A Cycle of Violence? Examining Family-of-Origin Violence, Attitudes, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Abstract

Exposure to violence in the family-of-origin has consistently been linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in adulthood. However, whether the transmission of violence across generations is role- and gender-specific still remains unclear. The current study examined the effects of experiencing child abuse and observing parental violence on IPV perpetration among a sample of male arrestees (N = 303). The differential effects of observing violence perpetrated by same-sex (father to mother), opposite-sex (mother to father), and both parents on subsequent IPV perpetration were examined. Logistic regression analyses showed that while observing father-only violence and bidirectional interparental violence was predictive of IPV perpetration, observing mother-only violence and direct experiences of child abuse was not. These findings suggest that the transmission of violence across generations is both role- and gender-specific and highlight the importance of examining unique dimensions of partner violence to assess influences on children. The study further examined whether attitudes justifying wife beating mediate the effect of exposure to violence and subsequent IPV perpetration. Results showed that although attitudes were predictive of perpetration, these attitudes did not mediate the relationship.

Family and community driven response to intimate partner violence in post-conflict settings

“…Further, studies have shown a relationship between childhood exposure to IPV in the household and experience of physical violence as discipline in childhood with male perpetration and female experience of IPV in adulthood. Yet, not all children exposed to IPV in childhood will use violence in their adult relationships (Eriksson & Mazerolle, 2015; Hotaling & Sugarman, 1986). In rural, post-conflict DRC male and female participants described IPV as a concern for their child’s future development including their future use of violence, therefore, interventions should consider addressing the family, including prioritizing child development, as an opportunity to prevent and respond to IPV.…”

Hurt or Help? Understanding Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of Social Norms as Practised in Rural Areas

“…A recent study by Eriksson and Mazerolle (2015) on child abuse, which observed IPV by male perpetrators, indicates how the influence of the environment can explain the transmission of violence across groups and generations through children learning from the family and the society at large. The results of the study indicate that violence is also transmitted through the acquisition of beliefs, norms and attitudes that individuals conform to that are considered as appropriate behaviour in society (Eriksson & Mazerolle, 2015). This speaks to the internalisation of social norms that condone the abuse of women, which in turn reinforces the acceptability of IPV against women.…”

Postpartum physical intimate partner violence among women in rural Zambia

“…8 Witnessing IPV can also affect the attitudes and behaviors of children, increasing the likelihood that they will either perpetrate or experience IPV as adults. 9 Further complicating the issue is the bidirectional association between IPV and mental health. Depression has been linked to IPV both as a consequence of experiencing such behavior and as a risk factor.…”