The Context and Dynamics of Intimate Aggression Against Women

Abstract

This article presents a series of working observations on the context and dynamics of intimate aggression perpetrated against women. These reflections flow from our research, and are woven together with the work of scholars from diverse fields, from feminism to marital communication to social constructivism. Our reflections emphasize that intimate aggression is sustained not only by powerful dynamics of dominance and control, but also by the very ways in which we view, experience, and talk about relationships and aggression.

Emotional Experiences and Frequency of Domestic Abuse Among Female and Male College Students

“…Even with this small sample, current partners experienced more SCA than former partners. Current partners may not disclose instances of milder abuse because they do not believe that it warrants reporting (Lloyd and Emery 2000;Tjaden and Thoennes 2000). Because SCA may be viewed to be a greater cause for concern, current partners may be more willing to report it.…”

“…Because life outcomes are usually better for victims who end the relationship (Campbell et al 1994;Lloyd and Emery 2000;Edwards et al 2011), it may be difficult for others to understand why some victims decide to stay (Campbell et al, 1994). Individuals may stay because of relationship investment (Rusbult and Martz 1995;Edwards et al 2011), poor relationship alternatives (Rusbult and Martz 1995;Edwards et al 2011), fear of retribution (Apsler et al, 2002), and/or otherwise sufficient relationship satisfaction (Lloyd and Emery 2000;Marshall et al 2000;Williams and Frieze 2005;Edwards et al 2011).…”

“…Individuals may stay because of relationship investment (Rusbult and Martz 1995;Edwards et al 2011), poor relationship alternatives (Rusbult and Martz 1995;Edwards et al 2011), fear of retribution (Apsler et al, 2002), and/or otherwise sufficient relationship satisfaction (Lloyd and Emery 2000;Marshall et al 2000;Williams and Frieze 2005;Edwards et al 2011). Similarly, some partners may stay because they are unaware they are victims.…”

“…However, denial of abuse is not limited to men. Most women believe that they will never experience domestic abuse (Lloyd and Emery 2000). Furthermore, victims may downplay abuse because they are either in denial, excuse the abuser, or blame themselves.…”

“…Furthermore, victims may downplay abuse because they are either in denial, excuse the abuser, or blame themselves. Individuals may further ignore abuse because they are embarrassed or because the abuse is mild (Lloyd and Emery 2000). Likewise, victims may not report the abuse to avoid labeling their partners as criminals (Tjaden and Thoennes 2000).…”