An exploratory test of the pathways between adverse childhood experiences and later perpetration of intimate partner violence in South African male youth using theoretical frameworks.

Professionals on the Front Line: A Mixed-methods Study of Perceived Needs, Challenges, and Emotional Well-being in Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Programs.

Previous reviews of the effectiveness of intimate partner violence (IPV) programmes have shown mixed results. A systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted to understand the methodological challenges in determining the effectiveness of IPV perpetrator programmes. A two-stage search strategy was employed. Firstly, a systematic search was conducted across six electronic databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, ASSIA, and Web of Science to identify systematic reviews exploring the effectiveness of interventions for IPV perpetrators. Secondly, primary studies from selected reviews were screened for inclusion. In total, 508 full-text manuscripts from 38 reviews were assessed against eligibility criteria. Twenty-six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this review. Methodological issues included the following: (1) short-term follow-up; (2) an over-reliance on perpetrator self-reported (physical) IPV outcomes with few studies collecting collateral victim IPV reports; (3) a lack of data presented on attendance and completion rates; and (4) changes in partners or having more than one partner were not considered in the methods or analysis. Perpetrators may under-report their abusive behaviour. No RCTs accounted for changes in relationship status nor reported on outcomes for new or multiple partners, potentially underestimating IPV recidivism as a result. Future evaluations of IPV perpetrator programmes should collect victim and perpetrator self-reported outcomes of different types of IPV victimisation and perpetration, respectively, alongside official re-offence data over the longer term. Evaluations should present data on treatment completion and dose response to enhance our understanding of what works for whom and to examine outcomes for new or multiple partners.

Internalized stigma may increase the risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) among sexual minority couples. However, open questions remain about how identity-specific risk factors like internalized stigma connect with general IPV risk factors such as negative emotions during communication, which could become particularly heightened when partners discuss identity-based stigma. We examined how one's own and one's partner's internalized stigma and negative affect after lab-based stressor discussions were associated with physical, psychological, and identity-specific IPV perpetration. We conducted an online study with 84 sexual minority couples in which at least one partner had experienced past 6-month discrimination. Couples completed self-report measures and engaged in two, 8-min stressor discussions related to (a) sexual orientation-based discrimination and (b) life stress not related to sexual orientation. Current negative affect was measured after each discussion. Data were analyzed with Bayesian actor-partner interdependence mediation models. Results showed that internalized stigma was not directly or indirectly associated with physical IPV perpetration. Internalized stigma was both directly and indirectly (via negative affect reported after life stressor discussions) associated with psychological IPV perpetration, but not when accounting for coping displayed during discussions. Further, internalized stigma was directly and indirectly (via negative affect reported after discrimination stressor discussions) associated with identity-specific IPV perpetration via partner effects. Results highlight the importance of addressing internalized stigma and emotional reactivity to reduce psychological and identity-specific IPV perpetration among couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Cognitive factors are recognised as critical risk factors for violence within romantic relationships. In the current paper, we systematically reviewed and qualitatively synthesised findings from the 17 studies published in the last two years that have examined the association between cognitions and the perpetration and victimisation of intimate partner and sexual violence. We found that the literature on perpetration and victimisation diverged, with studies on perpetration being dominated by investigations into aggression-supportive and gender beliefs, whilst studies on victimisation tended to focus on beliefs relating to negative evaluations and beliefs about the self and others. Examining self-other beliefs in the context of perpetration could provide important insights into the cognitive factors underpinning violent behaviours against romantic partners.

Understanding the population distribution and dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration is necessary for designing effective prevention strategies and informing public health responses. While general population health surveys are widely used to estimate the prevalence and burden of IPV victimisation, the extent to which they capture IPV perpetration is under-explored. This review systematically identified and assessed general population health surveys measuring IPV perpetration, focusing on their methodological and measurement approaches. Searches of four electronic databases identified 39 papers reporting on 27 survey data sources. Five broad categories of measurement tools are described: survey data sources using or adapting the UN Multi-Country Study; the 2005 WHO research tool for violence against women and girls; the Conflicts Tactics Scale (CTS) and its subsequent versions, and two categories of ad hoc measures (with either more than two items, or one or two items). Substantial variation was found in the measurement of forms of IPV perpetration measured, particularly in the inclusion of non-physical forms, the use of frequency and reference periods, and the assessment of harm. Most surveys did not collect information on the sex or number of victims, escalation, or repeat perpetration, and few described item development or validation. Improved and standardised measurement of IPV perpetration in general population health surveys is essential to strengthen the evidence base and inform effective prevention strategies, service responses, and public policy.

