NCJ Number
191888
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 5-36
Date Published
2001
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This study used couples analysis to test whether both men and women, or only men, contribute to the risk that relationships will become abusive.
Abstract
The couples analysis simultaneously examined as predictors both couple members' risk characteristics and analyzed as outcomes both couple members' abusive behavior. Study data were obtained from 360 couples recruited from a pre-existing birth cohort (Dunedin Study); they represented the young-adult age group that has the highest incidence and prevalence of partner violence. The sample was composed of couples involved in dating and cohabiting relationships as well as marriage, and they represented a wide range of socioeconomic circumstances. Negative emotionality was measured with the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire; and physical abuse was assessed in 1993-1994 through a 50-minute interview about the intimate relationship. The physical abuse scale consisted of 13 items that described physical acts such as slapping, strangling, kicking, hitting, beating up, forcing sex, and using a weapon. The study found that abuse was a dyadic process in which both partners' personal characteristics increased the risk of abuse, and both sexes participated in abuse. This was particularly true in clinical abusive couples that had injury and/or official agency intervention. If replicated, the findings suggest a policy that encourages the development and evaluation of programs to reduce physical abuse by women. Prevention programs should aim to reduce abusive behavior by both sexes and promote victim safety among both sexes. Policies that ignore the treatment of women in abusive relationships may fail to achieve effective prevention. 3 figures and 104 references