Severe Intimate Partner Violence Research Articles

Investigating the Complex Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among System-Involved Women in Heterosexual Relationships: An Exploratory Analysis.

Research indicates women who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) experience both more frequent and more severe IPV victimization. However, the IPV field needs additional research to understand the complex relationship between various forms of IPV victimization (e.g., psychological, physical, sexual) and IPV perpetration by women. In particular, the field needs a better understanding of the unique interplay of various forms of IPV victimization and perpetration among female system-involved survivors (i.e., female survivors involved with child protective services and/or the court system and mandated to services). Such understanding would aid extant efforts to ensure that mandated services address the experiences and meet the needs of these system-involved women. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an exploratory, secondary data analysis using cross-sectional baseline data collected as part of a larger evaluation study of a psychoeducational therapeutic IPV and parenting program for system-involved IPV survivors mandated to services (N = 73). Results from multiple regression analyses revealed that both psychological and physical IPV victimization were uniquely associated with the perpetration of psychological and physical abuse by system-involved female IPV survivors. Furthermore, our examination of the interaction between physical and psychological victimization and its impact on perpetration revealed that higher levels of both physical and psychological IPV victimization were associated with significantly higher levels of psychological perpetration (p < .01) and increased likelihood of physical perpetration (p < .05). Results are discussed in the context of service provision within systems, agencies, and programs targeting system-involved women mandated to services for IPV.

The Effect of Combining Business Training, Microfinance, and Support Group Participation on Economic Status and Intimate Partner Violence in an Unplanned Settlement of Nairobi, Kenya.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has myriad negative health and economic consequences for women and families. We hypothesized that empowering women through a combination of formal business training, microfinance, and IPV support groups would decrease IPV and improve women's economic status. The study included adult female survivors of severe IPV. Women living in Korogocho received the intervention and women in Dandora served as a standard of care (SOC) group, but received the intervention at the end of the follow-up period. Women in the intervention groups (n = 82, SOC group, n = 81) received 8 weeks of business training, assistance creating a business plan, a small initial loan (about US$60), and weekly business and social support meetings. The two primary outcome measures included change in: (a) average daily profit margin, and (b) incidence of severe IPV. Exploratory analysis also looked at incidence of violence against children and women's self-efficacy. Average daily profit margin in the intervention group increased by 351 Kenyan Shillings (about US$3.5) daily (95% CI = [172, 485]). IPV directed against participating women decreased from a baseline of 2.1 to 0.26 incidents, a difference of 1.84 incidents (95% CI = [1.32, 2.36]). Violence against children in the household in the prior 3 months decreased from 1.1 to 0.55 incidents, a difference of 0.55 incidents (95% CI = [0.16, 1.03]). Finally, the intervention appears to have increased self-efficacy scores by 0.42 points (95% CIs 0.13, 0.71). In a low-resource urban environment, employing three complementary interventions resulted in higher daily profit margins and lower IPV in the intervention compared with the SOC group. These data support the notion that employing multiple interventions concomitantly might possess synergistic, beneficial effects, and hold promise to address profound poverty and interrupt the devastating cycle of IPV.

"Staying for the children": The role of natal relatives in supporting women experiencing intimate partner violence during pregnancy in northern Tanzania - A qualitative study.

IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health and human rights problem. In Tanzania, national studies have shown that half of all women experience partner violence in their lifetime, 38% reported being abused during a period of 12 months and 30% during pregnancy. Despite the benefits of social support to women victims of violence during pregnancy, a majority of women hesitate to seek help and, if they do, they mainly turn to their natal relatives for support. However, this process of help-seeking and the type of support received is not well documented and needs to be explored with a view to future interventions. This article investigates women’s own perspectives on the support they receive from natal relatives when experiencing IPV during pregnancy.Materials and methodsEighteen participants who experienced physical IPV during pregnancy were purposively selected from a cohort of 1,116 pregnant women enrolled in a project that aimed at assessing the impact of intimate partner violence on reproductive health. In-depth interviews were used to explore the social support received from the natal family among women who experienced partner violence during pregnancy. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, coded and analyzed.ResultsWomen who experienced severe IPV during pregnancy were more likely to seek help from natal relatives. Severe violence was defined by the women as acts that occurred frequently and/or resulted in injury. The women’s natal relatives were willing to provide the support; however, they strongly encouraged women to maintain their marriage so that they could continue caring for their children jointly with their partners. Emotional support was the commonest form of support and included showing love and empathy and praying. Information provided to victims aimed mainly at advising them to maintain their marriage. Practical support included direct financial support and building their economic base to reduce dependency on their partners. When the couple was on the verge of separation, mediation was provided to save the marriage.ConclusionWomen who experienced partner violence preferred to seek help from their natal relatives. The support provided by natal relatives was beneficial; however, maintaining the marriage for the care of children and family was given the highest priority, over separation. As a consequence, many women continued to live with violence. Stakeholders supporting victims of violence need to understand the priorities of victims of violence and structure intervention to address their needs.

