bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Social Cognitive Theory With Differences Among Sexually Aggressive, Physically Aggressive and Nonaggressive Children in State Care
Authors: Burton David L.
Published: September 2018

Three groups of boys in Washington State care (37 sexually aggressive, 17 physically aggressive, and 15 nonaggressive) are compared on measures of behavior and cognition. Bandura’s Social Cognition theory is offered as a possible explanation for sexual aggression by children. Two theory-based hypothesis are tested. First, are sexually aggressive children cognitively deficient when compared to the other groups? Second, do the sexually aggressive children have cognitive distortions about their behavior and about sex? Similarities were found in the aggressive and sexually aggressive groups on several measures. Physically aggressive boys were found to have some sexual behavior problems. Sexually aggressive boys were also found to be physically aggressive. Physically aggressive boys were found to have the least severe and least frequent victimization history. No support was found for the first hypothesis, while some evidence of cognitive distortions regarding both social behavior and sex was found in the sexually aggressive children. Discussion and some implications for research and practice are offered.
Nonviolent Youth in a Violent Society: Resilience and Vulnerability in the Country of Colombia
Authors: Klevens Joanne , Roca Juanita
Published: September 2018

Despite the ample literature on crime and violence, little research has been done outside English-speaking developed countries. Colombia has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. In order to identify individual factors related to resilience and vulnerability for violence and offending behavior in Colombia, we explored the life histories of 46 young men from high-risk families and compared those who had committed an offense to those who did not (resilient). The findings show that resilient men (compared to offenders) in Colombia have been less exposed to serious life stress, perceive stronger support from their families, narrate their past histories with greater detail and affect, and perceive greater degrees of control and coherence in their lives. The results are consistent with the existing literature and are interpreted within the framework of attachment theory.
Neuropsychological Correlates of Domestic Violence
Authors: Cohen Ronald A. , Rosenbaum Alan , Kane Robert L. , Warnken William J. , Benjamin Sheldon
Published: September 2018

Neuropsychological functioning was assessed in 39 males who had committed domestic violence (batterers) and compared to 63 nonviolent (both maritally discordant and satisfied) subjects recruited by advertisement. Subjects were subsequently divided into two groups (head injured, nonhead injured) and these groups were also contrasted as a function of batterer status. Tests were administered to assess for cognitive and behavioral functions, including executive dysfunction, hypothesized to be a factor contributing to propensity for violence. Questionnaires and structured clinical interviews were used to assess marital discord, emotional distress, and violent behaviors. Batterers differed from nonbatterers across several cognitive domains: executive, learning, memory, and verbal functioning. Batterers were reliably discriminated from nonbatterers based on three neuropsychological tasks: Digit Symbol, Recognition Memory Test- Words, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Neuropsychological performance was the strongest correlate of domestic violence of all clinical variables measured. However, the inclusion of two other variables, severity of emotional distress and history of head injury, together with the neuropsychological indices provided the strongest correlation with batterers status. Among batterers, neuropsychological performance did not vary as a function of head injury status, indicating that while prior head injury was correlated with batterer status, it was not the sole basis for their impairments. The findings suggest that current cognitive status, prior brain injury, childhood academic problems, as well as psychosocial influences, contribute along with coexisting emotional distress to a propensity for domestic violence.
Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking Behavior: Exploration of Patterns and Correlates in a Sample of Acutely Battered Women
Authors: Mechanic Mindy B. , Weaver Terri L. , Resick Patricia A.
Published: September 2018

The aims of this study were to provide descriptive data on stalking in a sample of acutely battered women and to assess the interrelationship between constructs of emotional abuse, physical violence, and stalking in battered women. We recruited a sample of 114 battered women from shelters, agencies, and from the community at large. Results support the growing consensus that violent and harassing stalking behaviors occur with alarming frequency among physically battered women, both while they are in the relationship and after they leave their abusive partners. Emotional and psychological abuse emerged as strong predictors of within- and postrelationship stalking, and contributed a unique variance to women’s fears of future serious harm or death, even after the effects of physical violence were controlled. The length of time a woman was out of the violent relationship was the strongest predictor of postseparation stalking, with increased stalking found with greater time out of the relationship. Results suggest the need to further study the heterogeneity of stalking and to clarify its relationship to constructs of emotional and physical abuse in diverse samples that include stalked but nonbattered women, as women exposed to emotional abuse, and dating violence.
Comparing Stalking Victimization From Legal and Victim Perspectives
Authors: Tjaden Patricia , Thoennes Nancy , Allison Christine J.
Published: September 2018

