Intimate Partner Violence In Relationships Research Articles

Attachment Style and Emotional Regulation as Protective and Risk Factors in Mutual Dating Violence among Youngsters: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Violence in intimate partner relationships among young adults has become a global health problem given its prevalence and its negative effects on physical and psychological well-being. The severity of the problem has given rise to a large body of research that has attempted to find the variables associated with victimization in young couples (for example, attachment style, emotional regulation skills or empathy, among others). Moreover, traditionally, many of these investigations have only considered the point of view of female victims within a gender violence approach. However, in recent times, more and more evidence of the existence of mutual violence in young relationships has been found. These findings, combined with simplistic explanations of the phenomenon, have proven to be insufficient to prevent it. In this context, the main objective of this study was to investigate how some variables linked to dating violence interact with each other, modifying the mutual violence young people suffer and exercise. Considering this, different instruments were administered (the Experience in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-R); Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-E); Basic Empathy Scale (BES); and Multidimensional Couple Violence Scale (EMVN)) to a sample of 557 young Chileans. The analysis of the results, based on the construction of a moderated mediation model, reveals that difficulties in emotional regulation are a predictor of violence in intimate partner relationships, whose direct and indirect effects on the violence exercised can be moderated by that partner's attachment style. The findings also reveal that there is no association between empathy and violence, and they highlight that both men and women are victims and aggressors at the same time. This demonstrate the need to consider prevention and intervention strategies aimed at both sexes, since intimate partner violence is mutual and reciprocal.

Help or Harm? Criminalizing Intimate Partner Violence and Feminist Abolitionist Frames.

After decades of work by feminists to criminalize domestic violence, more recently feminist abolitionists have identified the harm that the carceral state has on all impacted by it, including victims/survivors. Based on interviews with a diverse sample of 22 women and men who were system impacted, we find evidence of cases in which the criminal legal system both helped and harmed the victim/survivor. We identify policy interventions that promote alternative methods to intervening in intimate partner violence relationships that center the victim/survivor, create safety, and reduce the increased surveillance and overall impact of the criminal legal system.

Association between sexual violence and multiple high-risk fertility behaviours among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundIntimate partner violence has adverse outcomes on the sexual and reproductive health of women. In this study, we examined the association between sexual violence and multiple high-risk fertility behaviours (MHRFB) among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data pooled from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 20 countries in SSA. We included countries with most recent datasets conducted from 2015 to 2021 and had data on all variables included in the study. A weighted sample of 88,011 was included in the study. We used a multilevel binary logistic regression to examine the association between sexual violence and MHRFB, controlling for other covariates. The regression results were presented using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of MHRFB was 22.53% (95% CI: 22.26–22.81), which ranged from 9.94% in South Africa to 30.38% in Chad. For sexual violence, the pooled prevalence was 7.02% (95% CI: 6.86–7.19). Burundi (20.58%) and the Gambia (2.88%) reported the highest and lowest proportions, respectively. Women who experienced sexual violence were more likely to engage in MHRFB compared to those who did not experience sexual violence [aOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.21].ConclusionThere is a positive association between sexual violence and the risk of MHRFB. Our findings underscore a need for sub-Saharan African countries to strengthen their efforts to reduce the occurrence of sexual violence in intimate partner relationships. To augment efforts and accelerate social change, sub-Saharan African countries can introduce pro-poor policies and interventions to improve the wealth status of women. Also, empowering women through the encouragement of attaining higher education would be a useful step in lowering the risk of MHRFB in SSA.

Need for closure is linked with traumatic bonding among victims of intimate partner violence (A mediatory approach)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an increasingly prevalent problem in most parts of the world, including Nigeria. Very little is known about why persons who experience IPV sometimes decide to remain in the abusive relationships. In this study, we investigate whether the need for closure (NFC) may play significant roles in the association of IPV and the decision to stay in abusive relationships (traumatic bonding). Specifically, we tested if NFC would mediate the relationship between IPV and traumatic bonding (TB) among victims of IPV in Nigeria. Participants were 345 women, purposively selected from female clients who visited the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SART) in Awka, Anambra State ( n = 145) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, Lagos ( n = 200). Their age ranged from 18–61 years (M = 35.79; SD = 8.6 years). They responded to the Composite Abuse Scale, the Need for Closure Scale, and the Stockholm Syndrome Scale. Results of data analysis using the Hayes regression-based PROCESS macro showed that IPV was not significantly associated with traumatic bonding while NFC was positively associated with increased traumatic bonding. Estimates of indirect effects indicated that NFC mediated the relationship of IPV and TB serving as a pathway through which IPV was linked to dimensions of TB. This shows that NFC may engender tendencies that increase the likelihood of traumatic bonding. The implications of these findings were discussed across policy, research and psychotherapeutic practice.