Predictors of Housing Instability in Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence.

Although one in four women in the United States experience severe intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetimes and are at greater risk for homelessness and housing insecurity than women who have not experienced IPV, the factors increasing the vulnerability of women with an IPV history to housing instability have not been examined. This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from interviews with 218 IPV-exposed women from diverse ethnoracial backgrounds participating with their children in the Kids' Club and the Mom's Empowerment Program, joint interventions designed to improve outcomes in families who have experienced IPV. Multiple regression was used to examine the predictors associated with housing instability, quantified as the number of times a participant had moved in the past 4 years. Demographic information was collected and exposure to violence was measured with the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS); severity and prevalence of PTSD and depression symptoms were measured with the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Results showed that level of education was positively associated with housing instability, while age of the participant, average monthly income, and increased severity of PTSD symptoms were negatively associated. Neither the participant's race nor the extent of reported violence significantly predicted participants' housing instability. The findings of this study may serve to better identify those who have experienced IPV that are most at risk of experiencing housing instability, and to inform future interventions and policy aiming to support their needs. In addition, these results further emphasize the importance of providing housing resources in addition to interventions designed to improve physical and psychosocial health in enabling women that have experienced IPV to gain independence from an abuser.

An Exploratory Study of Domestic Violence: Perpetrators’ Reports of Violence Against Animals

ABSTRACTThe goal of the current exploratory study was to examine associations between animal cruelty (AC), intimate partner violence (IPV), and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) among incarcerated adult males. Forty-two men incarcerated in a state prison participated in the study; all participants were incarcerated for IPV and/or admitted to committing IPV in a past relationship. They completed measures on childhood animal cruelty (CAC), lifetime prevalence of AC, and IPV. It was hypothesized that men with ASPD diagnoses would report greater exposure to, and perpetration of, AC, as well as more severe IPV behaviors. It was also expected that lifetime exposure to, and perpetration of, AC would be associated with greater animal abuse in the context of IPV. Lastly, it was hypothesized that participants who reported exposure to, and perpetration of, AC would also report higher rates of IPV behaviors. Rates of animal cruelty were high in this sample. Approximately 36% of participants endorsed CAC, 81% reported animal cruelty perpetration in their lifetime, 85.7% reported being exposed to animal cruelty during their lifetime, 38% endorsed using threats against animals during a relationship conflict, and 52% reported abusing and/or killing a pet during a relationship conflict. CAC was significantly related to increased use of psychological abuse and sexual coercion in the context of intimate relationships. ASPD was not related to animal cruelty in the context of IPV. CAC was significantly associated with both threats to, and actual perpetration of, animal abuse during relationship conflicts. The limitations and implications of our findings are discussed in relation to future research.

Social Support and Self-Esteem Moderate the Relation Between Intimate Partner Violence and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Portuguese Women

Psychological distress and alcohol abuse have been linked to intimate partner violence (IPV). However, not all victims develop these problems. This study analyses the impact of IPV severity, social support, and self-esteem on depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as on alcohol abuse, and tests social and personal resources as moderators of the abuse-psychological distress-substance abuse link in a sample of Portuguese women including victims and non-victims of IPV (N = 209). IPV severity contributed significantly to depression and anxiety symptoms as well as to alcohol abuse, after controlling for socio-demographic factors. Both social support and self-esteem were found to moderate the relation between IPV and depression and anxiety symptoms. However, moderation did not occur for the association between IPV and alcohol abuse. This study shows the impact of IPV on mental health and on alcohol abuse, and highlights the need to design effective interventions that promote social and personal resources in victimized women.

Systemic Factors Associated With Prosocial Skills and Maladaptive Functioning in Youth Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence.