Because stalking has only recently been recognized as a serious social problem and criminal justice concern, it is not surprising that there is little consensus among lawmakers about what constitutes stalking. To further understanding of how legal definitions and victim definitions of stalking intersect and diverge, this study compares stalking prevalence using a definition of stalking that is based on the model antistalking code for states developed by the Federal government versus a definition of stalking that is victim delineated. Data for the study come from a national telephone survey that queried 8,000 men and 8,000 women about their experiences with stalking victimization using both direct questions that contained the word “stalking” and behaviorally specific questions. Results show that prevalence estimates increase when respondents are allowed to self-define stalking victimization. However, victim definitions of stalking tend to converge with the model antistalking code’s definition of stalking in the vast majority of cases. Only 4% of survey respondents defined themselves as stalking victims but failed to meet the legal definition of a stalking victim. A negligible proportion denied being stalked despite the fact they met the legal definition of a stalking victim.
Coping With Chronic Community Violence: The Variety and Implications of Women’s Efforts
Authors: Wolfer Terry A.
Published: September 2018

To date, most researchers concerned with chronic community violence have studied children, and focused on the types, extent, and effects of their violence experiences. In contrast, using a series of in-depth repeated interviews, the current study explored African American women’s methods for coping with chronic community violence. This article describes the variety of ways these women developed to avoid, minimize, or manage their own and their children’s encounters with community violence. It argues for the importance of using these data to inform professional intervention and suggests specific implications for practice, program development, and policy.
The Impact of Severe Stalking Experienced by Acutely Battered Women: An Examination of Violence, Psychological Symptoms and Strategic Responding
Authors: Mechanic Mindy B. , Uhlmansiek Mary H. , Weaver Terri L. , Resick Patricia A.
Published: September 2018

Stalking has been relatively understudied compared to other dimensions of intimate partner violence. The purpose of this article was to examine concurrent and subsequent intimate partner abuse, strategic responses and symptomatic consequences of severe stalking experienced by battered women. Thirty-five battered women classified as “relentlessly stalked” and 31 infrequently stalked battered women were compared. Compared to infrequently stalked battered women, relentlessly stalked battered women reported: (a) more severe concurrent physical violence, sexual assault and emotional abuse: (b) increased post-separation assault and stalking; (c) increased rates of depression and PTSD; and (d) more extensive use of strategic responses to abuse. Results underscore the scope and magnitude of stalking faced by battered women and have implications for assessment and intervention strategies.
Negative Family-of-Origin Experiences: Are They Associated With Perpetrating Unwanted Pursuit Behaviors?
Authors: Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Rohling Martin
Published: September 2018

Parental divorce, history of parental relationship separation, perceptions of interparental conflict, and witnessing parental violence were retrospectively assessed in a sample of 213 college students from several regions in the United States, all of whom had suffered an unwanted break-up of an important romantic relationship. This study investigated whether these family-of-origin experiences were associated with perpetrating unwanted pursuit behaviors after the relationship break-up. Results indicated that male participants who had experienced either parental divorce or separation perpetrated more severe unwanted pursuit behavior than males who had not experienced parental divorce or separation or females from either divorced, separated, or intact families. For females, severe unwanted pursuit behavior perpetration was correlated with threatening and intense parental arguments. These findings suggest that a variety of types of negative parental relationship behavior may be risk factors for perpetrating severe unwanted pursuit behaviors. The gender-specificity and implications of these findings are discussed.
Research on Stalking: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
Authors: Davis Keith E. , Frieze Irene H.
Published: September 2018

Findings of the article in this two-volume series on stalking are reviewed. Building on the findings of the National Violence Against Women Survey (Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998), this series of studies adds to the literature in defining and measuring stalking behaviors. Repeated stalking victimization is reported by up to 62% of young adults, although frequencies depend on the sample and the precise definition used. Self-definitions of stalking victimization may be quite different from legal definitions. Although the majority of legally defined stalkers (where victim fear is a key component) are men stalking women, studies utilizing other definitions find many more women as stalkers, with no significant gender differences in many studies. In many cases, it does appear that stalking is one part of a larger pattern of relationship physical and psychological abuse. Data on emotional reactions and coping strategies of victims are also reviewed, along with findings on characteristics of stalkers.
The “Medea Complex” Among Men: The Instrumental Abuse of Children to Injure Wives
Authors: McCloskey Laura A.
Published: September 2018