BackgroundFew studies have explored the effectiveness of the Community-Based Approach (CBA) on the reduction of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure and its outcomes in Rwanda. This study, therefore, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Community-Based Approach (CBA) for IPV victimisation and perpetration as well as its associated mental health outcomes in Rwanda.MethodsA randomised controlled trial was conducted on a sample of 32 couples, with 17 couples assigned in treatment group and 15 assigned in control group. Data analyses were computed using mixed ANOVAs to evaluate the effect of CBA over IPV occurrence and mental health outcomes.ResultsThe results revealed a noticeable difference across the time points for IPV, anxiety, and depression, while the difference was not significant for PTSD. All variables showed a significant difference between groups, including IPV, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, there was a meaningful interaction between time and group for IPV, anxiety, and depression. A similar interaction was also observed between time and sex for both anxiety and depression. Notably, both males’ and females' IPV scores decreased to nearly the same level, while anxiety and depression scores declined more in females than in males.ConclusionOur findings highlight substantial efficacy of CBA for victims and perpetrators of IPV in reducing IPV, anxiety and depression symptoms in Rwanda, a post-genocide country. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2026;9(1):7-24

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicidal behaviour may also be raised among those who perpetrate IPV compared to those who do not; general population-based evidence is, however, lacking. We aimed to investigate the associations between using violence against an intimate partner with suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt and non-suicidal self-harm in the past year. We analysed data from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Logistic regressions estimated associations between IPV perpetration and suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Associations were estimated for men and women separately, and we explored interaction in estimates by IPV victimization. After adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic covariates, lifetime IPV perpetration was strongly associated with past-year suicide attempt (men: odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.0-13.2, women: OR 4.2, 1.9-9.4), suicidal ideation (men: OR 2.7, 1.5-4.9, women: OR 2.6, 1.7-4.1) and self-harm (men: OR 4.9, 1.5-15.2, women: OR 3.3, 1.8-6.0). Estimates were substantially attenuated with adjustment for non-IPV life adversities, hazardous alcohol use, drug use and IPV victimization. Only the association with lifetime suicide attempt in women remained significant (OR 1.6, 1.1-2.3). Estimates were generally higher among those who had not experienced IPV victimization, although we found no evidence for interaction by IPV victimization on the association between IPV perpetration and suicidal behaviour. There were greater odds of suicidality and self-harm among self-reported perpetrators of IPV compared to the general population. Many of these associations were accounted for by non-IPV life adversities, IPV victimization and substance use. Improving the identification and management of IPV perpetration, and developing targeted safety planning and interventions for this group could reduce suicide for perpetrators and victims of IPV.

Women in Samoa experience a high rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) shaped in part by a history of colonisation and its influence on gender roles and lived experiences. As part of the EVE Project to improve the evidence base for preventing IPV in high-prevalence settings, we co-developed an intervention with 30 community-based researchers (CBRs) from 10 villages, drawing from evidence-based modules previously developed and evaluated in other neo-colonial contexts. We assessed the pilot intervention’s acceptability, feasibility and potential impact when delivered to groups of 15 men and 15 women in 10 participating villages, using a mixed methods before (baseline) and after (endline) study design. We collected a baseline (N = 289) and endline survey (N = 229); ‘stories of change’ interviews with participants (N = 151); in-depth interviews (N = 14) with CBRs, and intervention evaluation workbooks from CBRs (N = 18). The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through retention rates and participant interviews, while feasibility was assessed by interviews with CBRs, and observations of survey implementation. The potential impact of the intervention on IPV experience and perpetration, and on gender views was explored via the analysis of survey data. Results suggest a reduction in IPV experience and perpetration at endline compared to baseline, but associations were non-significant. Women’s belief of non-equitable norms was also lower at endline (β = − 0.54, 95% CI − 0.88 to − 0.21, p = 0.005). Attendance was high overall (although men’s acceptability was challenging in some villages). Participants shared positive feedback on the delivery by CBRs and careful adaptation to fa’a Samoa (‘the Samoan way’). Further research aligned with the Indigenous context of Samoa is required to assess its effectiveness. The study was registered retrospective to the pilot but prior to analysis as ISRCTN17319820 on 14 March 2024.

