NCJ Number
224099
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 14 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 961-980
Date Published
August 2008
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study compared women who were victims of both physical and sexual abuse (covictimization) to those experiencing only one of these behaviors from a dating partner.
Abstract
This work was comprised of two studies concerning dating partner covictimization. Covictimization was associated with less general satisfaction (Study 1) and sexual satisfaction (Study 2), more arguing (Study 1) and verbal conflict (Study 2), and more partner psychological aggression (Studies 1 and 2). The purpose of the present research was to compare covictimized women to those who experienced physical violence only or unwanted sexual activity only from dating partners. Covictimized women experience both physical and sexual forms of abuse. Additionally, overall findings suggest that dating partner covictimization may be a distinct type of interpersonal abuse that would warrant further research. Data were collected from two samples of female undergraduates in heterosexual relationships. For Study 1, a total of 254 female introductory psychology students, at least 18 years of age, were recruited for assessment with several established measures for a study of Dating and Interaction. For Study 2, data were collected from 186 women, also in a college setting, for a study of Dating Conflict and Behavior. The women in both groups were also currently involved in heterosexual dating relationships. Tables, references