U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

New Piece to Understanding the Intimate Partner Violence Puzzle: What Role Do Genetics Play?

NCJ Number
247848
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2014 Pages: 414-419
Author(s)
C. N. DeWall; Baldwin M. Way
Date Published
April 2014
Length
6 pages
Annotation

Numerous factors prompt intimate partner violence (IPV).

Abstract

Numerous factors prompt intimate partner violence (IPV). Stuart and colleagues examined whether variations in two theoretically relevant genetic variants predispose some people toward perpetrating psychological aggression, physical aggression, and violence that causes the victim serious physical injury. This commentary discusses the importance of considering how the observed genetic risk factors for IPV may be best understood within the context of their interaction with environmental risk factors. By focusing on gene-environment interactions, future work may help identify not only who is at risk for IPV perpetration but also who may be buffered from it. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.