Intimate Partner Perpetration Research Articles

Experienced Versus Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence and Psychological Maladjustment: The Role of Adaptive and Avoidant Coping.

The present questionnaire study explores the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV), coping strategies, and psychological maladjustment for both female and male college students, as well as considering the effects of perpetrated IPV. College students are at risk for experiencing and perpetrating IPV, and coping skills may act as important risk and protective factors. In total, 333 (247 women, 86 men) undergraduate college students completed an online survey for research participation credit. Perpetrated intimate partner verbal aggression and experienced and perpetrated relationship violence were significantly correlated with somatization and depression, while for women, perpetrated verbal aggression was significantly correlated with somatization, depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms. Experienced verbal aggression was significantly correlated with depression for women, while perpetrated verbal aggression was significantly correlated with anxiety for men. Path analyses with bootstrapped mediation tests found that, for men, the relationships between experienced violence and somatization and depression were significantly mediated by avoidant coping, while for women, the relationships between perpetrated verbal aggression and somatization, depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms were significantly mediated by avoidant coping. Findings suggest that, particularly for women, the use of avoidant coping behaviors may exacerbate cycles of victimization by and perpetration of IPV that, in turn, lead to greater psychological distress. The present findings suggest that interventions to reduce IPV should put greater emphasis on the teaching of adaptive coping skills in couple relationships to help reduce the impulse to perpetrate violence, on top of coping skills to deal with experienced violence.

Factors reported by the participants in group therapy for intimate partner perpetrators as helping

Little is known about the factors that facilitate change in interventions designed for intimate partner perpetrators. This qualitative study examined factors perpetrators in a voluntary-based batterer programme had experienced as having helped them reduce their intimate partner violence. The data were drawn from video-recorded group meetings. The data comprised recordings of 30 videotaped weekly group sessions held over a two-year period. The data were analysed by data-driven content analysis. We also examined which of the participants – facilitators or perpetrators – initiated discussion on factors helpful in reducing intimate partner violence Multiple factors that perpetrators had found useful in reducing their violent behaviours were found: New skills, Changes in attitudes and ways of thinking, Receiving peer support in the group, and Increased personal well-being and functioning. These factors might be connected as part of a process of critical self-reflection which was enabled through reduced feelings of shame and increased empathy. These discussions began at the initiative of the facilitator or group members, by sharing the experiences of another group member, or by open-ended questions from group members to others.

Characteristics and Impacts of Sexual Violence and Stalking Victimization by the Same Perpetrator Using a Nationally Representative Sample

ABSTRACT Authors examine prevalence of sexual violence and stalking victimization by the same perpetrator, reporting perpetrator types, intimate partner context and impacts for this combination of victimization. Data are from the 2010–2012 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a nationally representative adult telephone survey. Analyses examined the characteristics of the victimization, presence of other intimate partner violence by the same perpetrator, and victim impacts (e.g., injury). An estimated 8.1% (9.8 million) of women and 1.6% (1.9 million) of men in the United States were stalked and sexually victimized by the same perpetrator, most often an intimate partner. Over 90% of female and male victims experienced sexual violence, stalking, psychological aggression, and physical violence by the same intimate partner perpetrator. Impacts of both intimate partner and non-intimate partner perpetrated victimization were most commonly fearfulness, concern for safety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Sexual violence combined with stalking is common in the context of intimate partner violence. Early prevention efforts (i.e., in youth) addressing the context of intimate partner violence may be helpful in reducing these forms of violence and their impacts.

Reflections on a DCoP funded study. Survivors stories: Experiences of female perpetrated intimate partner violence and help-seeking for mid-life and older male survivors

Reflections on a DCoP funded study. Survivors stories: Experiences of female perpetrated intimate partner violence and help-seeking for mid-life and older male survivors

Survivors stories: Experiences of female perpetrated intimate partner abuse and help-seeking for mid-life and older male survivors

Purpose:This paper explores experiences of intimate partner violence and support that was received among midlife and older male survivors. The objectives were to identify risk factors, barriers to help seeking and to promote the need for trauma focused care and inclusivity in service provision.Methods:Although 12 mid-life to older men from across the UK were interviewed individually about their experiences of surviving female perpetrated intimate partner violence, this paper focuses upon the experiences of one participant. A narrative method was used to analyse the data.Results/Finding:The narrative analysis of one participant is presented and implications discussed. Male survivors are often disbelieved by professionals and automatically assumed to be the perpetrator of IPV. This is echoed in limited service provision which increases the risk of homelessness, mental health problems and isolation.Conclusions:Counselling Psychologists will benefit from considering their own biases, including questions about IPV in all assessments that they undertake and educating service providers about the need for support.

