Intimate Partner Violence Situations Research Articles

Exclusive breastfeeding in a context of intimate partner violence in Brazil

The study aim was to identify the experience of exclusive breastfeeding and its relationship with the situation of intimate partner violence from a qualitative approach. The study was carried out in a maternity hospital located in Brazil. The participants were 21 puerperal women, who were in a situation of intimate partner violence in the puerperium and who had at least 180 days postpartum. The quantitative data (the women's sociodemographic, economic, family, and obstetric status) were used for describing the participants. Whereas, the qualitative data were collected through an open interview and recorded in a single moment, they reflected on the experience of breastfeeding in situations of violence by their intimate partners. The qualitative data was treated using the Method of Sense Interpretation; and Male Domination and Symbolic Power, by Pierre Bourdieu, were the theoretical frameworks chosen to discuss the concept of gender in social relationships. Most of the participants were young, black/brown-skinned, had a mean of 10 years of study, all suffered some type of violence by their partners during postpartum, and only one woman followed exclusive breastfeeding until six months. The central category, entitled: “Intimate partner violence and its repercussions on the experience of exclusive breastfeeding”, identified that intimate partner violence impacted in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding, interruption of latching, in addition to affecting the relationship between mother and child. The originality of the theme must be discussed in the academic, practical, governmental, and research spheres in order to strengthen the notification and confrontation of violence and to advocate for exclusive breastfeeding even in adverse contexts.

Violences sexuelles entre partenaires intimes : caractéristiques et enjeux cliniques

IntroductionIntimate partner sexual violence is identified as a common form of intimate partner violence. It is also the most widespread form of sexual violence in the world, with one woman in four affected during her lifetime. In France, couple relationships appear to be the area of life most at risk of sexual victimization in adulthood. However, our understanding of this phenomenon is limited, with few targeted studies in the international literature and very little data in France. Most studies tend to focus on sexual violence in general or intimate partner violence in general, without exploring in depth the characteristics and issues of sexual violence when committed by a partner. While intimate partner violence is a major public health issue, what do we know about intimate partner sexual violence and how can we use this information to provide a better support for victims? ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to summarize the current state of the art about intimate partner sexual violence, along two major lines: a descriptive line, focusing on the nature, extent, and expressions of sexual violence in couples, as well as its clinical effects; and a food-for-thought line, focusing on the identification of issues likely to contribute to the harmful power of intimate partner sexual violence. Materials and methodsArticles were selected from referenced databases, such as PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science. The terms “intimate partner sexual violence” and “intimate partner rape” were used as first choice, and then the keywords “intimate partner violence; domestic violence; domestic abuse; intimate partner; relationship; battered women; spouse; wife; marital” were cross-referenced with the terms “rape; sexual violence; sexual abuse; sexual coercion; unwanted sex; forced sex”. The search for articles was carried out between February 2021 and May 2021. ResultsThe literature tends to indicate that intimate partner sexual violence develops mainly in relationships already marked by violence. It appears to be co-occurring with physical and psychological violence by the partner elsewhere in the relationship, but also simultaneously with the abuses. Intimate partner sexual violence is repetitive and has multiple expressions: their reality extends beyond intimate partner rape. They seem to be associated with unique deleterious effects for the victims, and could be an indicator of the severity of the overall situation of intimate partner violence, with increased post-traumatic and depressive symptomatology, as well as a greater number of deaths by suicide and homicide. However, they are still perceived as less serious than sexual violence by a non-partner or a stranger, both by society and by the women affected. This discrepancy between the seriousness of sexual violence between partners and its global and individual perception is to put into perspective with the dysfunctional dynamics of sexual consent in violent relationships. However, the research is scarce, and more studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the numerous aspects of intimate partner sexual violence. ConclusionsThe clinical reality of intimate partner sexual violence is both worrying and poorly understood. It must be recognized and addressed in treatment because of its traumatic potential and its power regarding psychological confusion for the victims. The current state of knowledge indicates that asking women who have experienced violence from their partner about sexual violence is an essential part of practice. The professionals in contact with this public must be properly trained to be able to provide adequate responses.

