Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Research Articles

Hostile Masculinity, Male Peer Support for Violence, and Problematic Anger: Linking Childhood Abuse to Men's Partner Violence Perpetration.

Child abuse and masculinity have been linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. However, there is a lack of work examining multiple aspects of masculinity as links between early abuse experiences and men's IPV perpetration. Grounded in notions of gendered power and patriarchy, this study aimed to examine hostile masculinity, male peer support for violence against women, and problematic anger as aspects of masculinity connecting childhood victimization and men's violence against women. Structural equation modeling results demonstrated that childhood adversity was indirectly related to IPV perpetration via the proposed factors. However, various patterns emerged based on the type of childhood abuse experienced. Practice-based implications are offered.

Exposure to pornographic material and perpetration of intimate partner violence among young men in Mwanza Tanzania

Exposure to pornographic material and perpetration of intimate partner violence among young men in Mwanza Tanzania

The Uptake and Measurement of Alternative Approaches to Domestic Violence Intervention Programs: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review explores the breadth and depth to which Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (DVIPs) in the United States and globally: (a) incorporate components that address the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and social injustice, racism, economic inequality, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); (b) use restorative (RJ)/transformative justice (TJ) practices, individualized case management, partnerships with social justice actors, and strengths-based parenting training in current programming; and (c) measure effectiveness. In 2021, we searched 12 academic databases using a combination of search terms and Medical Subject Headings. In all, 27 articles that discussed at least one key concept relative to DVIP curricula were included in the final review. Findings suggest that very few DVIPs address ACEs and/or the relationship between structural violence, social inequality, and IPV perpetration. Even fewer programs use restorative practices including RJ or TJ. Furthermore, DVIPs use inconsistent methods and measures to evaluate effectiveness. To respond to IPV perpetration more effectively and create lasting change, DVIPs must adopt evidence-informed approaches that prioritize social and structural determinants of violence, trauma-informed care, and restoration.

Profiles of Intimate Partner Violence and Their Differential Association With Gender Hostility Among Men Seeking Help

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by men has been associated with men’s hostility toward women (HTW). However, no study that has examined HTW has considered every main form of IPV as well as the severity of the acts perpetrated. The purpose of the present study was to identify distinct profiles of IPV perpetration based on the severity of physical, psychological, and sexual IPV and coercive control acts and to examine potential differences in HTW between the resulting profiles in a sample of 969 men seeking help for anger management or domestic violence. In addition, given the association previously found between HTW and IPV perpetration in women, we also investigated whether hostility toward men (HTM) could also be linked to men’s profiles of IPV perpetration. The results of the latent profile analysis suggested four profiles of IPV perpetrators: minor psychological IPV and severe control, severe IPV and control, minor IPV and control, and no/minor psychological IPV. Results also indicated significant differences between the profiles in terms of both HTW and HTM. Specifically, greater HTW was observed among the profiles characterized by the highest proportion of physical IPV perpetration, whereas greater HTM was observed among the profiles characterized by the highest proportions of severe coercive IPV. Findings will contribute to guide intervention strategies tailored to these different subgroups of men.

Psychological Aggression in Couples Seeking Relationship Therapy: A Dyadic Analysis of Individual and Relational Risk Factors

Several studies have investigated the risk factors for the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) over the years. However, most research on IPV has focused on physical violence, limiting our understanding of psychological aggression. This study addressed this limitation by examining the relative contribution of several individual and relational risk factors (i.e., alcohol and cannabis use, relationship satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and attachment insecurities) with regard to the use of psychological aggression in both partners of couples reporting high relationship distress. The sample included 392 couples seeking relationship therapy. Couples were recruited by their therapist during the first therapy session and the partners completed the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, the abbreviated Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the abbreviated Experiences in Close Relationships, and the Psychological Symptoms Index. We conducted path analyses based on the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. When accounting for all factors in a single model, lower relationship satisfaction and higher attachment-related avoidance were associated with both partners’ higher use of psychological aggression. Cannabis use and harmful alcohol use were not associated with the individual’s own use of psychological aggression, but they were associated with their partner’s higher use of psychological aggression. Depressive symptoms and attachment anxiety were not significant predictors of psychological aggression. There were no gender differences in these associations. The findings of the present study suggest that several intrapersonal and interpersonal risk factors explain the use of psychological aggression in couples.