It has been previously documented that wife and child abuse often co-occur. The present study tested competing hypotheses about the reasons for this co-occurrence, specifically trait versus instrumental theories of aggression within families. Three commonly cited catalysts (unemployment, drinking, and life-stress events) for men’s abuse of family members were analyzed to determine whether they equally predict partner or child abuse. Interviews were conducted with 363 women and children about spousal and paternal abuse, and women were interviewed about sociodemographics and the stressors described above. Families were oversampled for the presence of spousal violence. Logistic regressions revealed that heavy drinking (log-odds ratio 4.86) and life stress events (log-odds ratio 1.6) predicted men’s abuse of their partners. These risk factors were unrelated to child abuse. Wife battering, however, placed children at heightened risk (log-odds ratio = 2.77). Children of battered women stood a 42% chance of receiving escalated abuse from their fathers. It is proposed that men’s abuse of children is in many instances instrumental in order to coerce or retaliate against women, echoing the Greek myth of Medea who killed her own children to spite their father.
Adult Somatic Preoccupation and Its Relationship to Childhood Trauma
Authors: Sansone Randy A. , Wiederman Michael W. , Sansone Lori A.
Published: September 2018

Somatic preoccupation has been associated with a variety of comorbid psychiatric conditions including childhood trauma, personality disorder, and depression. The current study was undertaken to simultaneously explore the inter-relationship of these psychiatric variables as conceptualized in a path model. Participants (N = 120), both men and women, seen for nonemergent health care in a resident-staffed internal medicine clinic, were given questionnaires exploring the presence of childhood trauma, borderline personality symptomatology, current depression, worry, and somatic preoccupation. With one exception, all simple correlation coefficients among study variables were relatively substantial. By sequencing variables into an a priori model and using a path analytic approach, several indirect and direct relationships among variables were evident. Most important, childhood trauma exhibited a direct effect on somatic preoccupation as well as indirect effects through borderline personality disturbance and current depression. These data suggest that childhood trauma may be a precursor for somatic preoccupation during adulthood.
Dropout and Completion of Treatment Among Spouse Abusers
Authors: Rondeau Gille , Brodeur Normand , Brochu Serge , Lemire Guy
Published: September 2018

This study examines a population of spouse abusers undertaking a treatment program. Its purpose was to identify the variables associated with dropout and completion of treatment and to build a predictive model. Data were collected on 286 men who began group treatment in one of eight community programs in the province of Quebec, Canada. Results show that men who complete treatment are older, better educated and have better economic conditions than men who drop out. They also have a more stable family life, have been in a relationship for a longer period of time and have more children with their actual spouse. Men who completed treatment showed more commitment, better working capacities and a higher level of agreement with their therapists, thus developing a stronger therapeutic alliance. Support provided by people in the environment was significantly related to treatment completion. Social and judicial pressures were not related to completion.
Family Violence and Substance Use: The Perceived Effects of Substance Use Within Gay Male Relationships
Authors: Cruz J. Michael , Peralta Robert L.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this research endeavor is to examine the life situations of gay men where domestic violence was present. The current article expands on previously published works by examining respondents’ perceptions of what role alcohol and other drug use plays in causing substance use-related domestic violence. Three different perceptions emerged from the data and are presented here. First, drugs and alcohol use was perceived to be causally related to the domestic violence our respondents endured. Second, our respondents believed substance abuse resulted from the violence—it was used as a coping mechanism. Finally, many respondents did not believe there was any association between substance abuse and violence. The need for further in-depth data related to the relationship between drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence is noted.
Temperature, Routine Activities, and Domestic Violence: A Reanalysis
Authors: Rotton James , Cohn Ellen G.
Published: September 2018

It was hypothesized that base rate differences in the number of complaints made during daylight and nighttime hours were responsible for a previously reported, nonlinear relationship between temperature and domestic violence. This hypothesis was tested by subjecting calls for service in 1987 and 1988 in Minneapolis, to moderator-variable regression analyses with controls for time of day, day of the week, season, and their interactions as well as linear trend, major holidays, public school closings, the first day of the month, and other weather variables. Temporal variables explained 75% of the variance in calls for service. As hypothesized, the base rate artifact was responsible for an apparent downturn in violence at high temperatures: Fewer complaints were received during afternoon hours, because they happen to be the warmest time of the day. The results were interpreted in terms of routine activity theory.
Interpersonal and Systemic Aspects of Emotional Abuse at Work: The Target’s Perspective
Authors: Keashly Loraleigh
Published: September 2018