The degendering of male perpetrated intimate partner violence against female partners in Ontario family law courts

ABSTRACT In this paper, we conducted a critical community-engaged Ontario family law case review of 46 cases from 2019 where intimate partner violence was identified. We explored the extent to which judges identified and addressed intimate partner violence and whether the gender of judges impacted on trial outcomes and judges’ parental assessments. We found that judges de-gendered the language of violence, which impacted trial outcomes (e.g., more rulings of unsupervised access for fathers despite them having been violent) and a mutualisation of responsibility by referring to the violence as ‘conflict.’ We also found that male judges were more likely to negatively assess the mothers as both parents and witnesses. We call for more research that explores whether the changes to the Canadian federal Divorce Act (which includes ‘family violence’) will have an impact on the manner in which intimate partner violence is identified and/or referred to by family law judges, and if and how this influences the weighting of salient outcomes in Ontario family court cases.

New Perspectives on Risk Factors for Non-fatal Strangulation and Post-assault Imaging.

Strangulation has long been associated with death in the context of sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV). Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) during sexual assault, which refers to strangulation or choking that does not result in death, is common and has been associated with IPV and with bodily injury; however, other factors associated with NFS are unknown. The current study examined demographic and sexual assault characteristics associated with NFS among women who received a sexual assault medical forensic exam (SAMFE). A second purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with receiving follow-up imaging orders after NFS was identified during a SAMFE. Participants (N = 882) ranged in age from 18 to 81 (M = 28.85), with the majority identifying as non-Hispanic White (70.4%) or Black/African American (23.4%). A total of 75 women (8.5%) experienced NFS during the sexual assault. Of these, only 13 (17.3%) received follow-up imaging orders for relevant scans. Results from a logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NFS was positively associated with report of anal penetration, intimate partner perpetration, non-genital injury, and weapon use during the assault. Results from chi-square analysis showed that among sexual assaults involving women who experienced NFS, those whose assaults involved weapon use were over four times more likely to receive imaging orders compared to assaults without weapon use. These findings have implications for criminal justice, and if incorporated into danger assessments, could potentially reduce fatalities linked to sexual assault and/or IPV. Additional work is needed to ensure that all assaults with NFS trigger a referral for imaging regardless of other assault characteristics.

The Role of Sex on Officer Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence: An Empirical Analysis of Mechanisms of Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is serious social concern and is often perpetrated by police officers. Research suggests that 20–40% of police families experience IPV. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of an officer’s sex plays in IPV perpetration using measures that can be utilized for Social Learning Theory, General Strain Theory, or Social Bond Theory. The Police Stress and Domestic Violence in Police Families in Baltimore, Maryland 1997–1999 data were utilized in the study. This study utilized three different logistic regression models to examine IPV perpetration among all officers, male officers only, and female officers only. By doing this, the mechanisms for which IPV perpetration occurs among male and female officers are further understood. The results of the study suggest the mechanisms for which officers perpetrate IPV differ for male and female officers.

Gender Differences in Sense of Entitlement and Dating Abuse Perpetration

Abstract This article explores sense of entitlement as a motivating factor for intimate partner perpetration among men and women in college dating relationships. This article explores gender, sense...

'Small small quarrels bring about happiness or love in the relationships': Exploring community perceptions and gendered norms contributing to male perpetrated intimate partner violence in the Central Region of Ghana.