Violence in the Family of Origin, Mentalization, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social issue that has impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims. Exploring the mechanisms that intervene in the intergenerational transmission of violence from family of origin (VFO) to couple relationships can provide theoretical and clinical data. Drawing on the attachment theory and Fonagy’s mentalizing model, this article aims to explore the relationship between VFO and IPV perpetration and the mediating role of mentalization. A total of 531 Italian participants who were in a relationship (68.7% females; mean age = 28.1, standard deviation = 9.0) participated anonymously in the study by completing an online questionnaire. A direct association emerged between VFO and mentalization and between VFO and IPV. Furthermore, mentalization demonstrated a direct association with IPV. An indirect effect was also found between VFO and IPV with the mediation of mentalization. However, the indirect effect of VFO on IPV through mentalization was significant only in relation to psychological IPV, whereas it was not supported in relation to physical and sexual IPV. Although further research is needed across different populations, forms, and typologies of IPV, the preliminary results found the role of mentalization in psychological IPV, providing theoretical and clinical insights.

Scoping Review of Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Programs for Undergraduate College Students.

Recognizing that intimate partner violence (IPV) negatively affects college students' health and well-being, colleges offer preventive interventions to address these effects. However, scholarly evidence on this effort has been limited, such that we know little about the risk factors addressed, theoretical approaches, target outcomes, and other essential intervention characteristics. To address this gap, this study reviewed evidence-based IPV preventive interventions conducted in U.S. colleges reported in 25 peer-reviewed articles and dissertations published between 2010 and 2020. Findings showed that IPV preventive interventions for college students were designed to address multilevel risk factors of IPV, typically via bystander interventions and emerging skill-building interventions. Most IPV preventive interventions were theoretically driven primary preventions or a combination of primary and secondary preventions. Most studies of program outcomes focus on awareness of IPV and bystander roles, but 44% of the included articles measured participants' behavioral outcomes (e.g., actual bystander behavior, reaction to IPV disclosure, IPV screening behavior, social emotional skill use, or decreased rates of IPV perpetration) based on participants' use of skill-building components (e.g., bystander strategies, healthy relationship skills, conflict resolution, communication skills, empathy, and self-regulation). Student participants in the included studies were predominantly white (>60%) and only two studies included any Latinx students or students at historically Black colleges and universities. This review indicates that future IPV prevention practice, policy, and research must further define and explore how multilevel IPV prevention approaches can address the various systems level of needs among diverse student subpopulations.

The relationship between emotional intimate partner violence and other forms of violence: A metaanalytic review.

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) and different forms of violence (e.g., stalking perpetration and victimization, physical IPV perpetration and victimization, sexual IPV perpetration and victimization, and controlling behaviors) using a meta-analysis. Data from 188 studies, yielding 382 effect sizes, were used to compare the strength of correlates for IPV victimization versus perpetration, as well as gendered results. This meta-analysis found, in order of strength, controlling behaviors victimization, physical IPV victimization, physical IPV perpetration, sexual IPV victimization, stalking victimization, and sexual IPV perpetration were significantly associated with emotional IPV victimization. The meta-analysis also found, in order of strength, emotional IPV perpetration was positively associated with stalking perpetration, physical IPV perpetration, causing injury to a partner, controlling behaviors victimization, sexual IPV perpetration, physical IPV victimization, controlling behaviors perpetration, and sexual IPV victimization. This study found limited significant differences around gender, with physical IPV victimization approaching significance for emotional IPV perpetration for women. The current study highlights the implications associated with early assessment and intervention in cases of IPV.

Sleep Quality and Emotion Dysregulation as Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among College Students

College populations have an elevated risk of impaired sleep, with 60% of college students showing disturbed sleep patterns. Sleep disruption is associated with difficulty utilizing emotion regulation processes. When examined in experimental, laboratory-based paradigms and cross-sectional survey studies, sleep impairment and emotion dysregulation were associated with violence perpetration, including intimate partner violence (IPV). However, no studies have comprehensively measured IPV within a college population to examine how shared variance between sleep disruption and emotion dysregulation relates to IPV perpetration while controlling for known correlates such as alcohol use. The current study tested the hypothesis that impaired sleep is associated with emotion dysregulation and IPV. The data obtained from college students (N= 1,018) at two universities were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the shared variance between sleep disruption and emotion dysregulation positively related to physical and psychological IPV that did not vary by gender. The site of data collection affected the strength but not the direction of relationships between sleep disruption, emotion dysregulation, and physical and psychological violence. These novel results support the interpretation that sleep disruption and emotion regulation are potential points of prevention and intervention for IPV perpetration.

