Female Perpetrators of Intimate Abuse

• NCJ Number: 213718
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-31
• Author(s): Donald G. Dutton; Tonia L. Nichols; Alicia Spidel
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 31 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research); Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This literature review examines the prevalence and severity of female perpetrators' partner abuse, as well as their psychosocial histories and motivations for partner abuse.

Abstract

The review found that females abuse their intimate partners at least as often as males and frequently with the same degree of severity and negative outcomes for both male and female victims (homosexual relationships). Research has identified a common set of psychosocial factors in female abusers. Contrary to the common belief that women's aggression against their partners is primarily, or only, self-defense against male partners' abuse, women have been found to abuse nonabusive partners. Preliminary research suggests that women aggressors against partners who are primarily acting in self-defense against victimization can be distinguished from women who initiate partner abuse. The women who initiate abuse against their intimate partners have many of the same characteristics as male offenders, including similar motives and psychosocial characteristics such as a history of aggression, substance use, and personality disorders. The family backgrounds of female and male abusers are also similar; this includes having witnessed interparental abuse, and having been abused by a caregiver. Research to date suggests that female abusers have elevated psychoticism and neuroticism scores. Adolescent conduct disorder and aggression have been found to distinguish women in abusive relationships from women in nonabusive relationships. Suggestions for treating women who abuse their partners include consideration of violent behavior as a choice; exploration of more effective coping and problem solving strategies; and the development of communication skills, self-esteem, frustration tolerance, and socially appropriate assertiveness. The methodologies as well as the findings of some of the primary research examined are described. 87 references