THEORETICAL-EXPLANATORY MODEL OF THE CARE PROVIDED TO WOMEN IN SITUATIONS OF VIOLENCE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop a theoretical-explanatory model of the care provided to women in situations of intimate partner violence in the context of Primary Health Care. Method: a study with a qualitative approach, whose theoretical-methodological contribution adopted was the updated Straussian strand of the Grounded Theory. Between February and December 2019, individual interviews were conducted with 31 professionals who worked in Family Health Units in the Health District of a capital from northeastern Brazil, members of the minimum team (first sample group) and of the Expanded Family and Primary Care Health Center (second sample group). The data were organized using an analytical tool called Paradigmatic Model, consisting of three components: condition, action-interaction and consequences. Results: the theoretical-explanatory model of the phenomenon called “enabling the empowerment of women in situations of intimate partner violence” allowed understanding the meanings attributed by the professionals to the care offered to women in situations of intimate partner violence within the scope of the Family Health Strategy. Conclusion: the model of care provided to women in situations of intimate partner violence, based on identification of the problem and intervention in the cases, is limited due to the characteristics of the organization of the services. In this sense, the study points to the importance of managerial actions to achieve favorable outcomes for female empowerment and consequent confrontation of violence.

Social support networks for women in situation of intimate partner violence.

to analyze the possibilities of support that the social support network offers to women in situations of intimate partner violence. qualitative research anchored in Sanicola's social network framework. A total of 21 women attended at a specialized social assistance service in Porto Velho-Rondônia, Brazil, participated in a semi-structured interview. the analysis of network maps showed that the secondary social support network mobilized had a central character in the lives of women in situations of violence. These women sought the third sector's secondary network, the churches, from which they received emotional-affective and spiritual support. understanding the social network setting and the type of support offered can contribute to improving care for women and strengthening interpersonal and institutional ties that help in the search for breaking the situation of violence.

Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Animal Safekeeping: Findings From a Public Survey.

While research on the link between intimate partner violence (IPV), animal maltreatment, and the need for animal safekeeping has increased significantly in recent years, previous research has included samples of victims/survivors and service providers. The present study examined public awareness of the link between IPV, animal abuse, and the need for animal safekeeping. The study also examined awareness of services and supports and inquired about respondents' experiences with animal safekeeping in situations of IPV through an online survey that was open to the public. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions and asked about three types of animals: pets, livestock, and service animals. Respondents were 176 residents of Saskatchewan who live in urban, rural, and northern areas of the province. Findings indicate that many respondents knew people who experienced IPV where their animals were also abused. Several respondents had assisted someone in planning for temporary animal safekeeping as part of their plan to exit a relationship when they were experiencing IPV. These results demonstrate the importance of "natural supports," including family, friends, and neighbors, for providing information, support, and assistance with animal safekeeping in situations of IPV, especially in rural and northern communities that do not have domestic violence and animal welfare agencies nearby. Findings also indicate public support for increasing services and supports for people who experience IPV and own animals, including pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and rental housing, to allow people and animals escaping IPV to remain together.

Animal Safekeeping in Situations of Intimate Partner Violence: Experiences of Human Service and Animal Welfare Professionals.

Although knowledge of the link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal maltreatment has increased significantly in recent years, few studies have examined service providers' experiences with IPV and concurrent animal abuse, as well as animal safekeeping in situations of IPV. The present study documented human service and animal welfare service providers' experiences supporting victims/survivors of IPV, who owned pets and livestock, and included service providers in rural and northern communities in Saskatchewan. Online surveys were completed by 128 human service professionals (including domestic violence shelter workers, domestic violence counsellors, victim services workers, police, and legal professionals) and 43 animal welfare professionals (including workers from animal rescues, humane societies, Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [SPCAs], and veterinary clinics) (n = 171). Respondents shared information relating to their awareness of the link; their experiences responding in situations of IPV and concurrent animal abuse, including arranging animal safekeeping in situations of IPV; and successes and challenges related to effective service provision. Results include descriptions of intersecting risks to people and animals. Service providers shared ways that they have assisted victims/survivors who own animals, such as through animal safekeeping programs. Both human service and animal welfare professionals expressed the need for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and pet-friendly long-term housing options. Service providers offered recommendations for improving education and training; improving provision of services of victims/survivors of IPV and their animals, including improving access to Emergency Intervention Orders and establishing funding for animal safekeeping in situations of IPV; and strengthening existing and building new partnerships.

