Dimensions of Intimate Partner Violence (Domestic Violence)
Trust and Violence
The Parallels Between Undue Influence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Assault.
Brandl, Bonnie, Heisler, Candace J., Stiegel, Lori A.
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, Vol 17(3), 2005. pp. 37-52.
Abstract:
The dynamics of undue influence (UI) have many similarities with domestic violence, stalking, and grooming behavior used by some sexual predators. This article will help practitioners–particularly law enforcement investigators and prosecutors–better recognize UI as a pattern of behaviors, not an isolated incident. Understanding the dynamics of UI will enhance professionals’ appreciation of the responses of victims and the manipulative nature of exploiters. Strategies that have been used effectively with domestic violence, stalking, and some sexual abuse cases may provide remedies for victims of UI and criminal justice options for holding perpetrators accountable. Enhanced awareness of these dynamics should lead to improved investigations, more effective strategies when interviewing and working with victims, and more successful prosecutions of perpetrators who use UI to financially exploit an older person.
Intimate partner homicide: New insights for understanding lethality and risks.
Sheehan, Brynn E., Murphy, Sharon B., Moynihan, Mary M., Dudley-Fennessey, Erin, Stapleton, Jane G.,
Violence Against Women, Vol 21(2), Feb, 2015. pp. 269-288.
Abstract:
Research on covictims, family members, and close friends who have lost loved ones to intimate partner homicide (IPH) is a neglected area of study. We conducted phenomenological interviews with covictims to gain insights into risk and lethality, examined affidavits from criminal case files, and reviewed news releases. The data uncovered acute risk factors prior to the homicide, identified changes in the perpetrators’ behavior and the perpetrators’ perceived loss of control over the victim, and described barriers that victims faced when attempting to gain safety. Findings suggest that recognizing acute risk factors is an important area for future IPH research.
Jealousy and Domestic Violence
Patterns of psychological aggression, dominance, and jealousy within marriage.
Kar, Heidi L., O’Leary, K. Daniel, Kar, Heidi L.
Journal of Family Violence, Vol 28(2), Feb, 2013. pp. 109-119.
Abstract:
Few empirical studies with representative samples have focused on the gendered aspect of psychological aggression and its sub-constructs of dominance and jealousy. Those that do report on gender differences, often fail to report on important dyadic factors such as whether the aggression is unilateral or bilateral in nature. Differences in psychological aggression, dominance, and jealousy constructs were assessed in a representative sample of 453 married parents. Overall, women had significantly higher dominance, jealousy, and psychological aggression scores. Both male and female respondents in relationships where there was bi-directional severe psychological aggression demonstrated higher mean levels of severe psychological aggression, dominance, and jealousy than did their counterparts who were unilaterally severely aggressive. This is the first study to demonstrate that bilateral psychological aggression is associated with higher mean levels of psychological aggression, dominance, and jealousy scores for both male and female partners than unilateral aggression. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no differential impact of severe psychological aggression by gender. differences in psychological aggression, particularly within representative community samples. Among those studies that have investigated gender as an influential factor in perpetration of aggression, very few have investigated other relationship-based variables that also may contribute to psychological aggression. By focusing so much attention solely on gender differences, other key variables that may play an even greater role in presence and/or escalation of domestic violence in general, are often neglected. One such relationship factor that has been shown to affect levels of physical aggression between partners is bi-directionality of the aggression (Capaldi et al. 2007; Straus 2010). So far, no representative studies have assessed for differences in unilateral vs. bilateral psychological aggression, over and above reporting on gender differences.
Explaining the relationship between insecure attachment and partner abuse: The role of personality characteristics.
Buck, Nicole M. L., D, Leenaars, Ellie P. E. M., Emmelkamp, Paul M. G., van Marle, Hjalmar J. C.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 27(16), Nov, 2012. pp. 3149-3170.
Abstract:
Studies have found that male batterers are more often insecurely attached as compared with nonbatterers. However, it is still not clear how insecure attachment is related to domestic violence. Many studies compared batterers and nonbatterers regarding pathological personality characteristics that are related to attachment (e.g., dependency, jealousy) and generally found that batterers report more personality characteristics. However, these studies did not investigate which role these characteristics played in the relationship between insecure attachment and battering. The first aim of this study is to test which personality characteristics are good candidates to explain the relationship between insecure attachment and domestic violence. The second aim is to test whether personality characteristics are predictive of battering over and above attachment. Seventy-two mainly court-mandated family-only males who were in group treatment for battering are allocated to a securely and an insecurely attached group and compared with 62 nonbatterers. Using questionnaires, self-esteem, dependency, general distrust, distrust in partner, jealousy, lack of empathy, separation anxiety, desire for control, and impulsivity were assessed. This was the first study that examined distrust, separation anxiety, and desire for control in relation to battering. The results show that the relationship between insecure attachment and domestic violence can be explained by separation anxiety and partner distrust. Moreover, only partner distrust increased the risk for battering over and above insecure attachment. The findings suggest the presence of two subtypes among batterers based on attachment style, which has similarities to the family-only and dysphoric-borderline subtypes suggested by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart. Implications of the present findings for therapy are discussed.
