Partner Violence Perpetration Research Articles

Risk of death after type of intimate partner violence (IPV) involvement

Abstract Background Most studies have focused on women’s intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization but perpetration and bi-directional violence remain understudied. Methods Using linked criminal justice and population registers in Manitoba, Canada, we assessed the risk of death according to the role in IPV incidents (accused-only, victim-only, bidirectional, none). In this retrospective matched cohort study, we assembled a cohort of 212,068 adults who were followed from April 2004 to March 2023 to assess IPV incidents and subsequent death. Those involved in an IPV incident were 1:3 matched to persons with no history of IPV based on birth year, sex and marital status at the time of the incident. Results Men comprised 85% of accused-only, 21% of victim-only, and 50-51% in the other two groups. Overall, compared to those without IPV involvement, the adjusted Hazard Ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.38 [95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.28, 1.49] for accused-only, 1.39 (1.29, 1.50) for victim-only and 1.45 (1.19, 1.77) for bidirectional IPV. The associations were stronger among women, particularly that of bidirectional violence [1.24 (0.97, 1.60) among men and 1.92 (1.39, 2.66) among women]. Similar patterns were found for intentional mortality [0.96 (0.56, 1.64) among men and 2.43 (1.27, 4.65) among women]. Conclusions There are clear sex inequities in IPV involvement. Any type IPV involvement is associated with higher risk of death, particularly among women, who comprise most of the victims. Key messages • Any type IPV involvement is associated with higher risk of death, particularly among women, who comprise most of the victim. • Use of linked criminal justice data allows studying the consequences of IPV victimization, perpetration and bidirectional violence and monitor gender inequities over time.

The feasibility of ecological momentary assessment for assessing intimate partner violence in college students with a history of intimate partner violence perpetration.

The feasibility of ecological momentary assessment for assessing intimate partner violence in college students with a history of intimate partner violence perpetration.

College Students' Coercive Sexting and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration in Shorter- and Longer-Term Relationships.

This study examines the moderating role of relationship length on the association between coercive sexting and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Research has supported a positive association between coercive sexting and IPV perpetration (Drouin et al., 2015), though no prior research has examined how relationship length moderates this association. To test this relationship, we administered a multipart questionnaire online to 798 undergraduate participants (79% White, 77% female, MAge = 19.1 years) currently in a relationship. We assessed physical, psychological, and sexual IPV perpetration. Relationship length moderated the link between coercive sexting and sexual IPV perpetration. More specifically, the association was stronger in longer-term compared to shorter-term relationships. These results carry implications for future research and IPV education and intervention programs, suggesting that they should incorporate coercive sexting into their curriculums and target newer couples.

Psychological Predictors of Recidivism for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Theoretical accounts of recidivistic intimate partner violence (IPV) continue to differ considerably in relation to the relative weight given to psychological risk factors. A systematic overview of studies that have established psychological predictors of reoffending is currently lacking. This study aimed to identify and provide an overview of studies examining various psychological factors associated with IPV perpetration patterns. A systematic search of research conducted from 1945 to 2024 was carried out on PsycINFO, PubMed, and PILOTS. The inclusion criteria were that studies must not use self-reported reoffending data only, must use a criminal justice sample, must be longitudinal, participants must be over 17 years of age, and that studies must be published in the English language and peer reviewed. A total of 25 longitudinal studies examining individual psychological factors, proposed as potential predictors of IPV reoffending, were eligible. The identified factors were grouped into five categories: personality, anger and hostility, beliefs, attitudes and motivation, neurocognitive deficits and trauma (i.e., family of origin abuse/post-traumatic stress disorder). The current systematic scoping review found that the most-researched psychological predictor of IPV recidivism was personality. While studies vary in relation to the personality traits or disorders that contribute most to the likelihood of reoffending, in general, personality assessment appears to be a promising tool in predicting reoffending. Anger, childhood maltreatment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implicit attitudes, and neurocognitive deficits were also identified as predictors of IPV recidivism. Methodological issues were found to be present across studies.

