Partner Violence Perpetration Research Articles

Disclosure and Help Seeking Related to Intimate Partner Violence Victimization, Perpetration, and Bidirectional Abuse in a National Sample of Sexual Minority Men.

About one-third of sexual minority men (SMM) report intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, and one-fourth report IPV perpetration, in their lifetime. IPV disclosure and help seeking are key processes of coping with or managing exposure to abuse. We surveyed 500 SMM residing across the United States who enrolled in project EROS (Empowering Relationships and Opportunities for Safety). In all, 201 participants reported any type of IPV in the past 6 months (including 109 who reported both victimization and perpetration); these men were then categorized as experiencing balanced bidirectional (n = 53), predominantly victimization (n = 113), and predominantly perpetration (n = 35) IPV. In each of these groups, close to one-third (25.7%-34.5%) had disclosed their IPV experience and one-fifth (13.2%-20.0%) had sought help; however, within the perpetration group, none of the 16 participants who only reported perpetration (the other 19 reported some victimization) disclosed their IPV. Group sizes allowed us to examine correlates of IPV disclosure and help seeking among the bidirectional and victimization groups, from among demographic, psychosocial, relational, and IPV characteristics, using bivariate statistics and multiple logistic regression. Greater IPV victimization was positively correlated with disclosure in both groups, and it was the lone independent correlate in multiple regression analysis (in the victimization group). Greater IPV victimization was also a strong positive and independent correlate of help seeking in multiple regression analysis within the victimization group, as was greater partner assertiveness in conflict resolution. There were no independent correlates of disclosure and help seeking within the bidirectional group. These findings highlight the need for efforts to empower SMM to seek support and services when exposed to IPV, and to do so early in the occurrence of IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and the Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Systematic Review.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global concern that has a large impact on both victims and society. Understanding factors that contribute to the perpetration of IPV can help prevent harm. Personality disorders are largely related to IPV perpetration according to recent research; however, there is a large amount of overlap between different personality disorders, and it has been suggested that personality traits may provide a clearer picture on the aspects of personality that result in IPV. Personality traits develop during childhood, and, despite being largely stable, can be modified through intervention. A systematic review was carried out by searching three large databases, examining personality traits from the Five-Factor Model, the prevailing personality model, and IPV perpetration. Eleven studies were included in the final analysis, largely from community samples. The results suggested that neuroticism demonstrates a significant relationship with the perpetration of IPV. There were some differences between community and forensic studies; however, these could be explained by exploring the different types of IPV in line with Johnson's distinction between common couple violence and intimate terrorism. Intimate terrorism, which is more likely to be displayed by clinical samples, is less likely to be emotionally motivated and therefore may not be linked to neuroticism. Limitations to the method used in the review and the impact of these on the findings are discussed.

Examining Virtual Delivery of Strength at Home for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

This study examined the effectiveness of the virtual delivery of the Strength at Home (SAH) intervention program for intimate partner violence in a sample of 605 military veterans across 69 Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers through a national implementation of the program. Outcome measures included physical IPV, psychological IPV, coercive control behaviors, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and alcohol misuse. Significant pre-intervention to post-intervention reductions were found for all the outcomes, with similar effect size estimates relative to a prior investigation of in-person-delivered SAH through the same national VA implementation. Study findings suggest that the virtual delivery of SAH may be as effective as in-person delivery which has important implications for program access and impact.

The role of objectification in young men's perpetration of intimate partner violence.

Theorists have argued that objectification is implicated in men's violence against women. Growing correlational and experimental evidence supports this claim. However, little research has studied the link between objectification and violence perpetrated by intimate partners. Three studies examined this link in relation to several forms of violent behavior. Study 1 (N = 215) found that men who implicitly associated women with objects were more likely to perpetrate sexual and physical violence against their female romantic partner, independent of their levels of hostile sexism. Study 2 (N = 325) replicated this finding but examined automatic associations with men's intimate partners rather than women as a class. Greater implicit objectification was again associated with self-reported physical violence and with a behavioral proxy measure of aggression among participants who responded most strongly to an experimental provocation. Study 3 (N = 192) manipulated objectification by inducing a physical appearance-focus mindset and found that the manipulation increased men's tendency to respond violently toward their partner. By implication, objectification appears to play a significant role in facilitating men's violence in romantic relationships.