Morbid jealousy and sex differences in partner-directed violence.
Easton, Judith A., Shackelford, Todd K.
Human Nature, Vol 20(3), Sep, 2009. pp. 342-350.
Abstract:
Previous research suggests that individuals diagnosed with morbid jealousy have jealousy mechanisms that are activated at lower thresholds than individuals with normal jealousy, but that these mechanisms produce behavior that is similar to individuals with normal jealousy. We extended previous research documenting these similarities by investigating sex differences in partner-directed violence committed by individuals diagnosed with morbid jealousy. The results support some of our predictions. For example, a greater percentage of men than women diagnosed with morbid jealousy used physical violence, attempted to kill, and actually killed their partners, and used their hands rather than an object to kill their partners. These results replicate results generated for individuals with normal jealousy. Discussion addresses implications of the current research and highlights directions for future research on the psychology of morbid jealousy.
Multivariate models of men’s and women’s partner aggression.
O’Leary, K. Daniel, Smith Slep, Amy M., O’Leary, Susan G.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol 75(5), Oct, 2007. pp. 752-764.
Abstract:
This exploratory study was designed to address how multiple factors drawn from varying focal models and ecological levels of influence might operate relative to each other to predict partner aggression, using data from 453 representatively sampled couples. The resulting cross-validated models predicted approximately 50% of the variance in men’s and women’s partner aggression. The 3 strongest direct predictors of partner aggression for men and women were dominance/jealousy, marital adjustment, and partner responsibility attributions. Three additional direct paths to aggression for men were exposure to family-of-origin aggression, anger expression, and perceived social support. The 1 additional direct path for women was a history of their own aggression as a child or teenager. Implications for more integrative theories and intervention are discussed.
Jealousy and the meaning (or nonmeaning) of violence.
Puente, Sylvia, Cohen, Dov.
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol 29(4), Apr, 2003. pp. 449-460.
Abstract:
Previous research has indicated that jealousy is one of the major triggers of domestic violence. Three studies, with undergraduate students of both genders, examined North Americans’ ambivalent feelings about jealousy and jealousy-related aggression. In Study 1, it was shown that Ss believed both that jealousy can be a sign of insecurity and a sign of love. In Study 2, it was shown that this equating of jealousy with love can lead to the tacit acceptance of jealousy-related violence. In Study 3, it was shown that a relative acceptance of jealousy-related aggression extends to cases of emotional and sexual abuse by husbands against their wives. In both Studies 2 and 3, men who hit or abused their wives over a jealousy-related matter were judged to romantically love their wives as much as those who did not engage in abuse. Violence in the context of a non-jealousy-related argument was seen quite negatively, but it lost a great deal of negativity in the jealousy case.
Self-Blame for the Victim
Impact of intimate partner violence on women’s mental health.
Karakurt, Gunnur, Smith, Douglas, Whiting, Jason
Journal of Family Violence, Vol 29(7), Oct, 2014. pp. 693-702.
Abstract:
This study aimed to explore the mental health needs of women residing in domestic violence shelters; more specifically, we aimed to identify commonalities and differences among their mental health needs. For this purpose, qualitative and quantitative data was collected from 35 women from a Midwestern domestic violence shelter. Hierarchical clustering was applied to quantitative data, and the analysis indicated a three-cluster solution. Data from the qualitative analysis also supported the differentiation of women into three distinct groups, which were interpreted as: (A) ready to change, (B) focused on negative symptoms, and (C) focused on feelings of guilt and self-blame.
The relationship between violence, social support, and self-blame in battered women.
Barnett, Ola W., Martinez, Tomas E., Keyson, Mae
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 11(2), Jun, 1996. pp. 221-233.
Abstract:
This study hypothesized that battered women compared with nonbattered women use more violence, receive lower levels of social support, and experience higher levels of self-blame. Also hypothesized is that these three variables are interrelated. A sample of 95 women constituted 3 groups: battered women, nonbattered women in counseling, and nonbattered, noncounseled women. The women completed the Conflict Tactics Scales, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and a 61-item self-blame scale. Results supported all of the major hypotheses and revealed that female-to-male violence in battered women is negatively related with level of perceived social support and positively linked with level of self-blame. The latter correlation rested primarily on the association between nonphysical CTS abuse items and self-blame measures. These findings help provide further specificity about battered women’s perceived lack of social support and help to clarify reported inconsistencies about self-blame.