Children are frequently present in homes in which intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs. Following exposure to IPV, children may develop behavioral health difficulties, struggle with regulating emotions, or exhibit aggression. Despite the negative outcomes associated with witnessing IPV, many children also display resilience. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model, this study examined person-level, process-level (microsystem), and context-level (mesosystem) factors associated with positive and negative functioning among youth exposed to IPV. Participants were 118 mothers who reported on their 6- to 14-year-old children. All mothers experienced severe physical, psychological, and/or sexual IPV in the past 6 months. Linear regression modeling was conducted separately for youth maladaptive functioning and prosocial skills. The linear regression model for maladaptive functioning was significant, F(6, 110) = 9.32, p < .001, adj R2 = 27%, with more severe IPV (β = .18, p < .05) and more negative parenting practices (β = .34, p < .001) associated with worse child outcomes. The model for prosocial skills was also significant, F(6, 110) = 3.34, p < .01, adj. R2 = 14%, with less negative parenting practices (β = -.26, p < .001) and greater community connectedness (β = .17, p < .05) linked to more prosocial skills. These findings provide critical knowledge on specific mutable factors associated with positive and negative functioning among children in the context of IPV exposure. Such factors could be incorporated into strength-based interventions following family violence.

Providing Coordinated, Immediate, Trauma-Focused, and Interdisciplinary Responses to Children Exposed to Severe Intimate Partner Violence: Assessing Feasibility of a Collaborative Model.

Despite the known consequences associated with children's exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV), numerous children exposed to IPV never access victim services and/or mental health treatment. Informed by the Child Development-Community Policing Program (CD-CP), the Child Trauma Response Team (CTRT) is designed to provide a coordinated, immediate, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary response to children, adolescents, and their impacted family members who are exposed to severe IPV. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the CTRT from the perspective of the key stakeholders and to identify what facilitated and/or hindered the collaborative model. Interviews were conducted with all 12 CTRT stakeholders of whom three worked for law enforcement, four worked for the district attorney's office, four worked for the nonprofit victim service organization, and one worked for the city office funding the pilot. Results indicated that the CTRT program evolved through a cyclical process including (a) implementing and enhancing program services, (b) defining and nurturing partner relationships, and (c) shifting practices among partnering agencies. The results provide concrete tools and practices that were successful in the CTRT pilot implementation. Despite the potential barriers to successful multidisciplinary collaborations, it is critical that we invest in developing and implementing collaborative intervention models in the IPV field. The CTRT model is an innovative model that conducts multidisciplinary coordinated outreach to families experiencing severe IPV to enhance family engagement in services and, when appropriate, in the criminal justice process.

Intimate Partner Violence in Urban, Rural, and Remote Areas: An Investigation of Offense Severity and Risk Factors.

This study compared the severity of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the relationship between risk factors for IPV and overall risk judgments of future IPV in urban, rural, and remote areas. IPV risk assessments conducted by the Swedish police between 2010 and 2014 in urban ( n = 564), rural ( n = 456), and remote ( n = 196) areas were examined. Rurality was associated with the severity of IPV reported, as well as the presence of risk factors and their relationship to overall risk judgments. Cases in remote areas included more severe IPV as well as more risk factors.

Social Structure, Social Learning, and the Severity of Physical Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Nigeria

Using the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) of 2013, this study applies the social structure (feminist) and social learning perspective in understanding the severity of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria. About 26,403 married women were analyzed from the 2013 NDHS data. Multinomial regression was used to analyze variables that capture the social structural and social learning perspectives in relation to women's experience of minor and severe physical IPV. The study revealed that primary and secondary educational attainment, and being employed predicted severe physical IPV victimization. Alcohol consumption by the respondents' spouses, being a victim of childhood abuse, and witnessing IPV between parents predicted severe physical IPV. The finding of this study implies that experiences of IPV take place within a sociocultural context that shapes the social realities of the average Nigerian woman.

Personality correlates of intimate partner violence subtypes: A latent class analysis.

Perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) represent a heterogeneous group who engage in a variety of aggressive acts which often co-occur. However, few studies take this co-occurrence into consideration. Failure to consider overlapping forms of IPV confounds understanding of risk factors for physical IPV, which in turn undermines identification, prevention, and intervention efforts. Though rarely studied in emerging adults, personality variables have recently been identified as important correlates of IPV. The primary aims of the current studies are to identify distinct subgroups of moderate and severe psychological and physical IPV and personality covariates of class membership. Two studies were conducted at different public regional universities in the northeast (n = 500; n = 497). Both samples were about two-thirds female, approximately one-half White, one-fifth Black, and one-quarter Latino, of any race. Latent Class Analysis identified three subgroups in both studies: low, moderate, and severe IPV. The severe and moderate IPV groups included those who reported threats and moderate physical IPV while the severe IPV group also included those who engaged in severe and injurious forms of physical IPV. Multinomial regression analysis showed that impulsive aggression discriminated moderate and severe from low IPV (Study 1), and more frequent emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, a hostile-dominant interpersonal style and trait aggression discriminated among all three groups, with severe IPV having the greatest likelihood of controlling behavior and aggression (Study 2). IPV is represented by distinct subgroups that vary by severity of IPV with different personality covariates. General aggressive and domineering tendencies in relationships characterize those engaging in severe IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence, Poverty, and Maternal Health Care-Seeking Among Young Women in Kenya: a Cross-Sectional Analysis Informing the New Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite considerable achievements associated with the MDGs, under-five mortality, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, remains alarmingly high. Globally, intimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in three women within their lifetime. Little is known about the relationship between IPV and maternal care-seeking in the context of high rates of under-five mortality, particularly among young women and adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Data from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (2008-2009) were limited to a sample of women aged 15-24 years (n=1,406) with a child under-five who had experienced IPV in the last 12 months. Using multivariate logistic regression, we constructed three models: 1) base model; 2) controlling for type of residence (urban/rural); and 3) controlling for wealth status and education attainment, to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the association between IPV and ten maternal care-seeking behaviors. Thirty-eight percent of the women had experienced some form of intimate partner violence in the last 12 months. Women who had experience IPV were less likely: 1) to complete a minimum of 4 antenatal visits after single IPV exposure (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.44, 0.86 and after severe IPV (OR=0.80; 95% CI=0.44, 0.88) and 2) to deliver in health facility after severe IPV exposure (OR=0.74; 95% CI=0.54, 0.89), both adjusted for educational attainment and wealth status. Lower socio-economic status and living in a rural area were strongly associated with increased likelihood of IPV. Intersectional approaches that consciously focus on, and creatively address IPV may be key to the success of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health outcomes. The implementation of joint programming and development of combination interventions to effectively reduce the risk of exposure to IPV and promote maternal care-seeking behavior are needed to improve child morbidity and mortality in LMICs.

276 - Common Themes in the Stories Young Adult Women Write About Their Troubled Relationships

Purpose: Although the frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced in adolescence decreases during young adulthood, the severity of IPV increases during this time and can result in the formation of lifelong patterns of IPV. These patterns are related to problematic self-in-relationships. Self-in-relationships are the ways in which young adults think, act, and feel in their relationships—regardless of who the partner is. An intervention called Writing to Improve Self-in-Relationships (WISER) was developed to help young adults explore and “rewrite” their problematic self-in-relationships. The purpose of this study was to identify common themes in the stories of young adults who participated in a pilot test of the WISER intervention. This information can lead to a better understanding of the ways in which problematic self-in-relationships influence young adult intimate partner relationships.

Adoption, penetration, and effectiveness of a secondary risk screener for intimate partner violence: Evidence to inform screening practices in integrated care settings.

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has implemented screening for past-year intimate partner violence (IPV) in some healthcare facilities along with secondary screening of risk for severe violence among those screening positive in order to facilitate follow-up care for high-risk patients. We evaluated the adoption, penetration, and effectiveness of secondary screening as a tool to facilitate timely follow-up services. Retrospective review of medical records (screening and healthcare use) of 774 women screening positive for past-year IPV (IPV+) at 11 facilities nationwide from April 2014-April 2016. Chi-square and t-tests examined factors related to secondary screening. Three of eleven (27.3%) facilities that implemented primary IPV screening adopted secondary screening. At adopting sites, 56.4% eligible (i.e., IPV+) women received secondary screening. Among 185 IPV+ women who completed secondary screening, 33.0% screened positive for severe IPV. Screening positive during secondary screening was associated with higher rate of psychosocial care within 60 days (73.8% vs. 54.0% of IPV+ patients screening negative; p < .05), posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis (31.1% vs. 15.3%; p < .05), and being physically threatened or harmed (>50% vs. <15%; p < .001). Secondary risk assessment following IPV screening may expedite access to psychosocial follow-up care in integrated healthcare settings. However, program uptake needs to be enhanced.

The Role of Objectification in the Victimization and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a substantial health concern and identifying risk factors for IPV is a research priority. We examined the relationship between severe IPV and objectification of the self and other sex across participant sex. A sample of 1,005 male and female university students completed a series of online questionnaires that measure levels of self-objectification, objectification of the other sex, and histories of severe IPV victimization and perpetration. Self-objectification was associated with severe psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion victimization in females, but not in males. Objectification of the other sex was associated with severe psychological aggression and physical assault perpetration in males, but not in females. These findings contribute to our understanding of gender similarities and differences in IPV.