Transportation Barriers among Immigrant Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

The current study reports on transportation barriers among a transportation-underserved and under-recognized population—immigrant women who are survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Using an exploratory cross-sectional qualitative method, two focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 immigrant IPV survivors (25–68 years old) in North Texas, U.S. Three key themes highlight the essence of the transportation barriers among the participants: (1) “ my mobility was in my ex-husband’s hand,” (2) transportation disadvantage blocks independence, and (3) public transit in/accessibility undercuts the move toward independence. The study found that transportation is used as a means of control and coercion among IPV perpetrators, and insufficient and inconsistent access to this basic resource impedes the process of exiting IPV situations and regaining independence and stability. The women described that their perpetrators denied them access to the family car or prevented them from going to work. On exiting IPV relationships, the women desired flexible and on-demand transportation whenever possible, and reported concerns with safety, flexibility, and reliability in public transit. First- and last-mile obstacles proved difficult, particularly given that the women had recently relocated to IPV shelters intentionally located in discrete neighborhoods away from their normal travel routes and less proximal to public transit stations. Findings highlight the need for transportation planners and engineers to consider more multi-modal and creative transportation solutions for such populations to overcome first/last-mile accessibility, increase flexibility, and enhance perceived safety in ridership.

Improving Social Norms and Actions to Prevent Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Study of the Impact of Green Dot Community on Youth.

Sexual violence (SV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), which often co-occur with bullying, are serious public health issues underscoring the need for primary prevention. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a community-building SV and IPV prevention program, Green Dot Community, on adolescents' perceptions of community social norms and their propensity to intervene as helpful actionists using two independent data sources. Green Dot Community takes place in towns and aims to influence all town members to prevent SV and IPV by addressing protective factors (i.e., collective efficacy, positive prevention social norms, and bystander helping, or actionism). In the current study, one town received Green Dot Community (the prevention-enhanced town), and two towns received prevention as usual (i.e., awareness and fundraising events by local IPV and SV advocacy centers). The program was evaluated using a two-part method: (a) A cross-sectional sample of high school students from three rural communities provided assessment of protective factors at two time points (Time 1, N = 1,187; Time 2, N = 877) and (b) Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from the state Department of Health were gathered before and after program implementation (Time 1, N=2,034; Time 2, N=2,017) to assess victimization rates. Youth in the prevention-enhanced town reported higher collective efficacy and more positive social norms specific to helping in situations of SV and IPV over time but did not differ on bystander behaviors or on victimization rates. Community-based prevention initiatives may be helpful in changing community norms to prevent SV/IPV.

Effects of emotion regulation and perpetrator-victim roles in intimate partner violence on mental health problems among men who have sex with men in China.

This study assessed the relationships between different perpetrator-victim roles in intimate partner violence (IPV), emotion regulation (ER) and mental health problems among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. From April to June 2019, 1233 participants were approached via gay-friendly non-governmental organisations in 15 cities across mainland China. Of the total, 578 eligible participants completed an anonymous online survey. All participants provided informed consent and information about their violent perpetrator-victim role and mental health status. The results revealed a high prevalence of IPV in this study sample, with 32.7% of participants reporting IPV victimisation and 32.5% of participants reporting IPV perpetration during their lifetime. A total of 81 (14.0%) participants were suicidal, 309 (53.5%) participants reported poor general mental health and 208 (36.0%) had significant depressive symptoms. Adjusted logistic regression models revealed that both physical victimisation (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] = 3.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-9.32) and sexual victimisation (ORa = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.39-6.05) had positive associations with suicidality, and unidirectional and bidirectional psychological perpetration were associated with poor general mental health and significant depressive symptoms. Although high cognitive reappraisal showed a negative association with poor general mental health (ORa = 0.89，95% CI = 0.86-0.92), the correlation with victims of IPV was weaker than it was with non-victims. This study revealed that different perpetrator-victim roles in different IPV situations should be considered comprehensively in research, prevention and intervention. ER is not enough to buffer the effects of IPV on the mental health of MSM victims.

