Does Women’s Approval of Intimate Partner Violence Mediate the Relationship Between Sexism and Violence in Heterosexual Relationships? A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

New Zealand ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Gender Symmetry ◽

Gender Empowerment ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Revised Gender Symmetry Theory (Archer, 2018) proposes that western countries with higher levels of gender empowerment of women will experience an equal rate of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) between men and women that is bi-directional and low in intensity. In contrast, non-western countries with lower levels of gender empowerment are proposed to experience high rates of male to female aggression; bi-directional violence or male victimisation from women in such countries will be unlikely. The aim of this study was twofold. First, it aimed to test the validity of the Revised Gender Symmetry Theory using self- reports of IPV perpetration and victimisation from women residing in two countries above (New Zealand) and below (Sri Lanka) the mean global gender empowerment score. Second, considering the strong relationship between positive attitudes towards IPV with both sexism and IPV perpetration, the mediational properties of positive attitudes in explaining the relationship between sexism and IPV perpetration and victimisation in the two countries was examined. Female undergraduate university students from New Zealand (N=199) and Sri Lanka (N=198) completed the Conflict Tactic Scale-2, the Beliefs about Relationship Aggression Scale and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory. Inconsistent with the Revised Gender Symmetry model, independent t-test analysis found that women in New Zealand and Sri Lanka reported similar rates of IPV perpetration and victimisation, for both minor and severe forms of IPV. In keeping with Sri Lanka having lower levels of gender empowerment of women, Sri Lankan women were more likely to approve of IPV and endorsed higher levels of sexism (benevolent and hostile sexism) when compared to New Zealand women. Lastly, the moderated mediation models found that attitudes condoning female IPV mediated the relationship between benevolent sexism and IPV perpetration by women in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The need for interventions to challenge women’s attitudes which condone female IPV and reduce societal sexism is discussed along with other implications for clinical practice.

Chivalry vs. Patriarchy: Exploring the Psychological Mechanisms of Physical Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

10.26686/wgtn.17147669 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Ara A'Court

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Ambivalent Sexism ◽

Benevolent Sexism ◽

Hostile Sexism ◽

Men And Women ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Gendered Theory ◽

Two leading theories propose different reasons for men’s and women’s intimate partner violence (IPV). The gendered theory proposes that society’s patriarchal norms of male dominance and female subordination cause men’s IPV towards women. From this perspective, violence against ‘wives’ is condoned by society, and women only perpetrate IPV in self-defence against men’s primary violence. Conversely, the chivalrous theory of IPV explains women’s IPV perpetration in terms of society’s chivalrous norms, which protect women from male violence and emboldens women to physically assault male partners. From this perspective, women’s violence is not considered harmful to men. As gendered theory and chivalrous theory both reference stereotyped gender attitudes (sexism) towards women, I used the ambivalent sexism inventory (ASI) to test the competing theories efficacy in explaining IPV perpetration by heterosexual men and women. The ASI conceptualises sexist attitudes towards women as comprised of two parts: hostile sexism (reflecting the hostility towards women outlined by gendered theory), and benevolent sexism (reflecting the benevolence towards women outlined by chivalrous theory). Gendered theory states that society condones violence towards women. Thus, men’s attitudes approving of male-perpetrated IPV should mediate the relationship between men’s hostile sexism and IPV, if gendered theory predictions are correct. Alternatively, chivalrous theory poses that society does not approve of violence towards women. Thus, attitudes disapproving of men’s IPV against women and approving of women’s IPV towards men should mediate the relationship between benevolent sexism and IPV if chivalrous theory is correct. I hypothesized men’s increased hostile sexism would predict men’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against women, and men’s increased benevolent sexism would predict men’s decreased IPV perpetration through decreased approval of IPV against women. Further, I hypothesised that women’s increased hostile sexism would predict women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men, and women’s benevolent sexism would predict increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men. North American men and women (N = 688) filled out an online questionnaire measuring experiences of IPV as victims and/or perpetrators, approval of male and female IPV perpetration, and hostile and benevolent sexism. Multi-group structural equation modelling tested the extent to which positive attitudes toward intimate partner violence mediated the association between sexism and IPV perpetration for men and for women. Results found that, for both men and women, increased hostile sexism predicted greater IPV perpetration through greater approval of men’s IPV against women. Furthermore, increased benevolent sexism predicted women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of men’s IPV against women. Men’s increased benevolent sexism did not predict men’s lower IPV perpetration or disapproval of IPV against women. However, men’s and women’s ambivalent sexism also predicted greater approval of women’s IPV towards men. Results did not fully support patriarchal or chivalrous predictions, instead aligning well with ambivalent sexism theory which posits a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the relationship between sexism and IPV perpetration. Reducing all forms of sexism and men’s and women’s positive attitudes toward the use of IPV are identified as important targets for IPV treatment and prevention.