In this paper, we explore gender norms held by men and women that might contribute to male perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ghana. This qualitative research was conducted at the pre-intervention stage of a cluster randomized controlled trial. Our intervention uses community-based action teams to change social norms on gender and violence. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted within communities. We found that male perpetrated IPV is a common phenomenon within the study communities, yet it is complex and experienced differently depending on the context. A woman’s non-compliance with gender norms provided context for the male partner to enforce societal conformity through IPV. Also, male partners’ misbehavior (e.g. alcohol abuse) may exacerbate IPV. Whereas the former is socially acceptable, the latter may be contested. Victims may challenge/counteract IPV using varying tactics (e.g. threats), which were mainly directed toward male partners’ immoral behavior. We conclude that there is a need to assess IPV with key considerations for female agency, as some victims may respond with violence. Moreover, some communities have the tendency to demonstrate more gender-equitable attitudes regarding male perpetration of IPV, as indicated by laws instituted by some traditional leaders to deter perpetrators. These are key learnings that can inform the design and delivery of various interventions that seek to address IPV.

Lifetime Number of Perpetrators and Victim-Offender Relationship Status Per U.S. Victim of Intimate Partner, Sexual Violence, or Stalking.

The aim of this study was to describe the U.S. population-level prevalence of multiple perpetrator types (intimate partner, acquaintance, stranger, person of authority, or family member) per victim and to describe the prevalence of victim-offender relationship status combinations. Authors analyzed U.S. nationally representative data from noninstitutionalized adult respondents with self-reported lifetime exposure to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking in the 2012 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS). An estimated 142 million U.S. adults had some lifetime exposure to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking. An estimated 55 million victims (39% of total victims) had more than one perpetrator type during their lifetimes. A significantly higher proportion of female victims reported more than one perpetrator type compared with male victims (49% vs. 27%). Among both female and male victims with >1 perpetrator type, the most prevalent victim-offender relationship status combinations all included an intimate partner perpetrator. Many victims of interpersonal violence are subject to multiple perpetrator types during their lifetimes. Prevention strategies that address polyvictimization and protect victims from additional perpetrators can have a substantial and beneficial societal impact. Research on victim experiences to inform prevention strategies is strengthened by comprehensively accounting for lifetime victimizations.

Can Attention and Working Memory Impairments of Intimate Partner Perpetrators Explain Their Risky Decision Making?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators commonly exhibit deficits in a wide range of cognitive domains, such as attention, memory, and executive functions. Executive dysfunctions tend to be related to a preference for disadvantageous decisions, which could be explained by a pattern of focusing on positive outcomes (gains) while disregarding negative ones. Nonetheless, it is less clear whether risk-taking and decision-making problems should be attributed to motivational and/or emotional causes or to cognitive deficits in attention and/or working memory. The main goal of the present study was to examine whether IPV perpetrators can be distinguished from non-violent controls based on their performance on attention, working memory, and decision-making tests from a computerized battery of tests. In addition, this study investigated the potential relationship between attention and working memory impairments in the decision-making abilities of IPV perpetrators. Our data indicated that IPV perpetrators perform worse than controls on measures of attention and sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, spatial span, and decision making. Moreover, IPV perpetrators' preference for disadvantageous and risky decisions could be partially explained by attention and working memory impairments. Our study has enabled us to explore the cognitive deficits underlying IPV perpetration as key factors in reducing IPV risky decisions. Moreover, it reinforces the need to develop specific neuropsychological training in the attention-switching ability in general and working memory, which could lead to improvements in decision-making processes or other executive functions.

Rape-Related Pregnancy and Association With Reproductive Coercion in the U.S.

Rape-related pregnancy is a public health problem where sexual violence and reproductive health intersect; yet, there is a dearth of research to inform public health practice. The authors examined the prevalence and characteristics of rape-related pregnancy in U.S. women and its association with intimate partner reproductive coercion. Data years 2010-2012 are pooled from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a telephone survey of U.S. adults. Accounting for complex survey design, in 2017, authors estimated the prevalence of vaginal rape-related pregnancy for U.S. women overall and by race/ethnicity. The authors also examined the proportion of rape-related pregnancy among victims of vaginal rape overall, by perpetrator type and by presence of reproductive coercion in the context of intimate partner rape. Almost 2.9 million U.S. women (2.4%) experienced rape-related pregnancy during their lifetime. Among rape victims, 77.3% reported a current/former intimate partner perpetrator, and 26.2% of intimate partner rape victims reported rape-related pregnancy compared with those raped by an acquaintance (5.2%) or stranger (6.9%). Women raped by an intimate partner and reporting rape-related pregnancy were significantly more likely to have experienced reproductive coercion compared with women who were raped by an intimate partner but did not become pregnant. This paper reports the first national prevalence of rape-related pregnancy by any perpetrator in two decades. The high proportion of rape-related pregnancy committed by intimate partner perpetrators and its association with reproductive coercion suggest the need for primary prevention of intimate partner violence and access to trauma-informed reproductive health services for rape/intimate partner violence victims.