Applying tenets of code of the street to intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization

ABSTRACT While studies testing ‘code of the street’ have generally supported a relationship between it and various forms of violent and non-violent behaviors, including victimization, the theory has not been applied to explain intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization among college students. Recently, scholars have maintained that the code of the street may extend beyond the inner cities and may be applicable in explaining violent behavior by college students. Therefore, the main research question addressed in this study is how applicable, if at all, is tenets of code of the street in explaining intimate partner IPV perpetration and victimization among college students. Using a United States subsample of 4,162 college students contained in the cross-sectional International Dating Violence Study, results from logistic regression models showed that the tenets of code of the street is associated with IPV perpetration and victimization. More importantly, code of the street remains statistically significant even after controlling for well-documented risk markers of IPV. Implications of our findings suggest that intervention and prevention programs aimed at altering code of the street beliefs should reduce IPV perpetration and victimization. Further results, as well as the study’s limitations, are discussed.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual Minority Young Adults: The Roles of Alcohol Consequences and Discrimination.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. A posited mechanism explaining the link between ACEs and IPV is alcohol use consequences. Yet, few studies have examined this relationship among sexual minority young adults or how chronic and unique discrimination due to their marginalized identity (i.e., minority stress) may influence these associations. This study examined whether alcohol use consequences mediated the relationship between ACEs and IPV perpetration, and whether minority stress moderated this mediated relationship. Sexual minority young adults who used alcohol in the past month (N = 344; age 18-25) in a dating relationship completed a survey on ACEs, IPV, alcohol and minority stress. We hypothesized: (a) alcohol use consequences would mediate the association between ACEs and IPV perpetration and (b) higher discrimination would moderate the mediation of alcohol use consequences in the relationship between ACEs and IPV perpetration. ACEs (B = 0.74, p = .010) and alcohol use consequences (B = 0.64, p = .007), were significantly associated with psychological, but not physical, IPV perpetration. Alcohol use consequences did not mediate the association between ACEs and any IPV type. In addition, everyday discrimination was not a significant moderator. ACEs and alcohol use consequences contribute to the risk for IPV perpetration among sexual minority young adults. Future research is needed to determine how alcohol use consequences may impact risk for IPV perpetration among those who have experienced ACEs.

Discrimination, Unfair Treatment by Police, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Black and Latino Men

ABSTRACT Discrimination and unfair treatment by police are salient racial injustices for Black and Latino men. General Strain Theory and the Theory of African American Offending point to the potential of these leading to outcomes like intimate partner violence perpetration (IPV). Drawing on theoretical predictions and analyses of the Add Health data, I found evidence that discrimination and unfair treatment by police had independent effects on IPV perpetration for Black and Latino men. The effect of racial injustices varied for Latino men such that both types were strong contributors to IPV perpetration for immigrant Latino men but not US born Latino men.

‘Everyone is Against me’: A Qualitative Study of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration with Both Convicted and Voluntary Help-Seeking Men

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) significantly harms women globally, yet, research on perpetrator treatment efficacy is inconclusive. Understanding how perpetrators perceive their own perpetrations is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. This study examines how male IPV perpetrators describe their emotions and cognitions surrounding their violent acts, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of interviews with seven convicted men, and six men who had sought treatment voluntarily. Two superordinate themes emerged: Aggression as a means to meet with unfulfilled psychological needs which encompasses how aggression is used to satisfy the need to gain control and protect the self, and Aggression as an automatic response which entails automatically reacting with aggression, for example due to perceiving the world through a hostile lens. These findings can increase our understanding of factors and dynamics related to precipitation and continuation of IPV perpetration, which, in turn, can be identified, assessed, and potential targets for intervention and prevention.

Integrated Motivational Strategies for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators with Substance Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators with alcohol and/or other drug use problems (ADUPs) have been identified as one of the main high-risk and highly resistant groups of perpetrators requiring special attention in intervention programs for IPV perpetrators. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate whether an individualized motivational plan adjusted to ADUPs (IMP-ADUPs) was superior to standard motivational strategies (IMP) in reducing ADUPs, and IPV and increasing treatment adherence in IPV perpetrators. Method: Data from a full sample of IPV perpetrators (n = 140) and a subsample of participants with ADUPs (n = 55) were collected at pre- and post-intervention and 12-month follow-up. Final outcomes included alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis use, self-reported IPV, risk of recidivism assessed by facilitators, and official IPV recidivism. Proximal outcomes included treatment adherence (stage of change, intervention dose, active participation, and dropout). Results: Both intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were conducted. The IMP-ADUPs condition was superior to the IMP in reducing alcohol use at post-intervention in both the full sample and ADUPs subsample. The full sample of participants in the IMP-ADUPs condition were in a more advanced stage of change post-intervention and showed increased active participation during the intervention process than IMP participants. All participants were in a more advanced stage of change at post-intervention and reduced their alcohol use and their risk of recidivism at post-intervention and 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: These results underscore the need to develop individualized treatment approaches to address participants' risks and needs and promote their motivation to change.

