NCJ Number
210308
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 17 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 1308-1322
Date Published
December 2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined ethnic group differences in agreement on reports of male to female partner violence (MFPV) and female to male partner violence (FMPV) and predictors of agreement among intimate partners.
Abstract
Most previous research on intimate partner violence (IPV) has relied on self-report data to establish prevalence rates, yet it is well understood that underreporting of violence is a widespread problem. As such, little evidence is available to ascertain whether agreement on IPV reports among couples varies by ethnicity. Given that estimates of IPV rates in previous studies have varied by ethnicity, it is important to examine agreement on reports of violence and predictors of agreement among White, Black, and Hispanic couples. Participants were 1,635 couples selected through probability sampling; participants were each interviewed in separate face-to-face interviews in their homes regarding violent behaviors, alcohol consumption, and demographic characteristics. Results of logistic regression analyses indicated that agreement about IPV among couples was low, independent of ethnicity. Women were more likely to identify themselves as perpetrators than were men and Hispanic ethnicity was more often associated with lower levels of agreement on IVP variables. The findings have implications for how incidents of IPV are counted in that agreement between partners should not be a criterion for IPV reports. Future research should probe respondents’ reactions to questions about IPV. Tables, references