV, but little is known about the occurrence of stalking victimization among women veterans who experience IPV, its overlap with other forms of IPV, and its contribution to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology among this population. Lifetime intimate partner stalking, as well as physical, sexual, and psychological IPV, was assessed as part of a larger study of women veterans who completed a 2014 Web-based survey (75% participation rate). Women with a history of IPV or stalking (55%, n = 225) completed the PTSD Checklist-5 to assess PTSD symptoms related to IPV and items assessing military sexual trauma and combat exposure. Among 225 women veterans with a history of IPV, approximately 64% (n = 145) reported lifetime stalking by an intimate partner. Women who experienced both stalking and other forms of IPV were 4.2 times more likely to experience probable PTSD than were women who experienced IPV without stalking, odds ratio (OR) = 4.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.91, 9.13]. After adjusting for military sexual trauma and lifetime sum of other types of IPV, women who experienced partner stalking remained 2.5 times more likely than women without a history of partner stalking to experience probable PTSD, OR = 2.49, 95% CI [1.07, 5.78]. Stalking from an intimate partner is a common form of IPV experienced by women veterans that strongly contributes to risk for probable PTSD. In addition to other forms of IPV, identification and treatment efforts should attend to stalking victimization among this rapidly growing population. (PsycINFO Database Record

Evaluation of a two-question screening tool in the detection of intimate partner violence in a primary healthcare setting in South Africa

Introduction: Intimate partner violence has been recognised globally as a human rights violation. It is universally under-diagnosed and the institution of timeous multi-faceted interventions has been noted to benefit intimate partner violence victims. Currently the concept of using a screening tool to detect intimate partner violence has not been widely explored in a primary healthcare setting in South Africa, and for this reason the current study was undertaken. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the operating characteristics of a two-question screening tool for intimate partner violence (Women Abuse Screening Tool–short); and (2) to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among women attending an outpatient department, using a validated questionnaire (Women Abuse Screening Tool). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted prospectively at the outpatient department of a primary care hospital, with systematic sampling of one in eight women over a period of three months. Participants were asked about their experience of intimate partner violence during the past 12 months. The Women Abuse Screening Tool–short was used to screen patients for intimate partner violence. To verify the result of the screening, women were also asked the remaining questions from the full Women Abuse Screening Tool. Results: Data were collected from 400 participants, with a response rate of 99.3%. Based on the results for the Women Abuse Screening Tool, the prevalence of intimate partner violence in the sample was 32%. The Women Abuse Screening Tool–short was shown to have a sensitivity of 45.2% and specificity of 98%. Conclusion: With its high prevalence, intimate partner violence is a health problem at this facility. The Women Abuse Screening Tool–short lacks sufficient sensitivity and therefore is not an ideal screening tool for this primary care ambulatory setting. The low sensitivity can be attributed to the participants’ understanding of the screening questions, which utilise Eurocentric definitions of intimate partner violence. Improvement in the sensitivity of the Women Abuse Screening Tool–short in this setting may be achieved by lowering the threshold for a positive result.

Conceptualization of Intimate Partner Violence: Exploring Gender Differences Using Concept Mapping

While numerous studies have explored prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV), one area that has yet to be sufficiently explored is whether men and women agree on the acts, behaviours, and attitudes that comprise IPV. Through the use of concept mapping, we examined the similarities and differences in the conceptualization of IPV among a diverse sample of men and women. Although men and women conceptualized physical and sexual violence similarly, men tended to rate non-physical behaviors related to control as less important to the definition of IPV than women. Moreover, even when men and women used similar labeling language for grouping of items, the statements included in each cluster were substantially different for non-physically abusive items. A greater understanding of similarities and differences in the conceptualization of IPV by gender can help inform appropriate gender specific IPV intervention and prevention efforts.