Are Generalist Batterers Different from Generally Extra-Family Violent Men? A Study among Imprisoned Male Violent Offenders

Research on male batterers has found that in some cases of severe intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, male aggressors were also generally violent beyond the family realm. These findings have been used by researchers to illustrate the common etiology of both general and IPV. Using data from imprisoned male violent offenders, we d the individual, family, and community characteristics of two groups of violent offenders: generalist batterers (GB) and generally extra-family violent men (GEVM). GB offenders had a judicial sentence on IPV-related offenses (gender violence according to the Spanish legislation), while GEVM offenders did not have any IPV-related judicial sentence. The sample s 153 imprisoned male violent offenders of the Penitentiary Center of Villabona (Asturias, Spain). Sociodemographic measures, and criminal and justice official records of participants are available. Two groups of participants (GB and GEVM) distinction was done based on official records. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) was carried out to study differences between each group of participants in self-reported measures of personal, family, and community context variables. MANCOVA showed no statistical differences among the individual, family, and community characteristics of these two groups, giving empirical support to the theoretical view that general violence and IPV might share a common etiology. These results are discussed in light of the debate about the potentially common etiology of these two types of violence.

The Role of Objectification in the Victimization and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a substantial health concern and identifying risk factors for IPV is a research priority. We examined the relationship between severe IPV and objectification of the self and other sex across participant sex. A sample of 1,005 male and female university students completed a series of online questionnaires that measure levels of self-objectification, objectification of the other sex, and histories of severe IPV victimization and perpetration. Self-objectification was associated with severe psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion victimization in females, but not in males. Objectification of the other sex was associated with severe psychological aggression and physical assault perpetration in males, but not in females. These findings contribute to our understanding of gender similarities and differences in IPV.

Validation and adaptation of the danger assessment-5: A brief intimate partner violence risk assessment.

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive validity of the DA-5 with the addition of a strangulation item in evaluating the risk of an intimate partner violence (IPV) victim being nearly killed by an intimate partner. The DA-5 was developed as a short form of the Danger Assessment for use in healthcare settings, including emergency and urgent care settings. Analyzing data from a sample of IPV survivors who had called the police for domestic violence, the DA-5 was tested with and without an item on strangulation, a potentially fatal and medically damaging IPV tactic used commonly by dangerous abusers. Researchers interviewed a heterogeneous sample of 1,081 women recruited by police between 2009-2013 at the scene of a domestic violence call; 619 (57.3%) were contacted and re-interviewed after an average of 7months. The predictive validity of the DA-5 was assessed for the outcome of severe or near lethal IPV re-assault using sensitivity, specificity and ROC curve analysis techniques. The original DA-5 was found to be accurate (AUC=.68), equally accurate with the strangulation item from the original DA substituted (AUC=.68) and slightly more accurate (but not a statistically significant difference) if multiple strangulation is assessed. We recommend that the DA-5 with the strangulation item be used for a quick assessment of homicide or near homicide risk among IPV survivors. A protocol for immediate referral and examination for further injury from strangulation should be adopted for IPV survivors at high risk.

The Complexities of Intimate Partner Violence: Mental Health, Disabilities, and Child Abuse History for White, Indigenous, and Other Visible Minority Canadian Women.

This research examines how mental health issues associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) relate to women's intersecting identities of race/ethnicity, disability status, and child abuse history. Data (N = 595) from a Canadian triprovincial study included women who were White (n = 263, 44.8%), Indigenous (n = 292, 49.7%), or visible minority (n = 32, 5.5%). Few demographic differences were found. None of the mental health measures (Symptom Checklist-Short Form [SCL-10], Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression [CES-D-10], Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Checklist) were in the clinical ranges. In a MANCOVA on the mental health scales, with IPV severity, racial group, disability status, and child abuse history as variables, only disability was significantly associated with more mental health symptoms.

Evidence for Two Levels of Intimate Partner Violence and Aggression Among Incarcerated Young Male Violent Offenders.

Furthering knowledge of the subset of incarcerated partner violent offenders distinguished by aggression, anger, and hostility is relevant, as these offenders are guilty of the more severe kinds of intimate partner violence (IPV). Our aim was to identify groups with different patterns of IPV among convicted young Swedish male offenders, using data from the Development of Aggressive Antisocial Behavior Study, including 171 young men (18-25 years) convicted of a violent crime. Cluster analysis was used to identify different clusters based on amount and severity of IPV in combination with measures of anger, hostility, aggression, and psychopathic personality traits. The results point to an association between antisocial development, criminal history, the severity of current crime, and measures of aggression, hostility, and partner abuse. The cluster defined by higher levels of partner abuse and aggression was significantly associated with early onset conduct disorder.