Situation of Intimate Partner Violence among University Female Students in Nepal: Findings of a Cross-Sectional Survey

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of violence in our society. Intimate partner violence among Nepali female university students, in particular, has not yet been studied. Therefore, across-sectional survey was conducted among female students studying in bachelors and masters level at Padmakanya Campus using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 370 participants were randomly selected and data were collected from the 1 December 2013 to 30 January 2014. One-thirds of the respondents were married. Married participants reported about their violence experience perpetrated by their husbands. The prevalence of emotional violence 40% was higher than physical 33% and sexual violence 20%. Women with landownership, employed, members of community groups and those who were married to husbands with the higher level of education were less likely to experience physical violence. Women who did not own land (OR=2.92), unemployed (OR=1.21) were more likely to experience violence than those who owned land and were employed. Similarly, lower level of husband's education (OR=3.35) and unskilled jobs (OR=1.56) were associated with the higher occurrence of violence compared to their husbands having university level of education and government job or working abroad. Prevalence of IPV is common among educated girls. Efforts to reduce IPV should give priority for educated women in Nepal.

Police officers’ definitions and understandings of intimate partner violence in New Brunswick, Canada

Police agencies have an important role to play in responding to intimate partner violence (IPV) situations. The objective of our study was to examine how police officers define IPV and to circumscribe police officers’ attitudes about the issue. This study examined results from a survey conducted with police officers ( N = 169) in the province of New Brunswick. A major implication of our study points toward education and training as a necessary passage to more efficient intervention as perceptions are not enough to make an informed decision about IPV situations.

A Bruise Without a Name: Investigating College Student Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence Terminology.

When it comes to intimate partner violence, words matter. The abuse terminology used in efforts to target collegiate victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) can impact the effectiveness of prevention messages. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to identify the relationship between abuse labels (such as domestic violence, dating violence, and IPV), and bystander intervention recommendations. Second, this study aims to understand how situational factors (perpetrator gender, couple marital status, provocation) impact the perceived appropriateness of those terms. Perceptions of severity, victim/perpetrator blame, and bystander intervention recommendations were also measured. In all, 498 college students from a large southern public university participated in a 2 × 2 × 2 experiment where they read a vignette depicting IPV. Participants were then asked a serious of questions about the appropriateness of the abuse terminology, what actions they would recommend for a bystander, the severity of the incident, and the degree to which they blamed victim and perpetrator. Results indicated the bystander intervention actions that are perceived as appropriate are related to what the most appropriate label is for the situation. Contextual factors surrounding the IPV situation, such as perpetrator gender, couple marital status, and provocation, influenced bystander recommendations and what labels were considered appropriate. The results of the study indicate the need to expand collegiate definition of what "counts" as IPV and point to ways in which IPV context can be a barrier to bystander intervention. Implications of the study argue that efforts to increase bystander intervention must include training on how to identify IPV situations with a broad variety of contexts. Limitations of the study and implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Marital Social Skills and Marital Satisfaction of Women in Situations of Violence

Abstract Marital Social Skills (MSS) are related to Marital Satisfaction (MS). However, abusive relationships present a deficit in the use of health strategies for conflict management and damages to those involved. This study evaluated in 23 women, with an average age of 35 years, in situations of intimate partner violence, the MSS, MS and the forms of violence suffered. For this, it used the MSS Inventory, MS Scale and a Violence Questionnaire. The results showed a predominance of psychological violence, a high level of marital dissatisfaction and a deficient repertoire of MSS. Negative correlation was identified between MSS, Proactive Self-Control and Marital Dissatisfaction; positive correlation between Assertive Conversation and Marital Dissatisfaction (and Marital Interaction) and negative correlation between Self-Assertiveness, Proactive Self-Control and situations of violence. Thus, the importance of specific MSS training for this population and the understanding of the nature of assertive responses in the sociocultural context is noted.