Depressive symptomatology, self-esteem, and self-blame in battered women.
Cascardi, Michele, O’Leary, K. Daniel
Journal of Family Violence, Vol 7(4), Dec, 1992. pp. 249-259.
Abstract:
Examined the incidence of depressive symptomatology and poor self-esteem among 33 currently battered women (aged 19–50 yrs) who sought counseling/support services from a community agency that provides services to victims of domestic violence. 89% of the Ss experienced severe acts of physical abuse and 31% of the Ss required surgery or suffered concussions as a result of their injuries. 52% scored above 20 on the Beck Depression Inventory. As the frequency, severity, and consequences of physically aggressive acts increased and/or worsened, the Ss’ depressive symptoms increased and self-esteem decreased. However, only 12% of the Ss blamed themselves for causing their partner’s violence. Neither self-blame nor partner blame was associated with length of abuse or the frequency and severity of physical aggression. However, self-blame was marginally associated with depressive symptomatology.
Attributions of blame for marital violence: A study of antecedents and consequences.
Andrews, Bernice, Brewin, Chris R.
Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol 52(3), Aug, 1990. pp. 757-767.
Abstract:
Examined the degree of placing blame on self and on partner for violence by females who had experienced marital violence. 70 females (aged 18–50 yrs) completed interviews concerning marital circumstances, severity of marital violence, attribution of responsibility for violence, and social network involvement. Ss also completed the Present State Examination (J. E. Cooper et al, 1977), the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule, and self-reports about physical and sexual abuse during childhood. Results show that Ss currently living with violent partners reported the highest rate of self-blame. Those Ss no longer living with such a partner reported a significant change from past self-blame to current partner-blame. Characterological self-blame was most highly associated with repeated physical or sexual abuse in childhood, lack of social support concerning the violence, and a high rate of depression following relationship termination. It is concluded that early repeated abuse influences subsequent attributional processes.
Trauma Bonding
Bonding after trauma: On the role of social support and the oxytocin system in traumatic stress.
Olff, Miranda
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, Vol 3, Apr 27, 2012. ArtID: 18597
Abstract:
This paper outlines the state of affairs in psychobiological research on psychotrauma and PTSD with a focus on the role of the oxytocin system in traumatic stress. With a high prevalence of trauma and PTSD in the Netherlands, new preventive and therapeutic interventions are needed. The focus is on the role of social support and bonding in coming to grips with psychological trauma, about the oxytocin system as a basis for reducing the stress response and creating a feeling of bonding, about binding words to painful emotions in psychotherapy, and about the bonds between researchers and clinicians.
The battered woman syndrome: Effects of severity and intermittency of abuse.
Dutton, Donald G., Painter, Susan
American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Vol 63(4), Oct, 1993. pp. 614-622.
Abstract:
Assessed 3 major sequelae of battered woman syndrome: trauma symptoms, self-esteem deficits, and traumatic bonding or paradoxical attachment to the former male partner. This was done to establish the extent to which these factors intercorrelate and thus constitute a syndrome. The strengths of these sequelae were then related to power differentials and to intermittency of abuse, which were believed to be central features of long-term abusive relationships. Ss were 50 battered women and 25 emotionally abused women who had recently left their relationships. Ss were assessed soon after leaving the relationship and again 6 mo later. For all Ss, the essential features of the syndrome were present and were significantly interrelated. Dynamic features of the prior abusive relationship correlated significantly with these sequelae. Intermittency, rather than predictability of abuse, forecast postrelationship distress.
A Dynamic Assessment of the Battered Woman Syndrome and Its Legal Relevance.
Biggers, Jacquelyne R.
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, Vol 3(3), 2003. pp. 1-22.
Abstract:
Battered women who kill their partners in self-defense often enter the courtroom facing a variety of obstacles. Although the term “battered woman syndrome” was introduced to the public ambit in the 1970s to promote awareness of minority rights, an immediate evaluation of the effects that courts often adopt as characteristic of the syndrome is necessary to determine if society is really trying to understand the variety of effects that battered women undergo. Evidence and testimony in criminal cases concerning “the cycle of violence” and “learnedhelplessness” have often been presented in the courtroom in an attempt to establish that the behavior of alleged battered victims falls within the parameters of the battered woman syndrome. However, since the conception and adoption of these two concepts by many courts, researchers have associated other psychological factors to battered women. In a modern society in which women, and minorities alike, are able to reach out and at a time when knowledge of the psychological effects of violence is increasingly becoming known, is vital to the epistemology of battering to admit expert testimony that is relevant and characteristic of each individual battered woman. This article examines some of the psychological and legal issues of battered…
Abused and nonabused women: MMPI profile differences.
Gellen, Murray I., Hoffman, Roy A., Jones, Margaret, Stone, Mary
Personnel & Guidance Journal, Vol 62(10), Jun, 1984. pp. 601-604.