The most frequent form of workplace aggression is not physical, it is emotional and psychological in nature. Known by many names, emotional abuse at work is rapidly becoming recognized as pervasive and costly both in individual and organizational terms. Most of the research to date on emotional abuse at work has utilized survey and other quantitative methodologies in an effort to document the presence, prevalence, and impact of these behaviors. However, these methodologies are based on researchers’ definitions and theories of what constitutes emotional abuse rather than on the meaning given to these experiences by the targets of these behaviors. A thorough understanding of this phenomenon requires a scholarly appreciation of the target’s experience. Taking “feeling abused” as the criterion variable, this study examined target’s experiences based on interviews with people who self-identifed as having experienced difficulties with a boss, coworker, or subordinate. The interpersonal aspects of emotional abuse focused on the nature of behaviors exhibited and the respondents’ labeling of their experience. Consistent with elements of researchers’ definitions, behaviors were defined as abusive when they were repetitive, resulted in injury or harm to target, and were experienced as a lack of recognition of the individual’s integrity. Judgments of violation of standards of conduct and unsolicited nature of the behaviors were also related to respondents’ experiences. Relative power differential was also an important element. However, contrary to researchers’ definitions, actor intent was not central in defining the experience as abusive. The systemic aspect of emotional abuse was illustrated in the nature of organizational responding to concerns raised by respondents. These responses were of critical importance in respondents’ labeling of their experiences as abusive. The focus on the meaning of the behaviors for the respondents provides an enriched picture of key definitional elements. Implications of the findings for future research are discussed.
Challenges to Reaching MDG5:A Qualitative Analysis of the Working Environment of Skilled Birth Attendants in Cambodia
Authors: Ith Ponndara , Dawson Angela , Homer Caroline S. E.
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE: To explore the working environment of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) in one region in Cambodia and the factors affecting their motivation and performance.

METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was employed using focus group discussions with SBAs in 2 health centers and 3 referral hospitals in 1 province. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

FINDINGS: Five interrelated themes were identified as the main factors impacting on the SBA’s working environment. These were the physical environment, remuneration and incentives, workplace culture, management practice, and professional development opportunities. The desire to supplement income also impacted on SBAs’ motivation, skill development and maintenance, and technical skills.

CONCLUSION: Low wages and inadequate incentives within the context of a poorly functioning health system affected the working environment of SBAs in 1 province of Cambodia. These issues are likely to also affect the quality of maternity care. Policies that improve the working environment of staff through adequate remuneration and incentives and effective performance management systems need to be developed and implemented.
Young Women’s Knowledge and Utilization of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Services: Is There Any Relationship?
Authors: Muheriwa Sadandaula R. , Chimwaza Angela , Maluwa Alfred , Kamanga Martha
Published: September 2018

PURPOSE:To determine knowledge and practices of young women on utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIVservices.

DESIGN:A cross-section descriptive study that used quantitative and qualitative data analysis methodologies.

FINDINGS:Knowledge of PMTCT of HIV among respondents was universal. All respondents (100%,N= 184) stated that utilization of PMTCT services reduces transmission of HIV from mother to child. Respondents knew that HIV transmission can be reduced with exclusive breastfeeding (93%,n= 172), abrupt weaning at 6 months (44%,n= 81), taking single-dose nevirapine (SD-NVP; 43%,n= 79), and giving NVP to the baby (65%,n= 120). Very few respondents (4%,n= 7) stated that avoiding pregnancy is one way of preventing HIV transmission and that a mother who is HIV positive who has received SD-NVP or antiretroviral (ARV) therapy can still deliver a baby who is HIV positive. Actual practice was very low; only 14% breastfed exclusively and only 3% weaned their babies abruptly. Although all the 184 mothers were given NVP to take at onset of labor, very few respondents (22%) took NVP as recommended. Although it was recommended that all babies take NVP at birth and within 72 hr of birth, only 58% of the babies received NVP as recommended and only 3% of the women avoided pregnancy.

CONCLUSION:There was a big discrepancy between knowledge and practice of PMTCT services. Culture was the major barrier because traditionally, babies are expected to be breastfed and supplements are fed to babies, too. Most mothers did not adhere to the taking of NVP at onset of labor. Therefore, there is a need to mobilize communities on PMTCT of HIV. The HIV education programmes should emphasize behavior-change interventions and should focus on both men and women, their partners, and significant others. There is also need to intensify monitoring and evaluation of health workers’ activities to ensure that knowledge is put into practice.
Unintended Consequences of Policy Decisions to Reduce Maternal Mortality in the Asia Pacific
Authors: Barclay Lesley , Gao Yu , Homer Caroline , Wild Kayli
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVES:To describe the role of midwives and maternity care in three low resource settings and to challenge some policy options introduced to reduce maternal mortality for women residing in rural and remote areas.

APPROACH:A series of retrospective analyses were undertaken drawing on work the authors have conducted in rural and remote China, Timor-Leste, and Samoa over the past 5–20 years. Sources include our own empirical research, grey literature, as well as published secondary sources.

FINDINGS:In China, hospital birthing is promoted as a major strategy in reducing maternal mortality. This has greatly increased financial burdens for women and their families. In Samoa, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are integrated into Samoa’s health system alongside midwives and other health professionals, and they play a critical role in providing support for pregnant and birthing women. In Timor-Leste, the government has moved away from training TBAs and has shifted the focus from skilled attendance to facility-based delivery. Evaluation of a national maternity waiting home strategy, designed to improve access to facility-based delivery, did not improve access for women in remote areas.