The relationship between criminal behaviour over the life-course and intimate partner violence perpetration in later life

European Journal of Criminology ◽

10.1177/1477370818825344 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 784-805 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Janna Verbruggen ◽

Arjan Blokland ◽

Amanda L Robinson ◽

Christopher D Maxwell

Keyword(s):

Life Course ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Later Life ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Criminal Behaviour ◽

Violent Offending ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Life Course ◽

This study examines the relationship between criminal behaviour over the life-course and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and general violence in later life. The study uses data on a subsample ( N = 585) from the Dutch Criminal Career and Life-Course Study, and combines officially registered longitudinal data on convictions with self-reported data on IPV perpetration, violent offending and several individual factors, collected at age 60. The results show that those with a history of persistent general and violent offending over the life-course are at increased risk of perpetrating IPV and other violent crimes in later life. Additionally, certain background and current factors are also related to IPV perpetration. Men who have experienced family violence in childhood and those who are married are more likely to report IPV perpetration, whereas relationship quality and employment are associated with a reduced likelihood of IPV perpetration. The findings suggest that an integrated theoretical approach is most useful to understand IPV perpetration, with the ultimate aim of informing evidence-based interventions necessary for reducing IPV in society.

Interventions to Reduce Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration by Men Who Use Substances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Efficacy

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838019882357 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 152483801988235 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Danielle Stephens-Lewis ◽

Amy Johnson ◽

Alyson Huntley ◽

Elizabeth Gilchrist ◽

Mary McMurran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Drug Users ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration by men who use substances, limited evidence exists about how best to reduce IPV among this group. Method: A systematic narrative review with meta-analysis determined the effectiveness of interventions to reduce IPV by men who use substances. Inclusion criteria were randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials; adult heterosexual male IPV perpetrators where at least 60% of participants were alcohol and/or drug users; the intervention targeted IPV with or without targeting substance use (SU); outcomes included perpetrator and/or victim reports of IPV, SU, or both. Methodological quality was assessed. Results: Nine trials ( n = 1,014 men) were identified. Interventions were grouped into (1) integrated IPV and SU interventions ( n = 5), (2) IPV interventions with adjunct SU interventions ( n = 2), and (3) stand-alone IPV interventions ( n = 2). Cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing therapies were the most common approaches. Data from individual trials showed a reduction in SU outcomes in the short term (≤3months; n = 2 trials) and IPV perpetration at different time points ( n = 3 trials) for interventions compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Meta-analysis with integrated IPV and SU interventions showed no difference in SU ( n = 3 trials) or IPV outcomes ( n = 4 trials) versus SU TAU. Conclusions: Little evidence exists for effective interventions for male IPV perpetrators who use substances. Outcomes in integrated interventions were not superior to TAU in meta-analysis. Future trials should consider the nature of the relationship between IPV and SU in intervention design, duration of intervention, and type and timing of outcome measures.

Prevalence and Predictors of Bidirectional Violence in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Residing at Shelters

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260516670183 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (16) ◽

pp. 3492-3515 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Samantha C. Holmes ◽

Nicole L. Johnson ◽

Elsa E. Rojas-Ashe ◽

Taylor L. Ceroni ◽

Katherine M. Fedele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Events ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Statistical Manual ◽

Gender Symmetry ◽

Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽

Traumatic Life Events ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Dsm Iv

There has been a long-standing debate regarding whether or not there is gender symmetry in intimate partner violence (IPV); however, shelter samples have been understudied thus far. This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of IPV perpetration in a sample of 227 women in battered women’s shelters. Participants were asked to complete a number of measures assessing demographics, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) diagnoses, traumatic life events, and perpetration and victimization of IPV. Although the vast majority of women in this sample (93%) report perpetrating some form of IPV, few women endorsed violence that was not mutual (5.3%). Furthermore, for every type of IPV assessed, women were victimized significantly more than they perpetrated. Results also indicate that women’s perpetration of IPV, and predictors of such perpetration, varied across type, severity, and measurement of violence. However, most IPV outcome variables were predicted by women’s experience of victimization. Taken as a whole, these results support the assertion that context matters when examining the relative rates of perpetration as well as its predictors.