Abstract:
Administered the MMPI orally to 10 19–42 yr old conjugally abused females in a residential treatment center and 10 age-, race-, and SES-matched females from the general population. A probability comparison showed that abused Ss scored significantly higher on the Hypochondriasis, Depression, Hysteria, Psychopathic Deviancy, Paranoia, Psychasthenia, Schizophrenia, and Social Introversion scales. It is maintained that expecting behavior that is logical, goal-directed, and independent from an abused woman is not consistent with these findings. The profile of abused Ss suggests a similarity with the construct of learned helplessness. Results confirm the findings of previous studies that women in abusive relationships manifest, to some extent, disordered personalities. Consequently, they must be treated in conjunction with the abuse to bring about change within the relationship.
Use of Threats
Weapon use increases the severity of domestic violence but neither weapon use nor firearm access increases the risk or severity of recidivism.
Folkes, Stephanie E. F., Hilton, N. Zoe.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 28(6), Apr, 2013. pp. 1143-1156.
Abstract:
Use of weapons is a risk factor for domestic violence severity, especially lethality. It is not clear, however, whether access to firearms itself increases assault severity, or whether it is characteristic of a subgroup of offenders who are more likely to commit severe and repeated domestic assault. This reanalysis of 1,421 police reports of domestic violence by men found that 6% used a weapon during the assault and 8% had access to firearms. We expected that firearm use would be rare compared to other weapons and that actual weapon use rather than firearm access would increase the severity of domestic assaults. Firearm access was associated with assault severity, but this was mostly attributable to use of nonfirearm weapons. Weapon use was associated with older age, lower education, and relationship history as well as to assault severity. Victims were most concerned about future assaults following threats and actual injuries. Although firearm access and weapon use were related to actuarial risk of domestic violence recidivism, neither predicted the occurrence or severity of recidivism. We conclude that, consistent with previous research in the United States and Canada, firearm use in domestic violence is uncommon even among offenders with known firearm access. Weapon use is characteristic of a subgroup of offenders who commit more severe domestic violence, and seizure of weapons may be an effective intervention.
Isolation
Differences in social network structure and support among women in violent relationships.
Katerndahl, David, Burge, Sandra, Ferrer, Robert, Becho, Johanna, Wood, Robert.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 28(9), Jun, 2013. pp. 1948-1964.
Abstract:
Social support is critical for women in abusive relationships. While social support may decrease the risk of getting into a violent relationship, it can also allow battered women to remain in violent relationships by reducing the negative impact of intimate partner violence (IPV). In addition to the social isolation that women in abusive relationships may experience, her social contacts appear to be important. The purpose of this study was to compare the size, structure, and composition of the social networks of women in abusive relationships with those of a matched cohort of nonabused women. The authors enrolled women from primary care clinics who reported abuse within the prior month, and a demographically matched comparison group of women in nonabusive relationships. Participants completed a social network analysis, and investigators compared social networks of abused with nonabused women. The networks of women in abusive relationships were smaller in size, but more efficient in their ability to reach their members, than those of nonabused women. Proportionally, networks of abused women had more women but fewer in-laws than those of comparison women. The women in these abusive relationships had higher measures of centrality, suggesting that they were more critical in holding their networks together. Yet, they had fewer social contacts, and provided more support than they received with fewer reciprocated ties. Thus, social networks of women in violent relationships are small and offer less support than those of comparison women. However, previous work on networks with weak ties and structural holes suggests that access to resources may be available through these networks.
Social isolation and spousal violence: Comparing female marriage migrants with local women.
Choi, Susanne Y. P., Cheung, Y. W., Cheung, Adam K. L.
Journal of Marriage and Family, Vol 74(3), Jun, 2012. pp. 444-461.
Abstract:
[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 74(4) of Journal of Marriage and Family (see record 2012-18908-001). In the original article, the data and the subheadings in the article were reversed for Tables 2 and 3. Models 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d were logistic regression results for husband-to-wife psychological aggression and should be placed in Table 2. Models 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d were results of husband-to-wife physical assault and should be placed in Table 3.] This research examined the impact of network participation, social support, and social control on the violence victimization of female marriage migrants by a spouse. Data were from a household survey of 492 cross-border and 379 local married couples in Hong Kong in 2007. The findings indicated that female marriage migrants were more vulnerable to spousal violence and more socially isolated, compared with local women. Husbands of marriage migrants were also more socially isolated compared with men who married locally. The network participation of both husband and wife was associated positively with spousal violence against women, whereas their perceived social control was associated negatively with violence. Female marriage migrants’ greater vulnerability to spousal physical assault was a result of their younger age compared with local women, but their greater vulnerability to spousal psychological aggression and sexual coercion was related, in part, to their own and their husbands’ network participation as well as their level of social control.