Gray matter volume differences in intimate partner violence perpetrators and its role in explaining dropout and recidivism

AimPsychological instruments that are employed to adequately explain treatment compliance and recidivism of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators present a limited ability and certain biases. Therefore, it becomes necessary to incorporate new techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to be able to surpass those limitations and measure central nervous system characteristics to explain dropout (premature abandonment of intervention) and recidivism. MethodThe main objectives of this study were: 1) to assess whether IPV perpetrators (n = 60) showed differences in terms of their brain's regional gray matter volume (GMV) when compared to a control group of non-violent men (n = 57); 2) to analyze whether the regional GMV of IPV perpetrators before starting a tailored intervention program explain treatment compliance (dropout) and recidivism rate. ResultsIPV perpetrators presented increased GMV in the cerebellum and the occipital, temporal, and subcortical brain regions compared to controls. There were also bilateral differences in the occipital pole and subcortical structures (thalamus, and putamen), with IPV perpetrators presenting reduced GMV in the above-mentioned brain regions compared to controls. Moreover, while a reduced GMV of the left pallidum explained dropout, a considerable number of frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, subcortical and limbic regions added to dropout to explain recidivism. ConclusionsOur study found that certain brain structures not only distinguished IPV perpetrators from controls but also played a role in explaining dropout and recidivism. Given the multifactorial nature of IPV perpetration, it is crucial to combine neuroimaging techniques with other psychological instruments to effectively create risk profiles of IPV perpetrators.

Does psychopathy mediate the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence in childhood and the perpetration of intimate partner violence in adulthood?

Does psychopathy mediate the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence in childhood and the perpetration of intimate partner violence in adulthood?

A Dyadic Analysis of the Relationships Between Antisocial and Borderline Personality and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration.

Cluster B personality disorders of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been implicated in predicting intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. However, most studies include only male perpetrators and ignore the dyadic interactions among couples. The current study examines the interactive role of both partners' ASPD and BPD features to predict IPV perpetration with a dyadic perspective. Seventy-seven married heterosexual couples reporting recent partner violence participated in the study. Each partner completed the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II. A considerable number of participants (53.25% of the men and 46.75% of the women for ASPD and 41.56% of the men and 42.86% of the women for BPD) scored higher than the diagnostic cutoff point. Actor-partner interdependence modeling examined the reciprocal influence of men's and women's personality disorder features on IPV perpetration in two separate actor-partner interdependence models. Results of the first model revealed that the IPV perpetration of both wives and husbands was predicted by their own ASPD scores. In the second model, men's IPV perpetration was predicted both by his own and his partner's BPD features, but this was not true of women's IPV perpetration. While ASPD was a consistent risk factor for IPV perpetration, there were gender differences in the influence of BPD on IPV perpetration. Women's BPD symptoms appear to put her at risk for victimization of IPV. Therefore, in couples experiencing IPV and having BPD symptoms, both partners may benefit from interventions to address emotional instability to prevent future IPV.

The Effectiveness of Intervention Programs for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence with Substance Abuse and/or Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Despite the high prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among men with mental health (MH) problems and substance use (SU), there is limited evidence on the most effective ways to reduce IPV within these groups. Hence, the present systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for male IPV perpetrators with MH issues and SU problems. Five databases (B-On, Pubmed PsycInfo, Science Direct, and Scopus) were searched for studies examining the effectiveness of IPV interventions. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, with 13 interventions described. Interventions were grouped into (1) specific interventions for SU among IPV perpetrators (k = 8), (2) nonspecific interventions for SU among IPV perpetrators (K = 3), and (3) specific interventions targeting MH among IPV perpetrators (k = 2). Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing techniques were the most common approaches. Both specific and nonspecific programs addressing SU problems showed some positive effects on perpetrators' behavior and attitudes. However, data from the two intervention programs focusing on MH showed reduced symptoms and re-assaults but without significant differences between the conditions. Despite methodological shortcomings in the studies, the specific and nonspecific interventions targeting SU and IPV show promise, which hinders drawing firmer conclusions. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to deepen our understanding of the MH impact interventions on IPV perpetrators.

The Perils of the Unknown: Intolerance of Uncertainty and Intimate Partner Violence Across the First Four Pandemic Waves.