From childhood maltreatment to intimate partner violence perpetration: A prospective longitudinal examination of the roles of executive functioning and self-esteem

BackgroundPrevious research has found that childhood maltreatment predicts increased risk for violence and partner violence and there is some evidence for poorer executive functioning and low self-esteem. To date, there have been no longitudinal studies that have examined the extent to which executive functioning and self-esteem play a role in the relationship between child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. MethodsThis study aims to fill this gap by utilizing data from a prospective longitudinal study of children with documented court cases of abuse and neglect (ages 0–11 years) from a metropolitan county area in the Midwest (during the years 1967–1971) and demographically matched controls. Both maltreated individuals and matched controls were followed up and assessed over several waves of the study in young and middle adulthood. At mean age 39 years, inhibition and cognitive control were evaluated, while cognitive flexibility and nonverbal reasoning were assessed at mean age 41. Self-esteem was also assessed at mean age 41. Physical IPV perpetration was evaluated at age 47 using two different scoring strategies in separate models: the number of acts and variety of acts, ensuring avoidance of potential score skewness. ResultsChildhood maltreatment predicted lower executive functioning and self-esteem, and both independently predicted intimate partner violence perpetration. Lower executive functioning and self-esteem mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and physical IPV perpetration in midlife, irrespective of the scoring method. ConclusionFindings suggest that executive functioning and self-esteem play a role in the cycle of violence. Implications and suggestions for future directions are discussed.

Evaluating the Role of Goal Setting in Reducing Dropout for Men With and Without Substance Use Problems Attending a Court-Mandated Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrator Program

ABSTRACT High dropout rates, particularly among intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators with alcohol and other drug use problems (ADUPs), challenge IPV perpetrator programs’ effectiveness. This study sought to examine factors associated with goal setting, a motivational strategy to promote engagement, in a sample of IPV perpetrators (n = 285), including participants with ADUPs (n = 127) and investigated whether goal setting predicted lower dropout by adjusting for relevant variables. Results revealed goal setting could be an effective strategy to reduce dropout in IPV perpetrators and those with ADUPs and support the need to tailor interventions to participants’ needs to enhance effectiveness.

Associations Between Pornography Use Frequency and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Young Adult Couples: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study.

Pornography use is a common sexual activity for many individuals including those in a romantic relationship. Some studies have shown that violent content depicted in pornography is a risk factor for perpetration of violence in real life. Even if most of these studies examined perpetration of violent behaviors in general, not specifically toward the intimate partner, some studies have shown that pornography use frequency is related to a greater perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), while other studies have found that it is not significantly related. However, most previous studies were cross-sectional, sampled individuals rather than couples, and did not include separately forms of IPV (e.g., physical, psychological, and sexual). The present study examined the associations between pornography use frequency and the perpetration of physical and psychological IPV, and sexual coercion among young adult couples. A convenience sample of 113 couples aged between 16 and 29 years old completed self-reported online questionnaires two times over a 2-year period. The results of autoregressive cross-lagged models showed that a person's pornography use frequency at Time 1 was related to their own higher sexual coercion perpetration 2 years later and that a person's sexual coercion perpetration was related to their partner's lower pornography use frequency 2 years later. However, no significant association between pornography use frequency and physical and psychological IPV emerged. In line with previous studies, our results suggest that pornography use represents an important risk factor for the perpetration of sexual coercion. Findings support the need to include education around pornography use in sexual violence prevention programs to avoid that young adults reproduce pornographic scripts in their sexuality.

The impact of childhood adversity on female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence in young adulthood

AbstractPurposeA common conception of intimate partner violence (IPV) is that women rarely use violence against romantic partners, and when they do, this is usually in self‐defence. However, evidence demonstrates that women perpetrate IPV at least as frequently as men, particularly in young adult populations. Despite this, there is still a significant lack of research focusing on women's IPV perpetration, particularly in determining risk markers. The unique relationship between adversity in childhood and IPV perpetration has been recognized in males and it is thought that this relationship may be even more marked in females. The present study aimed to investigate this relationship to see whether experiencing increasing numbers of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) would be associated with higher incidence of female‐perpetrated IPV.MethodsExposure to ACEs and frequency of IPV perpetration was measured through an online survey of young adult females from the general population.ResultsRegression analysis revealed that ACEs did significantly predict the frequency of IPV perpetrated by females. The results showed that the more adversity a female has experienced in childhood, the greater their risk of IPV perpetration in young adulthood.ConclusionsIt is suggested that this relationship potentially exists because adversity in childhood impacts the individual's attachments and processing of social environments, thus resulting in dysfunctional, violent responses to relationship dilemmas throughout life. These results stress the importance of tailoring treatment strategies for female perpetrators to address potential childhood adversity in which their violence may be rooted.