Islamophobic violence as a form of gender-based violence: a qualitative study with Muslim women in Canada

This paper represents the first empirical qualitative research study on Islamophobic violence against Muslim women in the Canadian context, and presents a novel characterisation of Islamophobic violence against Muslim women as a form of gender-based violence. Twenty-one Muslim women in Toronto and its surrounding areas were interviewed regarding their encounters with Islamophobic violence: they disclosed over 30 incidents, only three of which were reported to police. The spectrum of Islamophobic violence disclosed by participants includes attempted femicide, physical assault, sexual assault and verbal assault. Moreover, two participants disclosed situations of intimate partner violence (IPV) that were entangled with Islamophobic abuse, representing a hitherto uncharacterised intersection of Islamophobia and IPV in the Canadian context. All incidents of physical and sexual violence disclosed by participants were said to have been perpetrated by white men. Many participants believed that they were targeted for Islamophobic violence because of the impact of gendered Islamophobic discourses that construct Muslim women as being passive, weak and oppressed – and therefore as ‘acceptable targets’ for violence. I offer the novel term ‘Islamophobic gender-based violence’ in order accurately name the reality of violence that Muslim women face in the nexus of misogyny and Islamophobia.

Critical path of women in situations of intimate partner violence.

ABSTRACTObjective:To know and analyze the critical path followed by women subjected to intimate partner violence until reaching a Reference Center of a Brazilian city, from the perspective of these women. Method:Qualitative research, based on the concept of critical path. Participant observations of the support group of the Reference Center and interviews with ten women in situations of violence who were followed up in this service. Results:the motivating factors for women to seek help were the increase in the severity of the aggressions, the impact of the violence on their children and support from their family. They go to several sectors and services before reaching the Reference Center, such as the police and legal counsel, health and social services. They find little effective responses from the services, and care is indicated as the most relevant response factor to face the situation. Conclusion:the assistance is fragmented and dependent on the posture of the professional. The Reference Center is recognized as an important place of support for women. In addition to governmental efforts to maintain the network structured, the permanent education of the working professionals is also fundamental.

"Everybody's Really Close-Knit": Disconnections Between Helping Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and More General Helping in Rural Communities.

Social support is key to well-being for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), and bystanders have an important role to play in preventing IPV by taking action when there is risk for violence. The current study used qualitative interviews to explore young adults' perspectives on helping in situations of IPV, and more general helping, in the rural communities in which they resided. Participants were 74 individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years from 16 rural counties across the eastern United States. Participants generally described their communities as close-knit and helpful, especially around daily hassles (e.g., broken down car) and unusual circumstances (e.g., house fire). Although participants generated ways in which community members help IPV victims, these mostly focused on providing support or taking action in the aftermath of IPV as opposed to more preventive actions. Lack of financial resources were uniquely cited as a barrier to more general helping, whereas concerns about privacy and lack of deservingness of help were barriers to both general helping and helping in IPV situations, although these were more pronounced in IPV situations than general helping situations. Taken together, these results suggest that although people generally see their communities as helpful and close-knit, these perceptions and scripts did not necessarily translate to helping in situations of IPV. Bystander intervention programs are needed that provide more specific helping scripts for IPV.

Problemas de conducta infantil y competencias parentales en madres en contextos de violencia de género

ObjectiveTo assess the behavioural problems of children who have been exposed to intimate partner violence situations, and the moderating effect of mother parenting. MethodWe analysed, using the Child Behavior CheckList, behavioural problems of 46 children between 6 and 16 years, and the relationship between the detected problems and parenting skills shown in the mother-child interaction in shelters. ResultsIncreased behavioural problems were detected in children, compared with normative population. Difficulties in parenting skills in mother-child interaction especially connect with the manifestation of externalizing problems in children. ConclusionsLiving in a gender violence environment affects children's psychosocial adjustment and it damages the victim's parental competence. Consequently, the intervention of socio-health professionals with Intimate partner violence victims should pay more attention to detect the difficulties of children and restore the parenting skills of the mothers in order to alleviate the repercussions of gender violence on their children.

Examining the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and Concern for Animal Care and Safekeeping.