CONCLUSIONS:Low-income countries need to be cautious when adopting global solutions, such as facility-based delivery, to tackle maternal deaths. Women-centered and cost-effective care should be provided locally. Culturally compatible maternity care can be achieved in concert with safety and emergency obstetric care. Midwives can create the bridges between social and professional systems that allow this to happen.
Women’s Perceptions of Their Right to Choose the Place of Childbirth: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hadjigeorgiou Eleni , Kouta Christiana , Papastavrou Evridiki , Papadopoulos Irena , Mårtenson Lena B.
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE:To explore Greek Cypriot women’s perceptions of their right to choose the place of childbirth.

DESIGN:This study is qualitative and is based on Husserl’s phenomenological approach. The field work extended over a 6-month period in 2010–2011.

SETTING:In all cities of the Republic of Cyprus.

PARTICIPANTS:Purposive sample of 55 women within 1 year after birth. Forty-eight women were recruited for semistructured interviews and six of them took place in first focus group. The second group consisted of seven women that did not participate in interviews.

RESULTS:Women’s perceptions were categorized into four themes: (a) informed choice for birth place, (b) trusting relationship with health professionals, (c) medicalization of childbirth, and (d) safety of the mother and baby.

CONCLUSIONS:There is no equity and accessibility in Cyprus maternity care system because it does not provide correct information and accessibility to all birthplace choices. This study demonstrated the need to explore women’s views before formulating policy for maternity care. These views will be helpful for the creation of an innovative evidence-based maternity care policy, taking into account women’s needs, and will be helpful to raise awareness among health professionals for maternity care improvement.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:Ensuring the right for birthplace choices is a social and political necessity that enhances the existing health care systems and health professionals to provide quality and holistic maternity care. Conducting more studies on maternity care in Cyprus will reinforce the aim for improving the health of the women, neonates, and society.
Profiling of Wife Assaulters: Preliminary Evidence for a Trimodal Analysis
Authors: Dutton Donald G.
Published: September 2018

A review of the experimental literature on wife assault causation indicates that differing “profiles” of wife assaulters have been developed by different research strategies. Profiles based on interviews with victims suggest a tyrannical, personality-disordered type of wife assaulter. Clinical assessments reveal several profiles, only one of which is consistent with this view. Other types of wife assaulters are dependent and unassertive. By comparing the emerging data on wife assaulters with the initial clinical descriptions, an assessment is made of the contribution of empirical studies to date. While the potential for a major contribution to our understanding of wife assaulters exists through use of systematic empirical methods, it is concluded that this potential has not yet been fulfilled. Some suggestions are made for future research strategies to improve empirical capabilities in furthering this understanding, including a more thorough assessment of early trauma as a major causative factor affecting a large subcategory of wife assaulters and greater attention to the self-selection of wife assault samples.
The Male Batterer: Clinical and Research Issues
Authors: Sonkin Daniel J.
Published: September 2018

Since 1977, treatment and education programs for men who are assaultive toward spouses have proliferated across the country. Due to the great risk these men have posed to family members, many of the early intervention strategies were based on clinical intuition, clinical style, and personal understanding of the causes of family violence rather than on research data. These approaches to treatment have fallen into three camps: (1) a cognitive understanding of sexism, power, and control in intimate relationships; (2) behavioral anger management; and (3) family systems. Although service providers argue that their particular approach is the most effective, there is no data that indicate that any one form of treatment is more successful than others. As more empirical data are made available to service providers, treatment interventions can be appropriately modified. A greater dialogue between service providers, social policy makers, and academics is necessary to bridge the gaps in understanding the psychology of men who are assaultive toward intimates. Specific recommendations are made that may lead us to a better understanding of the etiology of spouse abuse as well as to the formulation of more effective intervention and prevention strategies.
Child Maltreatment over Two Decades: Change or Continuity?
Authors: Knudsen Dean D.
Published: September 2018

The increasing reports of child maltreatment during the last two decades have precipitated discussions about the degree to which these figures represent an increase in reporting or a true growth of child abuse and neglect. Using reports to child protection agencies over a 20-year period in an Indiana county, analyses suggest that there is a stability in characteristics of alleged perpetrators and victims and in the patterns of mistreatment. Shifts in the substantiation rates offer little insight for this issue, but it may be argued that the growth in reports reflects a genuine increase of abusive and neglectful behavior. Implications for abuse and neglect rates are explored.
Patterns of Family and Nonfamily Violence: Violent Husbands and Violent Men
Authors: Shields Nancy M. , McCall George J. , Hanneke Christine R.
Published: September 2018

