NCJ Number
210878
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 173-185
Date Published
April 2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study compared partner violence context and motivation among male and female domestic violence perpetrators.
Abstract
Changes in arrest policies for domestic violence have resulted in more women being arrested for this crime. Most research on domestic violence has focused on male perpetrators and female victims, leaving a gap in the knowledge about female perpetrators and male victims of domestic violence. The current study adds to the literature by examining whether power and control are motivating factors behind female-perpetrated violence, as well as examining the impact of violence in the family of origin on the context in which domestic violence occurs in adulthood. Participants were 125 individuals in batterer intervention counseling, 53 percent of whom were male, who were surveyed regarding violence in the family of origin, extrafamilial violence, the situational and emotional context of domestic violence, and motivations for using violence in their relationships. Results of statistical analyses indicated differences in male and female motivations for using domestic violence; females reported using violence as revenge or retaliation for prior abuse. Since the majority of violence intervention programs are based on power and control models, the findings suggest that traditional batterer intervention models are not appropriate for females who perpetrate domestic violence. Future research should focus on the intervention needs of women from various cultural backgrounds. Implications for policy and practice are discussed and include attention to mandatory arrest and sentencing policies for domestic violence. Figure, tables, references