This research examines the drivers of female perpetrated partner homicide in Uganda, drawing on semi-structured interviews with twelve women incarcerated for killing a partner. The research took place in Kampala, Uganda. The findings reveal how women experience intersectioning forms of inequalities that permit and sustain gender-based violence, and are reinforced and replicated at different levels of society. Participants described being pressured to marry at a young age, then compelled to stay in the increasingly abusive situations due to outside tolerance for male perpetrated intimate partner violence and limited avenues of escape. Within this context, the research situates the female perpetrated murder as a strategy for survival in circumstances of prolonged abuse.

The bi-directional link between mental health problems and intimate partner violence (IPV) is well established, yet there is a lack of prevention approaches directly targeting both during adolescence. This study conducted a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of the Prevention Program for Adolescent Relationship and Emotional Development (PREPARED), a weekly, six-session, non-specialist delivered, prevention program to promote mental health and prevent IPV. This proof-of-concept study tested implementation outcomes and measured mental health and relationship attitude and behavior changes among adolescents in rural Kenya. PREPARED was piloted with 46 adolescents aged 14–17 (M = 15.47, SD = 1.1) over six weeks. Each session was designed to last approximately two hours, totaling 12 h. Two implementation settings were tested to reach youth enrolled in secondary school (N = 22) and youth not enrolled in school (N = 24). Young adult non-specialist providers (N = 10) were trained to deliver the intervention. Implementation outcomes were assessed at the participant and facilitator levels through surveys, tracking, and qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs). Adolescent participants completed pre-post surveys (immediately before and following the intervention) and endline FGDs to assess changes in mental health and relationship attitudes and behaviors. Participant and facilitator implementation results suggest PREPARED is feasible, acceptable, appropriate, adopted, and accessible in both school and community settings. On average, youth attended 5.5 sessions out of 6; 75% attended all 6. Providers facilitated the intervention with high fidelity (M = 97.8%). Tests of preliminary effectiveness revealed promising, though modest, changes in mental health outcomes and greater agreement with positive approaches to sexual relationships. We did not observe changes in disagreement with male-perpetrated violence in the overall sample. Among adolescents in the same dating relationship throughout the intervention (N = 20), communication in dating relationships improved and shared decision-making increased. There were no substantial changes in reported IPV victimization and perpetration immediately post-intervention. Our study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a novel non-specialist peer-provided mental health and IPV combined prevention intervention in a low-resource setting. The study also provides preliminary positive pre-post signals of change in mental health outcomes and some relationship-related processes, but no immediate change in IPV victimization and perpetration. Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3H6XT).

Past research found depression, substance use, and intimate partner violence (IPV) to be prevalent among sexual minority men (SMM) and noted on their synergistic relationship, based on the syndemic framework. In exploration of potential mechanisms, we examined depression as a predictor of future IPV experiences, with substance use as a mediator. We used three timepoints of longitudinal data (baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up) of 500 SMM from the US. Directionality between IPV experiences and depressive symptoms was assessed using cross-lagged panel modeling across three timepoints. Then we used linear and generalized structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the associations between depressive symptoms from baseline to 6-month follow-up and IPV experiences at 12-month follow-up with mediation via substance use at 6-month follow-up. For generalized SEM models, depressive symptoms were categorized as no symptoms, intermittent, and chronic. All SEM models adjusted for corresponding baseline IPV experiences and sociodemographic characteristics. Prevalence of any experiences of IPV at 12-month was 25.5% for victimization and 17.9% for perpetration. Chronic depressive symptoms were directly associated with any experiences of both IPV victimization and perpetration, with no evidence of mediation through substance use. Conversely, substance use fully mediated the association between intermittent depressive symptoms and IPV victimization. These findings suggest that IPV prevention programs for SMM should incorporate strategies to address mental health and its coping mechanisms, including substance use. There is a need for greater investment towards raising awareness and development of syndemic-focused interventions to address multiple, co-occurring health challenges among SMM.