Theory suggests that intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a tendency to perceive uncertain events as threatening, may serve as a potential risk factor for increased intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration; however, few studies have investigated this association, and none have taken a longitudinal approach. We investigated the issue in two longitudinal online investigations (initial N = 282 and 1,118), with time periods ranging from just before the COVID-19 pandemic to the fourth pandemic wave, approximately 1.5 years later. IU was a significant predictor of IPV cross-sectionally, and in the short term longitudinally (i.e., over periods of weeks); however, it did not predict IPV over the longer term (i.e., over periods of months or years). In addition, our longitudinal design allowed assessment of IPV trends across pandemic waves. Physical IPV rates remained low and steady across time. Psychological IPV rates showed an increase in the early days of the pandemic, but then dropped and stabilized, albeit at a somewhat higher rate than pre-pandemic. Study 2 had ample representation of LGBTQ+ respondents and showed that the patterns and processes worked similarly for LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

Machiavellianism and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the size of the relationship between Machiavellianism and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Further, we explored whether the strength of this relationship varied depending on IPV type (i.e., physical, psychological, sexual, and cyber), and perpetrator gender. Systematic searches of Medline Complete, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were conducted on July 4, 2023. Studies were included if they were a peer-reviewed published paper or unpublished dissertation, in English, included a measure of Machiavellianism and IPV perpetration, and reported the relationship between these variables. Study quality was assessed using the AXIS tool. Nineteen studies (N = 9,464) were included in a random-effects meta-analysis revealing a significant, weak, positive correlation between Machiavellianism and IPV perpetration (r = .16, 95% CI [0.11, 0.21], p < .001). Machiavellianism had a significant, weak, positive relationship with cyber (r = .25, 95% CI [0.17, 0.32], p < .001), psychological (r = .20, 95% CI [0.15, 0.24], p < .001), and sexual IPV (r = .10, 95% CI [0.02, 0.19], p = .020). No significant relationship was found for physical IPV. There was no significant difference in the strength of the relationship between women and men. These findings are limited by the measures being self-report, heterogeneity across studies, and the cross-sectional nature of the included studies which limits the understanding of causal pathways. Nonetheless, this meta-analysis shows a link between Machiavellianism and IPV perpetration, and future research should examine how this knowledge may be used to reduce IPV perpetration.

Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Sample of Largely Indigenous Children.

The purpose of this study was to develop, pilot, and evaluate a culturally grounded, family-based program to prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among low-income and Indigenous children aged 10 to 14. The Tiwahe Wicagwicayapi program (TWP) is a 7-session program that teaches skills to prevent ACEs and is rooted in Lakota culture, language, and history. A total of 124 families (124 caregivers [96% Indigenous; 90% reported yearly income <$40 000] with 194 children aged 10 to 14 [93% Indigenous]) were randomly assigned to treatment (N = 66 families and 173 individuals) or waitlist (N = 58 families and 145 individuals) control groups. Caregivers and children completed a baseline, immediate posttest, and 6-month follow-up survey. Treatment effects were detected, indicating, compared with control participants, reductions in the incidence of child ACEs (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.64), bullying victimization (odds ratio = 0.53), depression (d = -0.20), and externalizing behaviors (d = -0.23) and increased parent-child communication (g = 0.27) and child help-seeking behaviors (d = 0.28). For caregivers, the effects indicated that the program prevented intimate partner violence victimization (IRR = 0.36) and perpetration (IRR = 0.45), harsh parenting (g = -0.35), and depression (d = -0.24) and increased emotion regulation (d = 0.37), social support (d = 0.33), and cultural connection (d = 0.34). The TWP holds great promise in preventing ACEs among low-income, Indigenous children, showing potential promise for widespread public health impact. Future rigorous research on the TWP is warranted.

Predicting Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Seven U.S. Cities Using Interpretable Machine Learning.