Disabled women, domestic violence and social care: The risk of isolation, vulnerability and neglect.
Hague, Gill, Thiara, Ravi, Mullender, Audrey.
British Journal of Social Work, Vol 41(1), Jan, 2011. pp. 148-165.
Abstract:
This paper reports on the first ever national study in the UK of the needs of disabled women experiencing domestic violence and of the services available to meet these needs. The study found that, in general, support services frequently overlook or respond inappropriately to disabled women in this situation. The overall findings of the research were very wide-ranging, as were the resultant recommendations for statutory agencies, disability organisations, domestic violence services and wider strategic and commissioning frameworks. In this paper, the general findings are discussed briefly, followed by a discussion of abuse by paid carers/personal assistants in the context of the personalisation agenda, with a focus on issues for adult care services.
The relationship between mothers’ social networks and servere domestic violence: A test of the social isolation hypothesis.
Coohey, Carol.
Violence and Victims, Vol 22(4), Aug, 2007. pp. 503-512.
Abstract:
To understand the relationship between characteristics of mothers’ social networks and domestic violence, battered mothers who were severely assaulted were compared to battered mothers who were not severely assaulted and mothers who were not assaulted. The results showed that all three groups of mothers had several family members in their social networks with whom they had frequent contact during the past month. No differences were found between the groups on the number of family members who gave emotional support. However, the mothers who were severely assaulted had fewer friends, fewer contacts with their friends, fewer long-term friendships, and fewer friends who really listened to them than did the non-battered mothers and the battered mothers who were not severely assaulted. Batterers may be more successful in disrupting friendship ties than family ties.
Loneliness in Domestically Abused Women.
Rokach, Ami.
Psychological Reports, Vol 98(2), Apr, 2006. pp. 367-373.
Abstract:
The qualitative aspects of loneliness in abused women were explored. 80 women, victims of domestic abuse who were staying in shelters, were compared with 84 women from the general population who had no history of abusive relationships. A 30-item loneliness questionnaire, having five qualitative dimensions of loneliness, namely Emotional Distress, Social Inadequacy and Alienation, Growth and Discovery, Interpersonal Isolation, and Self-alienation, was utilized to compare the loneliness in the two samples. Analysis supported the hypothesis that abused women experience loneliness differently from the general population. These abused women scored significantly higher on Emotional Distress, Interpersonal Isolation, and the Self-alienation subscales.
Social capital, age and religiosity in people who are lonely.
Lauder, William, Mummery, Kerry, Sharkey, Siobhan
Journal of Clinical Nursing, Vol 15(3), Mar, 2006. pp. 334-339.
Abstract:
Aims and objectives: The aims of the study were to (i) investigate age and loneliness, (ii) investigate the association between religiosity and loneliness, and (iii) and explore the relationship between social capital and loneliness. Background: Loneliness is the subjective experience of social isolation and is a risk factor for a wide range of health problems including heart disease and depression. Poor self-rated health, domestic violence and poor economic conditions are associated with greater loneliness. Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey of a random sample of adults aged 18 years and over. Methods: A random sample of 1289 subjects was interviewed by computer-assisted telephone interviewing. This interview included the Loneliness Scale and items from the Social Capital Module of the General Household Survey. Findings: Loneliness is more common in men and people without strong religious beliefs. An income-loneliness gradient is evident. Little support was found for the association between social capital and loneliness. Conclusion: The prevalence of loneliness is relatively stable in this population. Loneliness is linked to income and unemployment and as such pathways between socio-economic factors, loneliness and health need to guide interventions and future research. Relevance to clinical practice: Loneliness is linked to a range of social and economic factors. Current Health Visiting practice recognizes the importance of tackling the effects of poverty and social deprivation and places community building at the core of much Health Visiting practice. This broad community level approach can usefully transfer into all community nursing and health promotion activity.
The social networks of women experiencing domestic violence.
Levendosky, Alytia A., Bogat, G. Anne, Theran, Sally A., Trotter, Jennifer S., von Eye, Alexander, Davidson, William S. II
American Journal of Community Psychology, Vol 34(1-2), Sep, 2004. pp. 95-109.
Abstract:
The research literature has demonstrated that battered women living in shelters experience impaired social support. This study examines this phenomenon among battered women living in the community. This study compared a group of pregnant battered women (n=145) and a group of pregnant nonbattered women (n=58) in terms of their structural [e.g., total number of supporters, network members in violent relationships with their partners (an index of homophily or nonhomophily) and functional (e.g., emotional)] social support. Four reasons for impaired support in battered women were proposed and examined, including social isolation, failure to disclose abuse, homophily, and low SES. Only homophily was related to impaired support among battered women. In addition, the relationship between structural and functional support and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, self-esteem) was examined. Criticism, practical support, homophily, and disclosure were all significant predictors of mental health for battered women. Implications for community-based interventions are discussed in the context of current intervention strategies with battered women.