Swedish women reaching post-traumatic growth after an intimate partner violence relationship: A study of formal help and growth after trauma.

This study examined whether women in Sweden who had been in an intimate partner violence (IPV) relationship reached post-traumatic growth (PTG) and if the level of PTG differed for women who had received formal help compared with women who had not received formal help. The study also examined whether there was a difference in the level of PTG depending on which type of formal help the women had received. The data were collected through an online self-report survey. A total of 166 women took part in the study. The results showed that 69.3% (n = 115) of the women reported a pre-determined or higher level of PTG attainment and that those who had received formal help reported a higher level of PTG than those who had not received formal help. There was no difference in the level of PTG depending on which type of formal help the women had received. The majority of the Swedish women in this study who had lived in an IPV relationship attained PTG. Although formal help appeared to help the women attain PTG, the type of the formal help did not seem to have a crucial role in attaining different levels of PTG. These findings are discussed in the light of the future research directions and public health measures to better support women who experience IPV.

Association Between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Physical, Psychological, and Social Health Outcomes for Women in Bangladesh

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global issue impacting 1 in 3 women worldwide. IPV has been shown to have direct impact on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of life and overall well-being. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore associations between report of IPV and physical, psychological, and social health outcomes with special emphasis on relationship of IPV to pelvic floor, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence for Bangladeshi women. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling. Methods: Married women between 18 and 50 years were recruited in the study. IPV was measured using the Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) screening tool and complex trauma was measured utilizing the Complex Trauma Inventory (CTI) Scale. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21.0, and reported as descriptive statistics. Results: The total number of the respondents was n = 100. The mean age of respondents was 36.57 years (standard deviation ± 9.66). According to the HITS screening tool 27% respondents reported IPV. There was a significant, strong correlation between HITS scores for IPV and negative health outcomes of chronic disease and disability (r = 0.8; P ≤ .05). There was a direct association between HITS scores and (1) CTI scores for complex trauma, (2) pelvic floor dysfunction, and (3) duration of marriage. Conclusion: High prevalence of IPV was reported for this cohort of women living in Bangladesh. HITS scores for IPV were direct significant associations with severity and intensity of posttraumatic stress disorder on the CTI, and with low back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum complications, and cardiac problems.

Identity veiling: Theorizing identity gap negotiation post-intimate partner violence

Within the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience intimate partner violence (IPV): psychological aggression, sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking from an intimate partner. Although some studies highlight the complexity of post-IPV recovery, the role of communication in post-IPV recovery remains underexplored. This study employs Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) to analyze in-depth interviews with post-IPV adults. Analysis reveals how individuals negotiate post-IPV identity gaps between the personal-personal and personal-relational layers of identity. The forwarded concept of identity veiling explicates how IPV tactics cause the relational layer of identity to eclipse the personal layer in IPV relationships. Therefore, post-IPV recovery involves unveiling the personal layer of identity—communicatively (re)constructing self-image beyond the IPV relationship and the identity gaps it engendered. This study conceptualizes the role of violent communication in the construction of identity gaps and identity gap negotiation.

Behaviours Associated with Male “Sweethearting” (Infidelity) in Heterosexual Relationships in The Bahamas

This paper presents incidental data on sweethearting from a study on sexual violence in intimate-partner relationships between men and women in The Bahamas. Females participating in the study reported male infidelity to be common (with about 20% and possibly as many as about 50% of men being unfaithful) in both unmarried and married relationships. Associated with infidelity were behaviours of concern, such as physical and sexual violence, as well as psychological abuse by male partners. These abusive behaviours were associated with the woman feeling that she would leave the relationship if she could, and that the relationship was not a loving one. Furthermore, the study suggests that unfaithful married men are more likely to demonstrate activities of concern (in the form of elevated scores for domestic violence and psychological abuse) compared to unfaithful unmarried men in relationships with women.

Using the Colaizzi Method to Explore Intimate Partner Violence Caseworkers' Subjective Experience: Pathways to Intimate Partner Violence Work and What Keeps Them Going.

Successful intimate partner violence (IPV) safety, advocacy, and intervention programs require recruitment and retention of persons of experience and commitment. To examine lived experiences of IPV advocates working in transitional shelter programs for women exiting IPV relationships, focus group discussions of 15 transitional housing and IPV shelter caseworkers were analyzed using the Colaizzi seven-step phenomenological method of analysis. Several themes emerged through the analysis, including historical, intergenerational pathways to IPV work and unity in sisterhood with IPV clients. The seven-step Colaizzi method is presented with examples of how each Colaizzi step yields an understanding of what motivates and sustains IPV caseworkers.