Short-term Lost Productivity per Victim: Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking

The purpose of this study is to estimate victims' lifetime short-term lost productivity because of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking. U.S. nationally representative data from the 2012 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey were used to estimate a regression-adjusted average per victim (female and male) and total population number of cumulative short-term lost work and school days (or lost productivity) because of victimizations over victims' lifetimes. Victims' lost productivity was valued using a U.S. daily production estimate. Analysis was conducted in 2017. Non-institutionalized adults with some lifetime exposure to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking (n=6,718 respondents; survey-weighted n=130,795,789) reported nearly 741 million lost productive days because of victimizations by an average of 2.5 perpetrators per victim. The adjusted per victim average was 4.9 (95% CI=3.9, 5.9) days, controlling for victim, perpetrator, and violence type factors. The estimated societal cost of this short-term lost productivity was $730 per victim, or $110 billion across the lifetimes of all victims (2016 USD). Factors associated with victims having a higher number of lost days included a higher number of perpetrators and being female, as well as sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking victimization by an intimate partner perpetrator, stalking victimization by an acquaintance perpetrator, and sexual violence or stalking victimization by a family member perpetrator. Short-term lost productivity represents a minimum economic valuation of the immediate negative effects of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Victims' lost productivity affects family members, colleagues, and employers.

Cardiac Autonomic Function and Psychological Characteristics of Heterosexual Female Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Physical Aggression.

Intimate partner violence is predominantly viewed as a social problem of men’s violence against women. However, a growing evidence base suggests an equal prevalence rate for male and female perpetrated intimate partner physical aggression. Moreover, female perpetrated intimate partner violence is often assumed to be reactive, yet there is limited evidence to support this notion. In this article, we describe the results of two studies that investigated the prevalence of female perpetrated intimate partner physical aggression, and its correlates in heterosexual female university students. The relationships of personality traits, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability (a correlate of vagal activity) were compared between females who did and did not report having engaged in intimate partner physical aggression. In Study 1, we found that 30.9% of participants reported enacting intimate partner physical aggression during the preceding 12 months. This finding suggests that a considerable number of undergraduate females aggress against their intimate partners. Perpetrators, relative to nonperpetrators, scored higher on secondary psychopathic traits. In Study 2, female intimate partner violence was shown to be associated with low resting heart rate and high heart rate variability. Perpetrators, relative to nonperpetrators, scored higher on psychopathic traits that index emotional resilience and unempathic tendencies, and reported increased proactive and reactive aggression. This raises the possibility that some incidences of female intimate partner physical aggression represent proactive aggressive acts. These findings also support the frequently found association between low resting heart rate and aggression, but raise the prospect that the reported aggressive acts reflect high heart rate variability and strong parasympathetic nervous system activity.

Counting Dead Women in Australia: An In-Depth Case Review of Femicide

Gender-based fatal violence (femicide) is a preventable cause of premature death. The Counting Dead Women Australia (CDWA) campaign is a femicide census counting violent deaths of women in Australia from 2014. We conducted a cross-sectional in-depth review of CDWA cases Jan-Dec 2014 to establish evidence of antecedent factors and describe femicide in Australia. Victim (n = 81) and perpetrator (n = 83) data were extracted from the CDWA register, law databases and coronial reports. Mixed methods triangulation of socio-demographic and incident characteristics. Women ranged in age from 20 to 82 years of age (44 ± 15.4). There were 83 perpetrators, of which 13 were unknown (not yet apprehended). Known perpetrators (n = 70) ranged in age from 16 to 72 years of age (40 ± 12.7) and 89% were male (62/70). The location of the crime was most frequently the victim’s home (49/70). In cases where the relationship between the victim and perpetrator was known (n = 59), over half of femicides were committed by intimate-partners (33/59). Intimate-partner perpetrators were more likely to have a history of violence and commit murder-suicide than other perpetrators. Femicide is overwhelmingly perpetrated by males, with women most vulnerable in their own home and with their intimate partners. Furthermore, intimate-partner femicide is associated with modifiable risk factors, including previous violence and mental health issues, which represents opportunities for early intervention within healthcare settings as practitioners are well-placed to identify risk and provide support. In line with recommendations for multi-sectoral approach, future research should target identification of risk and protective factors, and improved coordination of data collection.

Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence in Ghana

This study bridges a knowledge gap in existing literature by investigating correlates of male perpetrated intimate partner violence in Ghana. Based on a review of literature, it was hypothesized that some sociodemographic factors would be associated with the experience of male perpetrated physical, psychological, and sexual intimate violence in Ghana. To examine this hypothesis, data were collected from a convenience but nonreferral sample of 443 women, using a structured instrument. Descriptive statistics showed that 27%, 62%, and 34% of the sample, respectively, had experienced past-year physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, using some 15 sociodemographic factors as predictors. The analyses showed that women in rural settings had 1.71 and 2.20 times the odds of experiencing psychological and physical violence, respectively; women who were younger than their husbands had 2.67 and 5.71 times the odds of experiencing psychological and sexual violence, respectively; women whose husbands were unemployed had 2.41 and 2.58 times the odds of experiencing psychological and physical violence, respectively; women whose husbands had nonmarital sexual partners had 2.10 and 2.33 times the odds of experiencing psychological and physical violence, respectively; women who rated their health as good had 2.10 and 2.39 times the odds of experiencing psychological and sexual violence, respectively; and women whose husbands did not appreciate them had 2.22 and 2.57 times the odds of experiencing physical and sexual violence, respectively. Low education and polygamous marriage were also related to psychological violence. Policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed.

The Mediating Effect of Adult Attachment on the Relation between Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Perpetration and Victimization in Thailand

The current study investigated the effects of exposure to abusive and supportive childhood experiences on intimate partner perpetration and victimization using adult attachment as a mediator. A sample of 1010 heterosexual adults completed measures of the Exposure to Abusive and Supportive Environments Parenting Inventory (EASE-PI), Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), Adult Attachment Questionnaire, and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). Structural equation modeling revealed that abusive childhood experiences affected perpetration and victimization directly and indirectly through anxiety over abandonment and avoidance of intimacy, supportive childhood experiences affected perpetration through anxiety over abandonment, and affected victimization through both anxiety over abandonment and avoidance of intimacy. The implications suggested a decrease in abusive childhood experiences and an increase in supportive childhood experiences are necessary to reduce IPV perpetration and victimization. s and industries. The study also investigates the effects of years of job tenure on gender wage gaps. The results demonstrate that, in both provinces, regardless of industry, the size of the organization proves significant in explaining gender wage gaps, while years of tenure are insignificant. this study showed that students who have learned through the E-book method achieve design efficiently better in their post-test scores than those in the traditional method. Students at the internal motivation level perform design efficiently better in their post-test scores than those at external motivation level. The E-book method proved to help students with external motivation in their post-test score motivation.

The Role of Dissociation in the Cycle of Violence

The primary aim of this study was to examine the role of dissociation in the relationship between child maltreatment and intimate partner violence among 148 inner city women. It was proposed that dissociation would be a mediator in the relationship between child maltreatment and intimate partner perpetration. Overall, the hypothesis was supported. Findings revealed that women with a history of child maltreatment who experienced high levels of dissociation were more likely to be perpetrators of intimate partner violence than those with low levels of dissociation.

“I Get Angry If He's Always Drinking and We Have No Money”: Exploring Motivations for Male and Female Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence in the Philippines

Our objective was to describe the context of and motivations for female and male perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) in Cebu, Philippines, using data from in-depth interviews with 19 married women. We found three categories of IPV motivations—self-defense or retaliation, reactivity, and control. Motivations differed by gender, with women acting out of self-defense more often and men acting out of control more often. Effective IPV prevention and treatment programs should take these gender differences into consideration. Moreover, it is important to look at how IPV occurs within relationships and how this may vary by context and by gender.