The Association Between Victimization and Perpetration of Physical Intimate Partner Violence and Unmet Healthcare Needs Among Married Women in South Korea.

This study assessed physical intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences and examined their association with unmet healthcare needs among married women in South Korea. We analyzed data from a nationally representative longitudinal survey of 6,533 women at baseline. Participants were asked yes/no questions about their experiences of physical IPV victimization and perpetration over the past year. The responses were classified into four categories of IPV experience: "none," "victimization only," "perpetration only," and "both victimization and perpetration." At baseline, 0.9% reported being victimized only, and 25.9% reported both victimization and perpetration. The prevalence of unmet healthcare needs over the past year at baseline was 0.8%. Compared to women without any IPV experience, women in the IPV "victimization only" category had greater unmet healthcare needs (OR: 5.49, 95% CI [2.30, 13.12]) after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Experiencing IPV perpetration only and both IPV victimization and perpetration were not statistically significantly associated with unmet healthcare needs. These results imply that physical IPV victims face difficulties accessing healthcare services which could exacerbate health inequalities over time. Moreover, this study suggests that it is necessary to distinguish IPV victims from those who experience IPV victimization only and those who experience both IPV victimization and perpetration.

“I beat my wife to correct her…” perpetration of intimate partner violence by men in low-income settings of Ibadan municipality: a qualitative exploration

BackgroundGlobally, intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem. Recent studies have focused on women’s experience of abuse. However, only few studies have documented men’s perpetration of abuse in low-income countries. This study describes male perpetrated IPV and triggers of IPV among men in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsThis qualitative study adopted a descriptive phenomenology method to understand the lived IPV experience of men in Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. The study was conducted in five communities selected by simple random sampling from a list of low-income communities within Ibadan municipal. Fourteen In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted among eligible men aged 26 to 50 years, selected by convenience sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was done to generate themes and sub-themes using NVIVO software.ResultsThe forms of male perpetrated IPV included: physical, emotional, economic and controlling behaviour. Respondents also reported using money to control their wives. Sexual violence (marital rape) was not recognized as a form of IPV by the men interviewed. Participants disagreed that marital rape exist, because they believe that sex is an obligation of the wife to the husband. IPV was fostered by traditional marital expectations and ideals, norms that supported patriarchy, ‘wife’s disobedience’, domestic financial challenges.ConclusionMen perpetrated different forms of violence against their partners. IPV perpetration was encouraged by men’s beliefs as well as the social norms. Interventions to educate men on the consequences of IPV on individuals, families and communities are recommended.

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.

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.

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration among Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health concern that profoundly affects not only heterosexual but also lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations. Although studies conducted outside Norway have reported similar prevalence rates of IPV in heterosexual and LGB relationships, no published studies from Norway, whether academic or from nongovernmental organizations, have focused specifically on IPV prevalence rates in the LGB population. One reason might be the absence of a standardized tool to measure IPV. In this study, as researchers with backgrounds in social psychology, violence and minority studies, we firstly aim to evaluate the validity of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-R) in understanding the intimate partner violence experiences of LGB individuals. Secondly, we investigate how common various forms of perpetration and victimization are within the LGB community, specifically looking at psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion. We are also interested in whether there are any differences in the experiences of these forms of violence based on sexual orientation. To conduct this research, we studied 285 LGB individuals in Norway, aged between 18 and 64 (mean age = 31.80 years). The results of a correlation analysis revealed that all types of victimization from and perpetration of violence are positively and strongly associated. Chi-square tests indicated that there was no significant difference among LGB individuals in psychological and physical victimization or perpetration. However, gay individuals reported significantly higher sexual IPV victimization and perpetration than lesbian and bisexual individuals. Overall, we suggest that the CTS-R has satisfactory construct validity and effectively helps gauge psychological, physical, and sexual IPV in the LGB population. Moreover, we conclude that psychological, physical, and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization are prevalent in LGB relationships in Norway, and thus, that LGB IPV warrants further investigation into its antecedents and consequences.

‘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.

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 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.