Domestic Violence

Abstract

Domestic violence, often referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), is characterized by aggression perpetrated against an intimate partner. IPV rates against female victims vary worldwide. Meta‐analyses from studies primarily conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom note few gender differences in rates of IPV perpetration and victimization. A cross‐cultural analysis of gender differences in rates of physical IPV perpetration, however, suggests that rates of female IPV perpetration vary depending on ethnicity and certain cultural characteristics. The physical and psychological effects of IPV are numerous. Individuals physically assaulted by an intimate partner are at significant risk of being injured or killed as a result of the violence. Early theories on the causes of IPV often emphasized single causal mechanisms, such as intergenerational transmission of violence or traditional sex‐role attitudes condoning or normalizing violence against women. More contemporary theories propose that the causes of IPV are multifaceted and are influenced by a combination of historical, societal, dynamic, relational, and environmental factors. Continued research targeted at better understanding of how IPV develops is needed in order to refine existing IPV prevention and treatment programs, improve screening efforts, and enhance responsiveness to IPV cases worldwide.