Contextualizing Cisgender Women's Histories of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization With Men and Women.

Sexual minoritized women (SMW) are more likely than exclusively heterosexual women to experience intimate partner violence (IPV). We conducted in-depth interviews with a clinic-based sample of plurisexual SMW (n = 25) ages 18 to 34 about the gender of their perpetrators. Participants primarily experienced physical and sexual IPV in relationships with men and emotional abuse in relationships with women. IPV perpetrated by men often included weapons with women fearing for their lives. Offering patients information about IPV resources and supports that do not make assumptions about women's sexualities may create more opportunity for empathic and effective communication with SMW experiencing IPV.

Gambaran Disonansi Kognitif Pada Perempuan Dewasa Awal Yang Bertahan Dalam Hubungan Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

This research aims to describe the cognitive dissonance experienced by early adult women victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Researcher wants to know more of acts and impacts of violence, forms of cognitive dissonance experienced, the effect of dissonance reduction on victims' decisions to stay in IPV relationships, and coping strategies used by victims. This research uses a qualitative research method with an intrinsic case study approach involving three informants in the age range of 21-23 years. The participant search technique uses a purposive technique. The process of collecting research data is done through interviews with the member checking credibility technique. The data analysis technique used is data driven analysis technique. The results showed that the victim felt cognitive dissonance, namely a discrepancy between cognition and violent behavior committed by a partner. Victims are motivated to make the relationship work, they tend to make excuses, and rationalize the violence experienced to reduce perceived cognitive dissonance. The fear of loss, the belief that the partner will change, and the love for the partner made them stay in the relationship. Coping strategies used by IPV victims are seeking support from friends or people around them and channeling emotions through hobbies or activities they enjoy.

Gender Directionality of Intimate Partner Violence and Relationship Quality Among Chinese Couples.

Gender symmetry is a long-standing controversy in intimate partner violence (IPV) research. This study explored the gender directionality of IPV and differences in the quality of relationships between different dyadic patterns. IPV experiences and relationship quality of 371 heterosexual couples were examined. Results indicate that females reported more IPV perpetration than males. Generally, the male-only IPV and bidirectional IPV couples showed lower levels of relationship quality compared with female-only IPV and no-IPV couples. Future studies should realize that different dyadic types of IPV may have different mechanisms and consequences, and more attention should be paid to gender directionality.

Coping Strategies as a Moderator for the Association between Intimate Partner Violence and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Transgender Women.

Evidence suggests that intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with negative mental health outcomes. There is currently limited research on the impact of IPV on the outcomes of mental health for transgender women. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence, coping skills, depression, and anxiety in a sample of transgender women. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted examining the relationship of IPV and depression and anxiety symptoms, where coping skills moderate this relationship. The results suggest that those with experiences of IPV are more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety. For individuals with no experiences of IPV and low depression, high levels of emotional processing coping and acceptance coping buffered this relationship. For individuals with more experiences of IPV and more depressive symptoms, coping skills did not show to buffer this relationship. These same coping skills did not show evidence for buffering anxiety symptoms for transgender women with low or high levels of IPV. The results, implications, and limitations of this study and suggestions for further research are discussed.

A pandemic within a pandemic: The investigation of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) victimisation risk factors and stay/leave decisions during the UK COVID-19 lockdown

This study investigated IPV behaviour and decisions associated with whether to stay or leave an IPV relationship during the UK coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. The associations between gender, religion, proximity, financial strain, alcohol use, family cohesion, acceptance of partner behaviour, and emotional labour (surface acting and deep acting) were explored in relation to the presence of IPV and decisions to stay or leave IPV relationships. These variables were selected as they linked with the Lifestyle-Routine Activities Theory and Ecological Theory. A total of 179 participants completed an online questionnaire. The results of the study found that unbalanced family cohesion predicted all forms of IPV, and balanced family cohesion predicted stay decisions for victims. Surface acting predicted verbal abuse and religion predicted physical abuse. Additionally, the acceptance of positive closeness behaviours significantly predicted stay decisions for victims. The implications of these findings are discussed.

A Critical Examination of the Influences of Intimate Partner Violence, Help-Seeking, and Social Identity on Women’s Experiences Seeking and Obtaining Civil Protection Orders

This research describes women’s engagement with the civil legal system as a safety strategy when experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Using a critical lens, it explores how violence victimization, help-seeking, and social identities influence victim-survivors’ decisions to seek civil protection orders (POs) and whether they obtain them. Using cross-sectional survey methods, we recruited women experiencing IPV in relationships with men (N = 660) from ten emergency shelters in a metropolitan region of the southwestern United States. Violence and help-seeking predicted whether victim-survivors sought POs, whereas social identities predicted whether they received them, revealing the influence of social identities on civil justice outcomes.