Managing the risk of repeated violence against the intimate partner in probation service: Review of the practice in Lithuania and foreign countries

According to official statistical data, each year a large number of the perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) is under the supervision of Lithuanian probation service (LPS). This article analyses evidence-based measures applied for the management of the risk of repeated IPV, as well as Lithuanian and foreign practice of organising correctional work with the perpetrators of IPV. Analysis of recent practice shows that, compared to foreign countries, correctional work with this group of offenders in Lithuania often does not correspond to the principles of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model and does not address the heterogeneity of this specific group. Taking into account the good practice of foreign countries and the Lithuanian context, several suggestions are made to improve correctional work with this specific group: revising individual assessment procedures, preparing differentiated protocols for service provision, and adapting the means available at LPS for correctional work with IPV perpetrators.

Examining the role of firearm involvement in repeat intimate partner violence assaults

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive and complex issue with significant social and public health implications. The nexus of firearms and intimate partner violence (IPV) is an especially dangerous one. However, little is known about how firearm involvement can influence the risk of repeat IPV assaults.MethodsWe use data from 346 male perpetrated IPV incidents reported to the Detroit Police Department between December 2016 and April 2017 to examine the role of firearm involvement in IPV recidivism during a 5 and half year follow up period. Employing a conditional gap-time frailty model that accommodates heterogeneity among individuals through a frailty term, we analyze time to multiple IPV assaults that occur over the follow up period. We identify various pathways through which firearms impact the likelihood of subsequent IPV incidents, including intimidation, threats, and use of firearms, while controlling for observable perpetrator characteristics to understand the explicit roles of firearms.ResultsFirearm involvement at the index assault was not associated with IPV recidivism. However, involvement of firearms in past IPV assaults significantly increased the risk of subsequent physical IPV. The discrepancy is likely arising from a high degree of censoring among individuals who were armed with a firearm during the index assault.ConclusionOur research reveals a nuanced relationship between firearm involvement and IPV recidivism, shedding light on the multifaceted dynamics at play. By elucidating the intricate dynamics at the intersection of firearms and intimate partner violence, our study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions and preventative measures aimed at reducing IPV recidivism.

Same-Day and Next-Day Associations Between Relational Factors and Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adult Couples.

The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is high, with young adults at increased risk. IPV is largely understood as a dyadic process, as it involves both partners and is inherently influenced by the behaviors of both partners. The objective of this study was to examine the proximal influence of relationship satisfaction and conflict on same-day and nextday IPV perpetration among young adult couples. This study used data from young adult couples (N = 172) who completed a 60-day daily-diary design. The Actor Partner Interdependence Model was used to examine whether within- and between-person levels of relationship satisfaction and conflict were associated with same-day and next-day IPV perpetration. Results suggest that high levels of one's own and one's partner's relationship satisfaction was associated with low levels of same-day and next-day psychological IPV. For women, but not men, high levels in their own and their partner's relationship satisfaction were associated with low levels in same-day physical IPV perpetration. Conversely, high levels in one's own and their partner's conflict was associated with high levels of same-day psychological IPV perpetration. For women, but not men, high levels in their partner's conflict were associated with high levels of same-day physical IPV perpetration. Results suggest that relationship dissatisfaction and conflict may be proximal risk factors for IPV perpetration, particularly psychological IPV perpetration, implying these factors may be effective targets for prevention and intervention.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a transdiagnostic intervention for alcohol misuse and psychological distress in humanitarian settings: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in Uganda

BackgroundThe war in South Sudan has displaced more than four million people, with Uganda hosting the largest number of South Sudanese refugees. Research in Uganda has shown elevated levels of alcohol misuse and psychological distress among these refugees. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a trans-diagnostic scalable psychological intervention called Problem Management Plus (PM +) to reduce psychological distress among populations exposed to adversities. Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the CHANGE intervention, which builds on PM + , to also address alcohol misuse through problem-solving therapy and selected behavioural strategies for dealing with alcohol use disorders. We hypothesise that the CHANGE intervention together with enhanced usual care (EUC) will be superior to EUC alone in increasing the percentage of days abstinent.MethodsA parallel-arm individually randomised controlled trial will be conducted in the Rhino Camp and Imvepi settlements in Uganda. Five hundred adult male South Sudanese refugees with (i) elevated levels of alcohol use (between 8 and 20 on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test [AUDIT]); and (ii) psychological distress (> 16 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) will be randomly assigned 1:1 to EUC or CHANGE and EUC. CHANGE will be delivered by lay healthcare providers over 6 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at 3 and 12 months post-randomisation. The primary outcome is the percentage of days abstinent, measured by the timeline follow-back measure at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include percentage of days abstinent at 12 months and alcohol misuse (measured by the AUDIT), psychological distress (i.e. depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder), functional disability, perpetration of intimate partner violence, and health economic indicators at 3 and 12 months. A mixed-methods process evaluation will investigate competency, dose, fidelity, feasibility, and acceptability. Primary analyses will be intention-to-treat.DiscussionCHANGE aims to address alcohol misuse and psychological distress with male refugees in a humanitarian setting. If it is proven to be effective, it can help fill an important under-researched gap in humanitarian service delivery.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN10360385. Registered on 30 January 2023.