This article explores the relationship between criminological and family violence approaches to the study of male violence, both domestic and nondomestic. Reasons why these two approaches have remained relatively independent are discussed, and ways of linking the two perspectives are suggested. Interview data from 85 violent husbands are analyzed and interpreted in light of their implications for family violence and criminological approaches. The data confirm the existence of three patterns of male violence—“family only,” “nonfamily only,” and “generally” violent. The patterns are found to be associated with relatively clear and distinct lifestyles, social networks, and values, which seem to reinforce the violence pattern. The authors conclude that both the family violence and criminological perspectives can provide insight into the problem of understanding violent husbands.
The Role of Objectification in the Victimization and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Jonnson Melissa R. , Langille Jennifer I. , Walsh Zach
Published: September 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a substantial health concern and identifying risk factors for IPV is a research priority. We examined the relationship between severe IPV and objectification of the self and other sex across participant sex. A sample of 1,005 male and female university students completed a series of online questionnaires that measure levels of self-objectification, objectification of the other sex, and histories of severe IPV victimization and perpetration. Self-objectification was associated with severe psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion victimization in females, but not in males. Objectification of the other sex was associated with severe psychological aggression and physical assault perpetration in males, but not in females. These findings contribute to our understanding of gender similarities and differences in IPV.
Economic Abuse Within Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Stylianou Amanda M.
Published: September 2018

This article reviews the literature on the measurement of, impact of, and interventions for economic abuse within intimate partner relationships. Current assessment measures for economic abuse, along with estimates of the prevalence of economic abuse, are reviewed and critiqued. Research exploring the impact of economic abuse on the victim’s mental health and psychological well-being, family formations and parenting practices, and children’s behaviors and youth outcomes are presented. Recently developed interventions, including financial literacy program models, are discussed and emphasized as a critical service to increase victims’ economic self-efficacy, financial literacy, and financial behaviors. Finally, the review provides detailed recommendations on incorporating economic abuse as a central component of domestic violence research, practice, and policies.
The Impact of Victim Alcohol Consumption and Perpetrator Use of Force on Perceptions in an Acquaintance Rape Vignette
Authors: Brown Amy L. , Horton Jada , Guillory Ariel
Published: September 2018

Research suggests that victims of incapacitated rape (when someone has sex with a person who is unable to consent to or resist sexual activity, usually because of intoxication) face higher levels of victim blame than do victims of forcible rape (Krahé, Temkin, & Bieneck, 2007). However, it is not clear whether blame is the result of victim alcohol consumption or the lack of force and resistance present during incapacitated rape; both of these factors have been shown to increase victim blame. The current vignette study crossed victim alcohol consumption and perpetrator use of force. We found main effects of both independent variables on judgments of victim responsibility, but no interaction, suggesting that the effects of alcohol and force are additive rather than interactive. These results indicate that victims of incapacitated rape may indeed face challenges upon disclosing their assaults.
Screening Tool for Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: Portuguese Validation of the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory
Authors: Começanha Rita , Maia Ângela
Published: September 2018

Background/Objective: The Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory—Short Form (PMWI-SF) is a well-established and brief instrument for assessing psychological intimate partner violence (IPV). In the absence of a specific tool to assess psychological IPV in Portuguese women, this study sought to confirm the factor structure of the Portuguese PMWI-SF and analyze its psychometric properties. Method: Five hundred and six women filled out the e-survey including the assessment of IPV (Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, Psychological Abuse Survey, and PMWI-SF) and psychopathology through the Brief Symptom Inventory. Sociodemographic characteristics, construct validity, and internal consistency were analyzed, and a cutoff for the PMWI-SF was established. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis for the 2-factor structure (emotional/verbal abuse and domination/isolation) showed an excellent fit for the last 6 months and across the life span. Factors possessed good internal consistency (α ≥ .70) and test–retest reliability (r ≥ .90). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed the PMWI factors were positively correlated with proximal variables. PMWI-SF scores demonstrated excellent differentiation between women with and without psychological IPV (area under the curve [AUC] = .948; confidence interval or CI [.93, .97]). The PMWI-SF cutoff score that provided the optimal balance was 32 (sensitivity = 83.8%; specificity = 91.7%). Conclusions: The PMWI-SF is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the experience of psychological IPV in Portuguese women.
Trouble in the Schoolhouse: New Views on Victimization, Fear of Crime, and Teacher Perceptions of the Workplace
Authors: Williams Larry E. , Winfree L. T. , Clinton Lawrence
Published: September 2018