‘I Couldn’t Go Anywhere’: Contextualizing Violence and Drug Abuse: A Social Network Study.
James, Susan E., Johnson, Janice, Raghavan, Chitra
Violence Against Women, Vol 10(9), Sep, 2004. pp. 991-1014.
Abstract:
The authors examine the narratives of 24 substance-addicted welfare recipients to understand how their neighborhoods provide a particular context for substance abuse, violence, and social isolation. The authors also examine the relationships among substance abuse, violence, and social isolation. Overall, these narratives indicate that place of residence influences one’s social networks and exposure to drugs, which subsequently influence women’s experiences with substance abuse and domestic violence. The authors suggest a cohesive framework for understanding women’s experiences, that of structural violence as experienced through neighborhood living conditions, which fosters social isolation and vulnerability to long-term drug use and domestic violence.
Social isolation and domestic violence among female drug users.
Farris, Coreen A., Fenaughty, Andrea M.
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Vol 28(2), May, 2002. pp. 339-351.
Abstract:
Examined the relationship between social isolation, domestic violence, and substance dependence among female drug users. 262 female drug users (mean age 37.6 yrs) completed interviews concerning physical abuse, social isolation, and substance dependence. Results show that 38.2% of Ss reported 1+ incident of physical violence perpetrated by their most-recent sexual partner. 39% of Ss met substance dependence criteria. Ss reporting greater social isolation were more likely to have been physically abused, even after controlling for substance dependence and relationship status. Substance dependence was not related significantly to domestic violence.
Isolation as a form of marital violence: The South Asian immigrant experience.
Abraham, Margaret
Journal of Social Distress & the Homeless, Vol 9(3), Jul, 2000. pp. 221-236.
Abstract:
Examines isolation as an important factor in marital abuse among South Asian immigrant families in the US. 29 1st generation immigrant women (aged early 20s–late 50s) from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh completed interviews. The cases of 4 Ss show the 3 isolation levels of a woman’s relationship with her spouse; social interaction with friends, relatives, and coworkers; and participation in the ethnic community. Most Ss reported receiving limited emotional and instrumental social support while in the abusive relationship. The lack of financial resources other than the husband exacerbated isolation and increased the abuser’s power. Ss reported that traditional cultural views of gender were an additional barrier. For many Ss, isolation was among the most painful and disempowering aspects of the marital abuse.
Minimization, Denial, and Blame
Minimization, Denial, and Victim Blaming by Batterers: How Much Does the Truth Matter?
Henning, Kris, Holdford, Robert
Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol 33(1), Feb, 2006. pp. 110-130.
Abstract:
Male domestic violence (DV) offenders often minimize their aggression or attribute blame to their partner. These distortions make it difficult to obtain accurate self-report information and men who engage in significant denial are less compliant with treatment. It is also commonly believed that batterers who minimize, deny, and blame their victim are more dangerous than men who accept responsibility for their actions. Data to support this latter opinion remain limited, however, and the few studies that are available have produced mixed findings. In this study, measures of minimization, denial, attributions, and socially desirable responding were collected from a large sample of convicted DV offenders (N = 2,824). Analyses examined the association between these scales and new DV police reports. Little evidence was found to support the hypothesis that minimization, denial, and victim blaming are associated with increased recidivism. Explanations for these findings and suggestions for further study are discussed.
‘I didn’t do it, but if I did I had a good reason’: Minimization, Denial, and Attributions of Blame Among Male and Female Domestic ViolenceOffenders.
Henning, Kris, Jones, Angela R., Holdford, Robert
Journal of Family Violence, Vol 20(3), Jun, 2005. pp. 131-139.
Abstract:
Women are increasingly being arrested and prosecuted for assaulting an intimate partner. Whereas extensive research has been conducted to identify the treatment needs of male domestic violence offenders, few studies have examined females convicted of the same charges. In the present study 1,267 men and 159 women convicted of intimate partner abuse were compared on scales assessing attributions of blame for their recent offense, minimization, denial, and socially desirable responding. Research with male offenders has identified these factors as important treatment targets, as they appear to influence an offender’s risk for noncompliance and recidivism. The results of the study suggest that both male and female domestic violence offenders engage in socially desirable responding during court-ordered evaluations, that both attribute greater blame for the recent offense to their spouse/partner than they acknowledge for themselves, and that significant numbers of both genders deny the recent incident and/or minimize the severity of the offense. Areas for further research are highlighted along with a discussion of the implications of these findings for practitioners.
Using Children and Pets
Exploring the link between pet abuse and controlling behaviors in violent relationships.