The Relation of Anxiety and Avoidance Dimensions of Attachment to Intimate Partner Violence: A Meta-Analysis About Perpetrators

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838020933864 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 152483802093386 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Patrizia Velotti ◽

Guyonne Rogier ◽

Sara Beomonte Zobel ◽

Antonio Chirumbolo ◽

Giulio Cesare Zavattini

Keyword(s):

Effect Size ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Psychological Violence ◽

Treatment Interventions ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

The Relationship ◽

Attachment Dimensions

Objective: The attachment theory is a useful framework for interpreting the phenomenon of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Although several studies have examined the relationship between attachment and IPV perpetration, a meta-analysis of these results has yet to be conducted. Method: After a search on five databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) and a screening of 3,852 records recruited, 52 studies comprising 13,653 individuals met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Results: Results showed a significant effect size for both the anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment. However, while the effect sizes for anxiety were consistent ( r = .19–.35) for all types of violence considered, the effect size for avoidance was not significant for generic violence ( r = .07), low for physical ( r = .12) and psychological violence ( r = .14), and medium for sexual violence ( r = .20). Only a few of the examined moderators were significant. Conclusions: The findings highlight some differences in the roles of the two attachment dimensions in IPV. The results underscore the need for additional research to explore the role of other potential moderating and mediating variables in the relationship between attachment and IPV perpetration in order to better support the development of prevention and treatment interventions.

The Role of Violence Acceptance and Inequitable Gender Norms in Intimate Partner Violence Severity Among Couples in Zambia

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519876722 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051987672

Author(s):

Shoshanna L. Fine ◽

Jeremy C. Kane ◽

Sarah M. Murray ◽

Stephanie Skavenski ◽

Saphira Munthali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Relationships ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Physical Violence ◽

Gender Norms ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Heterosexual Couples ◽

Men And Women ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Inequitable gender norms, including the acceptance of violence in intimate relationships, have been found to be associated with the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization. Despite these findings, few studies have considered whether inequitable gender norms are related to IPV severity. This study uses baseline data from a psychotherapeutic intervention targeting heterosexual couples ( n = 247) in Lusaka, Zambia, who reported moderate to severe male-perpetrated IPV and male hazardous alcohol use to consider: (a) prevailing gender norms, including those related to IPV; (b) the relationship between IPV acceptance and IPV severity; and (c) the relationship between inequitable gender norms and IPV severity. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to model the relationships between IPV acceptance and inequitable gender norms, and female-reported IPV severity (including threats of violence, physical violence, sexual violence, and total violence), separately among male and female participants. In general, men and women were similar in their patterns of agreement with gender norms, with both highly endorsing items related to household roles. More than three-quarters of men (78.1%) and women (78.5%) indicated overall acceptance of violence in intimate relationships, with no significant differences between men and women in their endorsement of any IPV-related gender norms. Among men, IPV acceptance was associated with a statistically significant increase in IPV perpetration severity in terms of threatening violence ( B = 5.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.84, 9.89]), physical violence ( B = 4.54, 95% CI = [0.10, 8.98]), and total violence ( B = 11.65, 95% CI = [3.14, 20.16]). There was no association between IPV acceptance and IPV victimization severity among women. Unlike IPV acceptance, there was no evidence for a relationship between inequitable gender norms and IPV severity for either men or women. These findings have implications for the appropriateness of gender transformative interventions in targeting men and women in relationships in which there is ongoing IPV.

Exploring Violence Socialization and Approval of Intimate Partner Violence Among University Students in Kosovo

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260517692336 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (5-6) ◽

pp. 1081-1107 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kaltrina Kelmendi ◽

František Baumgartner

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Cultural Context ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Perpetrators And Victims ◽

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among university students is a prevalent problem in many countries; however, it is not currently recognized in Kosovo as a social issue in terms of research, prevention, and intervention. The aim of this article was to examine the relationship between violence socialization experiences, approval of violence, and IPV perpetration/victimization among university students in Kosovo. The questionnaires were administrated to a convenience sample of 700 students of University of Prishtina who were in relationship for 1 month or longer. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) was used for measuring physical, psychological, and sexual violence, whereas for measuring violence socialization and violence approval, scales from Personal and Relationships Profile (PRP) were used. Findings from this study show that there were statistically significant gender differences in terms of socialization and approval of violence among university students. Similarly, perpetrators and victims of IPV (physical, psychological, and sexual violence) showed higher rates of socialization of violence and tolerance toward IPV. Besides, findings indicate that approval of violence mediates the relationship between socialization of violence and IPV perpetration and victimization, for both genders. The implications of the current findings within a cultural context are also discussed.