The current study examines the self-reported victimizations of 90 public school teachers, over one-third of whom reported school-based theft of personal property or threats of violence. The study addressed two basic questions. First, what was the relationship between these school-based victimization experiences and the level of fear expressed by teachers? Second, what was the relationship between both the victimizations and fear and teacher satisfaction with their jobs and their employers? In order to provide a thorough examination of these relationships, several recognized correlates of teacher satisfaction, including respondent’s sex, age, work assignments, and racial attitudes and orientations, were included in the analysis. It was found that teacher satisfaction was influenced not only by factors normally associated with teaching, but also by perceptions of and experiences with youthful misbehavior at school. For its part, fear of crime exhibited a strong direct link to both types of satisfaction, and it apparently mitigated the influences of racism on satisfaction with one’s job and employer. These observations were consistent with an emerging perspective in victimization studies, which views the link between victimizations and fear of crime as part of the more general social climate, including perceptions of one’s work environment, a perspective that frees the researcher from the confines of more traditional conceptualizations about crime.
New Developments in Research on Aggression: An International Report
Authors: Maiuro Roland D. , Eberle Jane A.
Published: September 2018

During the first week of July 1988, the International Society for Research on Aggression (ISRA) conducted its Eighth World Conference at the University College of Swansea in Wales, United Kingdom. The present paper reviews some of the highlights of the recent conference, with particular attention given to those topics that might be of interest to researchers and clinicians specializing in interpersonal violence. Topics include theoretical work, relevant animal studies, developmental and longitudinal studies of childhood aggression, child abuse, violence by adolescents, wife abuse and assault, biological correlates of aggression, and advances in measurement and assessment. The reported findings support an interdisciplinary approach to the study of interpersonal violence.
Physical Abuse, Sexual Victimization, and Illicit Drug Use: Replication of a Structural Analysis Among a New Sample of High-Risk Youths
Authors: Dembo Richard , Williams Linda , La Voie Lawrence , Berry Estrellita , Getreu Alan , Wish Eric D. , Schmeidler James , Washburn Mark
Published: September 2018

Mounting evidence of serious adverse consequences of childhood physical and sexual abuse has important implications for public health officials and care providers. Given the potential impact on social policy of this area of inquiry, programmatic research is needed for the validation of theoretical models across populations and over time. This study, based on a sample of high-risk youths, replicates a structural model that specified the influence of child physical and sexual abuse on self-derogation and drug use. Results suggest that for male and female youths, physical abuse and sexual victimization had a direct effect on self-derogation and illicit drug use, and an indirect effect on drug use that was mediated by self-derogation. Moreover, structural coefficients for the model were found to be identical across gender. Subsequent analyses demonstrated the equivalence of the structural model of child physical and sexual abuse on drug use across two study cohorts. Implications for the identification and treatment of youths in high-risk groups are discussed.
Practitioners’ Forum: Public Health and the Primary Prevention of Adolescent Violence—The Violence Prevention Project
Authors: Spivak Howard , Hausman Alice J. , Prothrow-Stith Deborah
Published: September 2018

The Violence Prevention Project is a community-based outreach and education project directed toward reducing the negative social and medical outcomes of violence among adolescents. Community agency personnel are trained to work with youth on issues of anger and conflict resolution. A mass media campaign advertises the issue to the broader population. Interventions, such as the Violence Prevention Project, can use the public health strategies to increase awareness of the problem and associated risk factors, provide alternative conflict resolution techniques, and generate a new community ethos around violence. This approach holds great promise in an area in which after-the-fact legislative and punitive interventions have not worked.
Research Note: The Response of the Clergy to Spouse Abuse in a Suburban County
Authors: Martin Susan E.
Published: September 2018

An attempt was made to study the response of religious organizations to spouse abuse in a suburban county in the state of Maryland. Clergy members representing a variety of denominations from 143 churches and synagogues were surveyed. The presence of an ongoing problem-oriented discussion group as part of clergy functions was positively related to the identification of spouse abuse. More than half of the responding clerics acknowledged the need to improve efforts in addressing spouse abuse. Victim reticence to seek help, and lack of information about state law, legal options, and programs for spouse abusers were identified as major factors hampering response. Recommendations are made to improve linkages between the clergy and other involved community groups.
Increases in Premature Mortality Due to Homicide — United States, 1968-1985
Authors: Martinez-Schnell Beverly , Waxweiler Richard J.
Published: September 2018