Women’s Life Strains, Race/Ethnicity, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

While women manifest high rates of Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, they may perpetrate violence and levels vary by race/ethnicity. Drawing on racial/ethnic extensions of General Strain Theory (GST), I examine IPV perpetration among Black, Latina, and White women using the Add Health data. I found that life strains, especially financial problems and prior IPV victimization, were associated with IPV perpetration among all women supporting the main argument of GST. Anger was significant for White and Latina women though there was limited evidence for emotion mediation. I found racial/ethnic differences in the experience of strain and the impact of some strains on IPV perpetration which provides support for the racial/ethnic extensions of GST in understanding IPV perpetration.

Health care utilization, mental disorders and behavioural disorders among perpetrators of intimate partner homicide in 2000-2016: A registry-based case-control study from Sweden.

Little is known about intimate partner homicide (IPH) perpetrator´s healthcare contacts and mental health problems before the killing. The aim was to compare male and female IPH perpetrators with matched controls from the general population by analysing differences in healthcare utilization and mental and behavioural disorders. This study includes 48 males and 10 females who perpetrated IPH between 2000 and 2016 in the Västra Götaland Region of Sweden. Controls (n = 458) were randomly selected from the general population and matched for sex, birth year and residential area. Data were retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Western Swedish Healthcare Register. Mental and behavioural disorders were classified according to ICD-10 (F00-F99). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for differences in health care utilization and mental and behavioural disorders. Compared to their controls, male perpetrators had more registered contacts with primary care ≤ 30 (p = < .001) and ≤ 365 days (p = .019), respectively, before the homicide; with specialist outpatient care ≤ 30 (p = < .001) and ≤ 365 days (p = < .001), respectively, before the homicide: and with inpatient care ≤ 30 (p = < .001) and ≤ 365 days (p = .024), respectively, before the homicide. Female perpetrators had more specialized outpatient care (p = .040) and inpatient care (p = .003) contacts ≤ 365 days before the homicide, compared to controls. Male perpetrators had at least one mental or behavioral disorder diagnosed in any studied healthcare setting except in inpatient care ≤ 30 days before homicide. Female perpetrators had more mental health disorders diagnosed in specialized outpatient care ≤ 365 days before the homicide (p < .001). Perpetrators had more healthcare contacts and mental disorders one year and one month prior to the homicide compared to their controls. Health care professionals should obtain necessary skills in routinely enquiring about intimate partner violence perpetration.

Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Cyberabuse, Sexual Aggression, and Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Young Adults.

Quarantine guidelines that arose with the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities for social interaction, raising concerns about increases in intimate partner violence and cyberabuse while simultaneously restricting access to help. The current study assessed increases in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, and intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a U.S. nationally representative sample of young adults ages 18 to 35, recruited from a probability-based household panel. Data were collected between November 2020 and May 2021. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence of any self-reported increase in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, or intimate partner victimization or perpetration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression models were run for each outcome measuring any increase compared to no increase. Approximately one in ten U.S. young adults ages 18 to 35 reported experiencing an increase in cyberabuse victimization (12.6%) and cyberabuse perpetration (8.9%) during the pandemic. Similar proportions were observed for increased sexual aggression victimization (11.8%) and perpetration (9.0%). More than one in five respondents (21.4%) reported that their intimate partner was more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive toward them during the pandemic. Conversely, 16.2% of respondents reported that they were more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive themselves toward an intimate partner, compared to their behavior before the onset of the pandemic. Having an intimate partner and staying at home more than usual during the pandemic were protective factors for both cyberabuse and sexual aggression victimization. Respondent age, education, and race and ethnicity were not associated with increased victimization or perpetration of cyberabuse or sexual aggression. However, women reported lower odds of increased sexual aggression perpetration than men. These findings improve understanding of changes to interpersonal abuse and associated risk factors during a period of social disruption.