Simmons, Catherine A., Lehmann, Peter
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 22(9), Sep, 2007. pp. 1211-1222.
Abstract:
Domestic violence is not as simple as one partner physically harming another. Instead, it consists of a complex range of controlling behaviors including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic maltreatment as well as isolation, male privilege, blaming, intimidation, threats, and minimizing/denying behaviors. In addition to the controlling behaviors reported by women seeking shelter from violent relationships, a growing body of research indicates some individuals who abuse their intimate partner also abuse their pets. This study explores these connections using reports of 1,283 female pet owners seeking refuge from their male batterer in a domestic violence shelter. Findings indicate that batterers who also abuse their pet (a) use more forms of violence and (b) demonstrate greater use of controlling behaviors than batterers who do not abuse their pets. Likewise, positive correlations are found between specific controlling behaviors and cruelty to pets. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
The overlap between child maltreatment and woman battering.
Edleson, Jeffrey L.
Violence Against Women, Vol 5(2), Feb, 1999. pp. 134-154.
Abstract:
Societal responses to child maltreatment and to woman battering have developed in separate and sometimes conflicting ways. It is only in recent years that greater attention has been devoted to the possible overlap between child maltreatment and woman battering in the same families. 35 studies conducted over the past 2.5 decades that mentioned an overlap between child maltreatment and adult domestic violencein the same families were identified. These studies are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses identified. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications these findings have for practice, policy, and research.
Domestic violence and children: Prevalence and risk in five major U.S. cities.
Fantuzzo, John, Boruch, Robert, Beriama, Abdullahi, Atkins, Marc
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Vol 36(1), Jan, 1997. pp. 116-122.
Abstract:
Children witnessing domestic violence is a major national concern. This study provides data on the prevalence of children’s exposure to substantiated cases of adult female assaults in 5 US cities. Data were drawn from the Spouse Assault Replication Program (SARP) database, collected from police officers and female victims of misdemeanor domestic violence. In addition, household demographic data and data on involvement of children in the violent incidents were collected. Data from the SARP households were compared with census data from each city. Results indicate that children were disproportionately present in households with domestic violence and that young children were disproportionately represented among these children. Moreover, these children were exposed to excessive levels of additional developmental risk factors and were involved in the incidents to varying degrees. These findings underscore the importance of establishing a more rigorous interdisciplinary, scientific research agenda to inform assessment and treatment efforts for a very vulnerable group of children (i.e., childrenaged 0–5 yrs) who witness domestic violence.
Male Privilege
Attitudes toward marital violence.
Yoshioka, Marianne R., DiNoia, Jennifer, Ullah, Komal
Violence Against Women, Vol 7(8), Aug, 2001. pp. 900-926.
Abstract:
This article examines wife abuse attitudes among a sample of 507 Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Cambodian adults living in the United States. The findings show that 24% to 36% of the sample agreed that violence is justified in certain situations such as a wife’s sexual infidelity, her nagging, or her refusal to cook or clean. Southeast Asian respondents were more supportive of attitudes supporting maleprivilege and of the use of violence in specific situations in comparison with the East Asian respondents. Korean respondents were unique in their relatively weak endorsements of violence in contrast to the remaining three groups studied.
The mysterious disappearance of battered women in family therapists’ offices: Male privilege colluding with male violence.
Kaufman, Gus.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Vol 18(3), Jul, 1992. pp. 233-243.
Abstract:
Describes the work of Men Stopping Violence, a group for men who batter women. The group is designed so that at every level battered women’s reality governs. The role of the male therapist in family therapy with abusive couples is discussed, as well as the idea that couples therapy may not be good for women because it usually puts the woman in an untenable position. Practical suggestions for the therapist to remain on the side of the less powerful woman are presented. These include being sure there is a woman therapist present, being prepared to separate the couple if there is any hint of violence, and referring the woman to a battered woman’s shelter. The cure for battering must be change at every level.
Economic Abuse
Savings for survivors: An individual development account program for survivors of intimate-partner violence.
Sanders, Cynthia K.
Journal of Social Service Research, Vol 40(3), May, 2014. pp. 297-312.
Abstract:
Survivors of domestic violence often remain in abusive relationships due to limited economic resources, economic dependence on an abusive partner, and economic abuse. Viewing women who have experienced domestic violence as “survivors” suggests that when provided access to appropriate resources, they will seek help and utilize such resources allowing them to increase their stability and potentially escape an abusive partner. Assets have been shown to have a variety of positive associations with a wide range of economic, social, and psychological outcomes. Economic initiatives, such as financial education and individual development accounts (IDAs), aimed toward survivors of domestic violence are on the rise. However, to date, there are few studies. Data on IDA activity, including savings rates, withdrawals, and asset purchases, for 125 women who participated in an IDA matched-savings program for survivors of intimate-partner violence were examined. Approximately 2/3 of women reached their savings goal and 76% made at least 1 matched-savings withdrawal and asset purchase. Results suggest survivors can be successful savers and purchase assets that may contribute to their economic stability. Implications are discussed, including the need for long-term studies to examine how participation in a matched-savings program affects women’s well-being, safety, and future experiences of intimate-partner violence.