From 1968 to 1985, the rate of homicide in the United States has increased 44%. Its relative impact on premature mortality, as measured by the percentage of years of potential life lost (YPLL) before age 65 from all causes of death due to homicide, has nearly doubled (93% increase). This increase calls attention to the emerging importance of interpersonal violence relative to all public health problems affecting persons under 65 years of age. The percentage of YPLL from all causes of death due to homicide increased in each race/sex group and for both firearm and nonfirearm means of homicide. The increase in homicide YPLL was traced mainly to an increase in the number of homicide deaths and, to a smaller extent, to a decrease in the average age at death of homicide victims.
Magnitude and Patterns of Family and Intimate Assault in Atlanta, Georgia, 1984
Authors: Saltzman Linda E. , Mercy James A. , Rosenberg Mark L. , Elsea William R. , Napper George , Sikes R. Keith , Waxweiler Richard J.
Published: September 2018

A sample of police incident reports was used to examine the magnitude and patterns of family and intimate assault involving weapon use or threat, bodily force, or verbal threat of assault in a defined urban population during 1984. More than half of the incidents involved partners (spousal and nonspousal), about a fourth involved prior or estranged partners, and the remainder involved family members and relatives. The 1984 rate of nonfatal family and intimate assault was estimated at 837 per 100,000 population—the fatal rate was 7 per 100,000 population. Fatal and nonfatal victimization rates for blacks and other races were three times the rates for whites. Fatal incidents predominantly involved handguns, and nonfatal incidents most often involved bodily force. Most nonfatal victims (66%) and some perpetrators (13%) suffered physical injuries. Data on prior police contacts suggest that family and intimate assaults occur within a context of repeated violence. Information about prior incidents might contribute to preventive efforts by identifying people at high risk of being victims or perpetrators.
Patriarchal Ideology and Wife Beating: A Test of a Feminist Hypothesis
Authors: Smith Michael D.
Published: September 2018

Feminist theory suggests that husbands who adhere to an ideology of familial patriarchy are more likely to beat their wives than husbands who do not adhere to such an ideology. This research provides quantitative data from a representative sample survey of women in the general population that support the feminist thesis. The results also indicate that husbands with relatively low incomes, low educational attainment, and low-status jobs were significantly more likely than higher status husbands to espouse such an ideology.
Construct Validity of Two Heterosocial Perception Skill Measures for Assessing Rape Proclivity
Authors: McDonel Elizabeth C. , McFall Richard M.
Published: September 2018

Rape-supportive attitudes and self-reported rape proclivity (using a measure by Malamuth, Haber, & Feshbach, 1980) were negatively correlated with decoding accuracy of women’s negative cues (measured by the TRAC-D; McDonel, McFall, Schlundt, & Levenson, 1985) in an unselected sample of male college students. Better decoders of negative female cues on the TRAC-D, as well as subjects expressing fewer rape-supportive beliefs and less rape proclivity, were more conservative in their estimates of a man’s justification in continuing to make sexual advances in the face of a woman’s negative cues on the Heterosocial Perception Survey (HPS; McDonel, 1986). Ability to decode men’s interpersonal cues was not correlated with responses on the HPS or rape attitude and proclivity measures, suggesting that specific rather than global decoding deficits were useful predictors of rape correlates. These results support the construct validity of the two social perception measures, the TRAC-D, and the HPS, as measures of rape proclivity.
History of Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Fantasies
Authors: Gold Steven R.
Published: September 2018

The study investigated the hypothesis that women with a history of childhood sexual abuse would report different sexual fantasies from women with no childhood sexual abuse. Women with a history of abuse had more force in their fantasies, had more sexually explicit fantasies, began having sexual fantasies at a younger age, and had more fantasies with the theme of being under someone’s control. Women with a history of childhood physical abuse did not have a similar pattern. It was suggested that the sexual fantasies may reflect the sexualizing effect of childhood sexual experiences and that fantasies of the abusive experience may become intrusive.
Lesbians in Currently Aggressive Relationships: How Frequently Do They Report Aggressive Past Relationships?
Authors: Lie Gwat-Yong , Schilit Rebecca , Bush Judy , Montagne Marilyn , Reyes Lynn
Published: September 2018

Findings are reported from a survey examining the frequency with which women in currently aggressive same-sex relationships also report aggressive past relationships involving female partners, male partners, or members of their family of origin. Particular attention is paid to victims who also used aggression and their perceptions of whether their aggressive behavior was self-defensive or mutually aggressive.

Results indicate that about one-fourth of participants had been victims of aggression in current relationships, roughly two-thirds had been victimized by a previous male partner, and almost three-fourths had experienced aggression by a previous female partner. Among those reporting having been both victims and users of aggression, about one-fifth had used aggression in their current relationship, almost one-third used aggression with a previous male partner, and nearly two-thirds had used aggression with a previous female partner. A majority of victims who had also used aggression with a previous male partner characterized this use as self-defense, as compared to only 30% of those who had used aggression with a female partner. Instead, aggression in relationships involving a female partner was most frequently described as mutually aggressive in nature.