Chivalry vs. Patriarchy: Exploring the Psychological Mechanisms of Physical Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

10.26686/wgtn.17147669.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Ara A'Court

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Ambivalent Sexism ◽

Benevolent Sexism ◽

Hostile Sexism ◽

Men And Women ◽

Ipv Perpetration ◽

Gendered Theory ◽

Two leading theories propose different reasons for men’s and women’s intimate partner violence (IPV). The gendered theory proposes that society’s patriarchal norms of male dominance and female subordination cause men’s IPV towards women. From this perspective, violence against ‘wives’ is condoned by society, and women only perpetrate IPV in self-defence against men’s primary violence. Conversely, the chivalrous theory of IPV explains women’s IPV perpetration in terms of society’s chivalrous norms, which protect women from male violence and emboldens women to physically assault male partners. From this perspective, women’s violence is not considered harmful to men. As gendered theory and chivalrous theory both reference stereotyped gender attitudes (sexism) towards women, I used the ambivalent sexism inventory (ASI) to test the competing theories efficacy in explaining IPV perpetration by heterosexual men and women. The ASI conceptualises sexist attitudes towards women as comprised of two parts: hostile sexism (reflecting the hostility towards women outlined by gendered theory), and benevolent sexism (reflecting the benevolence towards women outlined by chivalrous theory). Gendered theory states that society condones violence towards women. Thus, men’s attitudes approving of male-perpetrated IPV should mediate the relationship between men’s hostile sexism and IPV, if gendered theory predictions are correct. Alternatively, chivalrous theory poses that society does not approve of violence towards women. Thus, attitudes disapproving of men’s IPV against women and approving of women’s IPV towards men should mediate the relationship between benevolent sexism and IPV if chivalrous theory is correct. I hypothesized men’s increased hostile sexism would predict men’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against women, and men’s increased benevolent sexism would predict men’s decreased IPV perpetration through decreased approval of IPV against women. Further, I hypothesised that women’s increased hostile sexism would predict women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men, and women’s benevolent sexism would predict increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of IPV against men. North American men and women (N = 688) filled out an online questionnaire measuring experiences of IPV as victims and/or perpetrators, approval of male and female IPV perpetration, and hostile and benevolent sexism. Multi-group structural equation modelling tested the extent to which positive attitudes toward intimate partner violence mediated the association between sexism and IPV perpetration for men and for women. Results found that, for both men and women, increased hostile sexism predicted greater IPV perpetration through greater approval of men’s IPV against women. Furthermore, increased benevolent sexism predicted women’s increased IPV perpetration through increased approval of men’s IPV against women. Men’s increased benevolent sexism did not predict men’s lower IPV perpetration or disapproval of IPV against women. However, men’s and women’s ambivalent sexism also predicted greater approval of women’s IPV towards men. Results did not fully support patriarchal or chivalrous predictions, instead aligning well with ambivalent sexism theory which posits a more inclusive and holistic understanding of the relationship between sexism and IPV perpetration. Reducing all forms of sexism and men’s and women’s positive attitudes toward the use of IPV are identified as important targets for IPV treatment and prevention.

Abusive Men's Use of Children to Control Their Partners and Ex-Partners

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040.12.1.54 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 54-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Marisa L. Beeble ◽

Deborah Bybee ◽

Cris M. Sullivan

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

The United States ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Anecdotal Evidence ◽

Multiple Variables ◽

While research has found that millions of children in the United States are exposed to their mothers being battered, and that many are themselves abused as well, little is known about the ways in which children are used by abusers to manipulate or harm their mothers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that perpetrators use children in a variety of ways to control and harm women; however, no studies to date have empirically examined the extent of this occurring. Therefore, the current study examined the extent to which survivors of abuse experienced this, as well as the conditions under which it occurred. Interviews were conducted with 156 women who had experienced recent intimate partner violence. Each of these women had at least one child between the ages of 5 and 12. Most women (88%) reported that their assailants had used their children against them in varying ways. Multiple variables were found to be related to this occurring, including the relationship between the assailant and the children, the extent of physical and emotional abuse used by the abuser against the woman, and the assailant's court-ordered visitation status. Findings point toward the complex situational conditions by which assailants use the children of their partners or ex-partners to continue the abuse, and the need for a great deal more research in this area.