Sexual minority men (SMM)'s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) are a unique and understudied area of study, especially with regard to financial dependence. We explored how power imbalances within couples are associated with IPV victimization and perpetration among SMM, specifically with regard to relationship power dynamics in daily decision-making in couples and financial dependence. Of 423 participants, 33.8% reported experiencing IPV victimization (repeated:21.0%) and 24.3% reported perpetrating IPV (repeated:14.9%). Repeated IPV perpetration was more prevalent among participants who held more power in daily decision-making, while those with partners with greater power were more likely to experience IPV victimization at least once. On the other hand, any type of financial dependence, whether one-way or mutual, was associated with higher likelihood of both IPV victimization and perpetration, challenging assumptions that only dependence on a partner is associated with IPV victimization. These results highlight the critical role of relationship power dynamics and financial dependence in shaping IPV risk among SMM. Our findings underscore the need for more nuanced approaches to understanding economic dynamics in SMM relationships and for public health and clinical strategies that address the complex intersections of power dynamics, financial dependence and IPV.

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among college students and associated with serious psychological and academic consequences. Although prior research has identified individual risk factors, the combined influence of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral contributors is understudied. This study applies the I3 (I-Cubed) model to examine how two impelling forces, emotion dysregulation and alcohol-related aggressive expectancies, and a disinhibitory force, alcohol use, interact to predict psychological and physical IPV perpetration. Participants were 1086 undergraduates in romantic relationships who completed self-report measures. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression analyses tested main and interaction effects, controlling for age and gender. Psychological IPV was reported by 63% of participants; 14% reported physical IPV in the past year. Aggressive expectancies predicted greater psychological and physical IPV perpetration, though these associations were not moderated by alcohol use. Alcohol use moderated the relationship between emotion dysregulation and psychological IPV, such that emotion dysregulation was linked to greater IPV at lower, but not higher, levels of alcohol use. Findings suggest that alcohol’s role in IPV may vary based on individuals’ baseline regulation abilities and drinking motives. Prevention efforts may benefit from integrating skills-based interventions targeting aggressive beliefs and emotion regulation into campus-based services to support healthier college relationships.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health issue traditionally recognized as primarily affecting women; however, men are also victims of IPV, experiencing various forms of violence from their female intimate partners. In Africa, where patriarchal norms prevail, research on IPV against men remains limited and fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of IPV against men across African countries and identify associated risk factors. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Epistemonikos, Cochrane Library, Africa Index Medicus, and African Journals Online through November 5, 2025. Cross-sectional studies reporting on IPV prevalence and associated factors among men in Africa were included. Data extraction and quality assessment followed standardized protocols, and pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis with Stata version 17. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger’s test. Sixteen studies encompassing 17,939 men from six African countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of IPV against men was 40.49% (95% CI: 31.53%–49.44%), with psychological violence being the most prevalent subtype. Partner controlling behavior (OR = 5.02, 95% CI: 3.35–7.53), partner alcohol use (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61–2.34), history of IPV perpetration (OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.37–7.48), exposure to parental IPV in childhood (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.34–1.98), marital separation (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.21–3.33), and having one wife (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36–0.68) were significantly associated with increased odds of IPV victimization. Nearly two out of five men in Africa experience IPV, a considerably high prevalence that underscores this overlooked public health concern. Partner controlling behavior emerges as a strong predictor of IPV against men, highlighting the need for gender-inclusive prevention strategies that address controlling dynamics within relationships. These findings advocate for expanded IPV screening, tailored interventions, and policies that promote awareness and support for male victims across diverse African contexts.

ABSTRACT Previous literature links emotional dysregulation (ED) to HIV acquisition risk and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. This study assessed the relationship between ED, HIV acquisition risk, and IPV perpetration cross-sectionally and longitudinally among men (18–30 years) in urban informal settlements and rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were drawn from 163 young men enrolled in a pilot randomized controlled trial of Stepping Stones and Creating Futures Plus (SSCF+). Regression models were used to examine baseline and longitudinal associations. Informed by previous findings that SSCF+ reduced ED among men with elevated depressive symptoms, we assessed whether the intervention modified ED – HIV/IPV associations in this subgroup using ED × intervention interaction terms among participants with elevated depressive symptoms (n = 56). Cross-sectionally, ED was associated with multiple sexual partners, alcohol use and drug use. Longitudinally, only alcohol abuse remained significantly associated with ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.11). ED increased the risk of emotional and combined IPV perpetration cross-sectionally, and longitudinally ED was associated with physical (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13), emotional (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.11), sexual (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.10), and combined IPV perpetration (adjusted beta coefficient [aβ] 0.16, 95% CI 0.03–0.34). Among men with elevated depressive symptoms, combined IPV perpetration increased with ED in the control group but remained relatively flat in the intervention group. Addressing ED within IPV and HIV prevention programming may be an important strategy for reducing men’s IPV perpetration and HIV risk.