Emergency Department Presentations of Strangulation in Intimate Partner Violence Relationships: A Case Report.

Patients presenting to the emergency department after strangulation are in need of specialized care and treatment. Patient presentations after nonfatal strangulations vary dramatically; however, regardless of variation, no assumptions should be made about the seriousness of the injury. The clinician's goal should be a thorough assessment and evaluation, followed by treatment in accordance with individual patient needs. One way to ensure this comprehensive care is through the implementation of forensic nursing care and a detailed nonfatal strangulation assessment. In this case report, three different cases of women who reported to the emergency department after strangulation by their intimate partners are presented. Although all three patients presented differently, it is imperative to remember that not all patients present in the same manner, and therefore, bias associated with lack of injury, or presentation with injury, should not deter the treatment provided.

Identifying Attitudes Towards Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships People Living in Eastern Turkey: A Cross Sectional Study

Since the rates of violence are high in patriarchal societies, determining the attitudes of people in these societies towards violence and the factors affecting these attitudes are of great importance. The researchers in the present study aimed to determine people’s attitudes towards violence who live in a region where patriarchal values still reign in Turkey and to investigate factors urging people to tend to perpetrate violence. The data was collected from 628 people at five family health centers in a province in the east of Turkey, providing health services to people of different socioeconomic levels. The Participant Information Form and Intimate Partner Violence Attitude Scale were used to collect the study data. In the present study, the participants displayed positive attitudes toward violence. In the present study, the following factors were determined to affect attitudes towards violence: Income status, occupation, sex, family type, alcohol use, and perception that violence cannot be prevented. Male-dominated patriarchal society has very negative effects on people in terms of perpetrating violence. In addition, to reduce the negative effects of living in extended families, people should be enabled to live independently of their families after getting married.

The Relationship between Eating Disorders and the Narrative Self: An Intimate Partner Violence Comparison

Eating disorders (EDs) are associated with significant psychiatric and medical morbidity and carry unique challenges for treatment providers. An ED can become powerful to the point that it controls every aspect of the individual, and these patterns of control can be seen as similar to interactions observed within an intimate partner violence (IPV) relationship. This paper examines the literature on EDs and IPV and attempts to answer two research questions: (1) Does the ED–narrative self relationship share similarities to the victim–perpetrator relationship in IPV relationships? (2) Do individuals living with an ED report themes related to IPV in their discussion of the recovery process? Utilising a phenomenological analysis, online data from individuals living with an ED are analysed. The researchers find three themes and 10 subthemes that reveal similarities between EDs and the narrative self and the perpetrator and victim in IPV relationships. Clinical implications and future research recommendations are discussed.

"Why I Stayed in That Relationship": Barriers to Indigenous Women's Ability to Leave Violent Relationships.

Indigenous women in the United States are among the most vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), which has reached endemic levels. The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to understand contextual factors and barriers to becoming liberated from violence. Reconstructive analysis of data from a critical ethnography with a sample of 231 women across two tribes who described IPV relationships identified the following themes: controlling relationships, losing sense of priorities, using children, socioeconomic stress, family pressures, and restricting relationships. Results revealed these tactics, which parallel those used in the patriarchal colonialism of historical oppression, impeded women's liberation from relationships.

The Dynamics of Intimate Relationships and Violent Victimization Among Young Women.

Despite the fact that intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs within intimate relationships, we know relatively little about the characteristics of those intimate relationships, and even less about how IPV changes across time within different relationships. We use the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study, based on a random sample of 1003 18-19-year-old women residing in a Michigan county. Women were interviewed weekly for 2.5years, resulting in an age range of 18 through 22. We estimate hybrid "within-between" regression models, which allows us to directly compare the same woman's risk of experiencing IPV across her different relationships, varied in terms of resources, balance of power, conflict, childbearing, relationship type, and duration. Our analyses demonstrate that power imbalance in intimate relationships, non-monogamous and unstable relationships, relationships with men who are not the father of a woman's existing children, and serious relationships (especially stayover and cohabiting) place young women in their late teens and early twenties at particularly high risk of multiple dimensions of IPV. Our fixed-effects modeling strategy isolated the increase in IPV risk that is due to these characteristics and experiences within intimate relationships from the risk due to young women being at high risk of IPV for other reasons who might tend to choose these types of relationships. The elevated risk of IPV in relationships with these characteristics and experiences supports a causal link between them. Our research supports the potential efficacy of interventions that reduce conflict, equalize power within relationships, and encourage women-especially young mothers-to delay serious relationships.