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are at higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization than their housed peers. This is often due to their increased vulnerability to abuse and victimization before and during homelessness, which can result in a cycle of violence in which YAEH also perpetrates IPV. Identifying and addressing factors contributing to IPV perpetration at an early stage can reduce the risk of IPV. Yet to date, research examining YAEH's IPV perpetration is scarce and has largely employed conventional statistical approaches that are limited in modeling this complex phenomenon. To address these gaps, this study used an interpretable machine learning approach to answer the research question: What are the most salient predictors of IPV perpetration among a large sample of YAEH in seven U.S. cities? Participants (N = 1,426) on average were 21 years old (SD = 2.09) and were largely cisgender males (59%) and racially/ethnically diverse (81% were from historically excluded racial/ethnic groups; i.e., African American, Latino/a, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander, and mixed race/ethnicity). Over one-quarter (26%) reported IPV victimization, and 20% reported IPV perpetration while homeless. Experiencing IPV victimization while homeless was the most important factor in predicting IPV perpetration. An additional 11 predictors (e.g., faced frequent discrimination) were positively associated with IPV perpetration, whereas 8 predictors (e.g., reported higher scores of mindfulness) were negatively associated. These findings underscore the importance of developing and implementing effective interventions with YAEH that can prevent IPV, particularly those that recognize the positive association between victimization and perpetration experiences.

“We have to fight for our existence in the system”: exploring service providers’ experiences with male victims and female perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Purpose This study aims to investigate the experiences of service providers supporting male victims and female perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study explored the drivers, methods and treatments of female-perpetrated IPV, the nature and impact of abuse towards male victims, the barriers and facilitators to service provision and the impact on the practitioners themselves. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative approach, using reflexive thematic analysis to analyse semi-structured interviews with 13 experienced service providers. Findings Two overarching themes were identified: systemic issues in service provision, including challenges with multi-agency approaches, funding and availability of services and the impact on practitioners; and gender stereotypes, which created barriers to male victims' help-seeking and influenced the treatment of female perpetrators. Practical implications The findings suggest the need for a multi-level approach, addressing gendered inequalities in IPV policy and funding, implementing gender-inclusive, evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, and raising public and professional awareness to challenge the dominant “domestic violence stereotype”. Originality/value This study provides a detailed, in-depth exploration of the experiences of service providers supporting “non-typical” populations in IPV, revealing the complex, multi-faceted challenges they face within a system that is inherently designed to support female victims of male perpetrators.

A Comparison of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Mental Health Among Men in Same-Gender and Different-Gender Relationships

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social and public health problem in the United States. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor mental health are associated with IPV. Sexual minority men (SMM) experience each of these disproportionately; however, limited studies have examined the interrelationships of these variables among SMM. Cross-sectional data from the first wave (September 1, 2020–April 25, 2021) of the National Couples’ Health and Time Study were used to assess the prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV victimization and perpetration and the association with ACEs and depression, anxiety, and stress among cisgender men in same-gender and different-gender relationships. Log-binomial regression was used to evaluate relationships, stratified by couples’ gender identity. In a sample of 1,681 men, including 689 sexual minority men, 40.6% reported IPV victimization and 33.1% reported IPV perpetration. Stratified by couples’ gender identity, victimization and perpetration were reported more frequently among men in different-gender relationships compared to men in same-gender relationships (40.7% vs. 33.9%; 33.2% vs. 30.2%). Psychological victimization and perpetration were the most commonly reported. Among men in same-gender relationships, depression symptoms had the highest association with IPV victimization (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56–2.95) and perpetration (PR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.24–2.39). Research, clinical screenings, and other settings that focus on understanding and intervening on partner violence victimization and perpetration should intentionally consider the experiences of SMM in order to effectively promote healthy relationships and optimal mental health.

A retrospective descriptive study of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence referred by judicial authorities: an example from Turkey.

Our study examines the socio-demographic, forensic psychiatric, and childhood trauma exposure (CTE) data of Turkish intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators and draws comparisons with the violence data. Data of male perpetrators referred to the domestic violence outpatient clinic by judicial authorities between November 2019 and June 2022 were retrospectively examined, with a focus on CTE data. The mean age of the male perpetrators examined in the study was 37.1 years. Among the overall sample, 16.2% (n = 17) had experienced violence at school in childhood, and 22.9% (n = 24) had experienced CTE. Regarding the frequency of domestic violence in their households, of the perpetrators admitted to the clinic for IPV, 40% (n = 42) reported rarely, 43.8% (n = 46) sometimes, and 16.2% (n = 17) often engaged in violent acts. There is a significant relationship between the frequency of IPV and the level of CTE (χ2: 13.052, SD: 2, p = 0.001, Cramer's V: 0.353). Similarly, individuals who witnessed domestic violence during childhood were found to commit partner violence more frequently (χ2: 8.157, SD: 2, p = 0.017, Cramer's V: 0.279). In this study, we found a strong relationship between CTE and IPV. To the best of our knowledge, our study is only example that investigates the relationship between CTE and IPV in a Turkish sample.