Different types of intimate partner violence likely require different types of approaches to prevention: A response to Buzawa and Buzawa.
Matjasko, Jennifer L., Niolon, Phyllis Holditch, Valle, Linda Anne
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Vol 32(1), Win 2013. pp. 137-139.
Abstract:
Comments on an article by Eve S. Buzawa & Carl G. Buzawa (see record 2013-00130-009). Buzawa and Buzawa assert that there are different typologies of intimate partner violence (IPV) defined by the extent to which the violence is part of a general pattern of coercive control. They center their discussion on batterers, who are understood to be responsible for the most severe forms of abuse and injury. Economic factors are believed to be “only a weak predictor of violence” in these cases. Thus, they argue that, in the face of severe budget constraints, there is a need to focus on the chronically violent offender and support-coordinated services for IPV victims. Buzawa and Buzawa state that the best programs are those that address fragmentation and lack of coordinated services and cite coordinated community response and Family Justice Centers as examples. In sum, evidence suggests that economic factors may play different roles in preventing and intervening in the different forms of IPV, so it is unlikely that one approach will suffice.
Development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of the Domestic Violence-Related Financial Issues Scale (DV-FI).
Weaver, Terri L., Sanders, Cynthia K., Campbell, Carole L., Schnabel, Meg
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol 24(4), Apr, 2009. pp. 569-585.
Abstract:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs at disproportionate rates within impoverished groups of women and can include economic abuse as a form of psychological maltreatment. The current study developed a comprehensive assessment of the unique financial issues facing female victims of IPV using a sheltered sample (N = 113). An exploratory factor analysis (principal-axis factoring with varimax rotation) was conducted on 24 items of the newly developed Domestic Violence–Related Financial Issues Scale. Preliminary results supported five extracted factors, which accounted for approximately 53% of the total common variance in the women’s responses. Psychometric properties of the instrument are presented.
Development of the Scale of Economic Abuse.
Adams, Adrienne E., Sullivan, Cris M., Bybee, Deborah, Greeson, Megan R.
Violence Against Women, Vol 14(5), May, 2008. pp. 563-588.
Abstract:
Economic abuse is part of the pattern of behaviors used by batterers to maintain power and control over their partners. However, no measure of economic abuse exists. This study describes the development of the Scale of Economic Abuse, which was designed to fill this gap. Interviews were conducted with 103 survivors of domestic abuse, each of whom responded to measures of economic, physical, and psychological abuse as well as economic hardship. Results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the scale. This study is an important first step toward understanding the extent and impact of economic abuse experienced by survivors.
Contextualizing women domestic violence survivors’ economic and emotional dependencies.
Chronister, Krista M.
American Psychologist, Vol 62(7), Oct, 2007. pp. 706-708.
Abstract:
Comments on the article by Robert Bornstein, “The Complex Relationship Between Dependency and Domestic Violence,” (see record 2006-11202-003). Bornstein’s attention to both types of dependency and women’s experiences of domestic violence. I believe that his discussion of these complex relationships and social policy recommendations may be enhanced with a more integrated and contextual conceptualization of emotional and economic dependency. In response, I offer three points to further illustrate and contextualize the relationship between women’s emotional and economic dependencies and abuse risk. First, researchers have demonstrated consistently that emotional and economic resources across multiple ecological contexts are necessary to reduce women’s abuse risk. Second, Bornstein’s theoretical conceptualizations of dependency do not take into account women’s past learning experiences and future outcome expectations. Third, Bornstein mentioned briefly only a few cross-cultural considerations regarding women’s emotional and economic dependencies and abuseexperiences. I have found interesting cultural differences in the relationships between women’s abuse experiences and emotional and economic factors.
Economic context and multiple abuse techniques.
Lambert, Linda C., Firestone, Juanita M.
Violence Against Women, Vol 6(1), Jan, 2000. pp. 49-67.
Abstract:
The authors used ordinary least squares regression to determine the factors associated with the use of multiple abuse techniques against targets who reported abuse. The data for this analysis come from the 1985 Physical Violence in American Families, Third ICPSR Release. Ss were 569 females and 413 males. The authors’ findings suggest that assaults on women occur within a context of unequal power relationships. Different types of assault appear to occur in a context of unequal means of economic survival. Women who are able to at least equalize their occupational prestige with their partner suffer fewer types of abuse than women whose prestige is lower than their partner’s and women from lower socioeconomic households.