NCJ Number
209059
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: March-April 2005 Pages: 333-361
Date Published
March 2005
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This literature review assesses the utility of applying a situational or event perspective to the examination of intimate partner violence.
Abstract
Perhaps surprisingly, domestic violence researchers have amassed a large amount of research literature on intimate partner violence while rarely examining the domestic violence events per se. Many researchers argue that general theories of crime and violence cannot be applied to domestic violence and that intimate partner violence must be explained through separate theories. The current paper evaluates whether a largely overlooked perspective that is generally applied to violence outside of the home, namely the situational or event perspective, can also be useful in accounting for intimate partner violence. The situational perspective focuses on the occurrence of violence by identifying the conditions associated with individual motivations and predispositions to violent behavior. Thus, the focus shifts to the criminal event, the surrounding circumstances of the event, and its consequences. The authors argue that examining intimate partner violence from a situational perspective can enhance understanding of domestic violence by filling an important gap in the research. Following an explanation of the situational perspective, the author summarizes research from various disciplines identifying the relevant violent event domains that should be considered, including the nature of the victim-offender relationship, the sequences of actions, weapon used, and role of third parties. Little is known about the interactions within and among the situational domains since there has been virtually no studies addressing the violent event within domestic violence situations. The next step for future research is to begin to collect data on violent events among intimates by collecting information from all parties involved, not just the victims. Table, references