Determinants of Women's Perceptions of Risk in Battering Relationships

• NCJ Number: 202639
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 371-386
• Author(s): Edward W. Gondolf; D. Alex Heckert
• Date Published: August 2003
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses battered women’s perceptions as a predictor of reassault by their batterers.

Abstract

Recent studies of battered women with partners in batterer programs document the contribution of women’s perceptions to predicting their partner’s violence. Women’s predictions appear to be the result of a more complex assessment process. They may use more subtle and a greater variety of cues, engage in a more dynamic process of risk assessment, and draw on a subconscious reservoir of experience. This study attempted to answer the questions: (1) what factors are associated with the perceptions of how likely their partner is to reassault; and (2) what factors determine how safe the women feel. A multisite database of batterers and their female partners was used with a 15-month follow-up. Interviews were conducted at program intake with batterers and their female partners. Logistic regressions were used to identify determinants of these perceptions of risk. The results show that the main determinants of women’s perceptions were relationship status, men’s and women’s drinking behavior, and past physical and nonphysical abuse. The analysis appeared to confirm that the women based their perceptions on previous abuse and relationship characteristics. These determinants have been shown to be the strongest risk markers for reassault and would be a logical basis for perceptions of reassault likelihood and safety. The women’s perceptions appeared to be independent of race and other demographics. The strongest determinant of perceptions of safety was the women’s perceptions of the likelihood that the man would reassault. Perceptions of safety might be considered a response to the likelihood of reassault. These findings indicate the importance of identifying and responding to relationship status, alcohol use, and previous violence in intervention with men that batter. These factors appear to mean something to battered women and should be warning signs to clinicians, practitioners, and advocates. 4 tables, 33 references