The I3 model outlines how factors interact to predict intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration such as relationship tension, emotion regulation (ER) and distress tolerance difficulties, and alcohol use. Despite the model's emphasis on these factors' synergistic nature (i.e., "perfect storm"), they are typically examined disparately and use retrospective self-report over an aggregate timeframe, preventing a nuanced examination of IPV. The current event-level study aimed to (a) examine the confluence of event-level instigating (e.g., relationship tension), impelling (e.g., ER difficulties, distress intolerance), and disinhibiting (e.g., alcohol use) I3 factors predicting IPV perpetration; and (b) investigate how between- and within-person deviations in these I3 factors impact likelihood of same-day IPV perpetration. A community sample of 150 young adults with IPV histories completed 25 online daily diaries examining I3 factors and IPV perpetration. Using generalized estimating equations examining the interactive effects of relationship tension, ER difficulties, distress intolerance, and alcohol use on IPV likelihood, results showed a significant three-way interaction between average levels of relationship tension, ER difficulties, and alcohol use predicting IPV perpetration likelihood. At high average levels of relationship tension and alcohol use, ER difficulties had a significant positive effect on IPV perpetration likelihood. When examining within-person deviations in I3 factors, only deviations in relationship tension above one's average level significantly predicted IPV perpetration likelihood. Findings support the synergistic nature of relationship tension, ER difficulties and alcohol use on increased likelihood of IPV perpetration, particularly for one's typical level of each factor.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern. Heavy episodic drinking (HED; i.e., drinking 5+ drinks for men or 4+ drinks for women in a 2-hr period) is a contributing cause of IPV, yet HED does not elicit IPV for all individuals, under all circumstances. Theory and research have identified important intrapersonal moderators of alcohol-related IPV. However, these approaches fall short in conceptualizing alcohol-related IPV from an interpersonal perspective. Guided by the I³ model, the present study used a dyadic approach to examine associations between partners' HED, interpersonal stress perceptions (defined as partners' perceptions of each other's appraisal of stressful life situations), and psychological and physical/sexual IPV perpetration. Sixty-seven mixed-gender couples (N = 134 individuals) in committed relationships provided data via an online self-report questionnaire. Actor-partner interdependence models showed that when HED was low, couples' likelihood of perpetrating IPV was independent of the accuracy of partners' perceptions of each other's stress. However, increases in HED were associated with increased risk for IPV perpetration among couples who had accurate perceptions of each other's stress, whereas among couples in which one partner under- or overestimated how stressed the other felt, the risk for IPV perpetration did not increase as HED increased. If replicated, these findings provide support that under- and overestimating partners' stress may dampen the disinhibiting effects of HED on IPV perpetration that exist among couples who perceive their partners' stress accurately. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Reduced cortical thickness in fronto-temporo-parietal regions associated with high psychopathic traits: Conclusions of a review and an empirical study with intimate partner violence perpetrators

Research on female-to-male intimate partner violence (IPV) is extremely limited. This study examines IPV victimization among heterosexual men across different national contexts, utilizing an integrated multilevel theoretical framework that combines social structure and social learning theory, feminist perspectives, and the victim-offender overlap perspective. Our research questions were as follows: Why and how do men experience IPV victimization? What are the different typologies of men's IPV victimization? Using data from the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index and the International Dating Violence Study, we analyzed a sample of 3,586 heterosexual male college students across 29 countries. The multilevel mediation analyses revealed that men's perpetration of IPV and their beliefs in male dominance fully mediated the relationship between gender equality and men's IPV victimization. The findings may suggest that gender equality does not have a direct effect on men's IPV victimization and indicate that, in gender-equal societies, women's higher social status does not lead to increased violence or control. Further, the results show that men in less gender-equal countries are more likely to perpetrate IPV and to hold beliefs of male dominance, which in turn increases their likelihood of experiencing IPV. Notably, men's IPV victimization is not indicative of intimate terrorism or mutual violent control, where women are highly violent and controlling. Instead, when men in less gender-equal countries experience IPV, it is more likely the acts of violent resistance from women they abuse. Conversely, in more gender-equal countries, men's IPV experiences tend to be situational couple violence from female partners. These findings imply that promoting gender equality could benefit both men and women by reducing IPV victimization across genders. The study offers valuable theoretical insights and practical implications, emphasizing the importance of addressing gender norms and power dynamics in efforts to prevent men's IPV victimization.