The current study examined the knowledge and experience of animal welfare and human service providers in urban and rural communities of Saskatchewan, Canada. Nine exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted to gather a more in-depth understanding of whether the concern for animal care and safekeeping impacts the decision to leave situations of intimate partner violence. The interviews were semistructured and guided by four questions, which were designed, reviewed, and revised based on feedback from a community-based research team. Thematic analysis highlighted important findings, allowing for the generation of suggestions for improvement of current supports and services offered. The current study findings suggest that concern for animal care and safekeeping creates significant barriers regarding the decision to leave situations of intimate partner violence and abuse, warranting further research to inform support services and resources within a Canadian context.

Responding to Gendered Violence Among College Students: The Impact of Participant Characteristics on Direct Bystander Intervention Behavior

ABSTRACTBystander intervention has been an effective strategy for crime prevention and has been successful in the context of campus sexual assault. Less is known about the extent to which individual-level factors correlate with intervention behavior in situations of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual harassment. The present study used a sample of 377 undergraduate student surveys on a campus without a bystander intervention program to examine the impact of individual-level participant factors on direct intervention across sexual assault, IPV, and sexual harassment scenarios. Findings demonstrated statistically significant differences where positive bystander attitudes and violence prevention efficacy correlated with direct intervention for sexual assault; positive bystander attitudes, personality extroversion, and exposure to a victim increased intervention behavior in an IPV scenario, and positive bystander attitudes and violence prevention efficacy increased direct intervention and lifetime experience of IPV decreased direct intervention in a sexual harassment scenario. Research and policy implications are discussed.

Partner Aggression Versus Partner Abuse Terminology: Moving the Field Forward and Resolving Controversies

This special issue has three goals: first to recognize Dr. Murray Straus and his legacy in the family violence field; second, to attempt to move the field of family violence forward with new research that focuses on key issues in perpetration of physical partner aggression; and third, to help resolve issues of terminology, definitions, and constructs that have led to controversy and disagreements among those trying to understand and reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse. Some of the controversies have been occurring for at least 30 years. I am deeply honored to have been chosen by Drs. Murray Straus andZeevWinstok to edit this special issue. I knewMurray for over 30 years, and he was the key person who set into motion the elements that has led to my long career and work in this field. In the early 1980’s, when I was just beginning to think about starting a family violence institute that would act as a clearinghouse for current information about research, programs, and prevention of family violence, I sent letters to leaders in the field inviting their input, feedback, and participation. At that time, I was an unknown Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Tyler. I did not receive many responses, but one I received within a few weeks was a handwritten letter from Murray encouraging me to move forward, providing some feedback, and offering to help in any way he could. That personal letter enabled me to contact others again, noting we were going to move forward, and indicating that Murray and a few other key people were on our advisory board. That was the beginning of the nonprofit Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute that continues today in San Diego, CA. It was also the beginning of a warm, collegial friendship in which Murray and I would exchange articles and ideas, have discussions and sometimes disagreements, and also attend each other’s conferences. It was clear when this special issue was initiated, Murray knew he would not be alive to see its completion, but as was his style, that did not deter him. He wanted to make one last attempt to resolve some key issues, and to do it in an innovative manner. This special issue has twice as many articles as is usual for the journal, but each article was planned to be about half the number of pages usually allowed. The response to Murray and Zeev’s Call for Manuscripts was amazing. Through the usual peer review process, those submissions have been narrowed to the articles in this special issue. Zeev has done an admirable job of guiding this special issue to its completion, editing articles, and ensuring the high quality of the material. We are all indebted to Zeev for his excellent work and persistence. Emily Douglas’ Introduction in this issue presents the history in brief of Murray’s many contributions and life work. I won’t repeat them here. However, one of the main issues that Murray and I disagreed about in our past discussions, gender symmetry versus asymmetry in the perpetration of IPV and abuse, has been a source of much disagreement and contentious debate in the field. This disagreement has led to loud and sometimes angry arguments for 30 years by those who are involved in research, policy, advocacy, and/or treatment of intimate partner violence (IPV). Murray and other researchers have been vilified for suggesting that women were as violent as men in relationships (i.e., gender symmetry). Although the debate over gender symmetry continues, there has been no disagreement that in IPV situations, women are much more likely to be injured and also more severely than men. * Robert Geffner bgeffner@alliant.edu