Behavioral and Attitudinal Factors Differentiating Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators With and Without a History of Childhood Family Violence

• NCJ Number: 245424
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: 85-94
• Author(s): Rosalyn D. Lee; Mikel L. Walters; Jeffrey E. Hall; Kathleen C. Basile
• Date Published: January 2013
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study utilized a sample of men charged with assault against a female partner to assess differences among IPV perpetrators with and without a history of childhood family violence.

Abstract

This study utilized a sample of men (N=340) charged with assault against a female partner to assess differences among IPV perpetrators with and without a history of childhood family violence on factors such as angry, controlling and violent behaviors, substance use related behaviors, and attitudes towards women. Over two-thirds of the sample reported childhood exposure to maltreatment or witnessing IPV. Chi-square analyses and t-tests indicated significant differences between perpetrators with and without a history of family violence on 8 of 11 measures. Findings suggest perpetrators with a family violence history more strongly endorse ideas that present women and feminine attributes in a negative light. This research demonstrates that while exposure to family violence during childhood is not necessary for IPV to occur, its presence may be a marker for more severe attitudinal and behavioral problems. Findings highlight the need for primary prevention efforts and can inform secondary prevention strategies. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.