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Thirty Years of Denying the Evidence on Gender Symmetry in Partner Violence: Implications for Prevention and Treatment
Abstract and Figures
The first part of this article summarizes results from more than 200 studies that have found gender symmetry in perpetration and in risk factors and motives for physical violence in martial and dating relationships. It also summarizes research that has found that most partner violence is mutual and that self-defense explains only a small percentage of partner violence by either men or women. The second part of the article documents seven methods that have been used to deny, conceal, and distort the evidence on gender symmetry. The third part of the article suggests explanations for the denial of an overwhelming body of evidence by reputable scholars. The concluding section argues that ignoring the overwhelming evidence of gender symmetry has crippled prevention and treatment programs. It suggests ways in which prevention and treatment efforts might be improved by changing ideologically based programs to programs based on the evidence from the past 30 years of research.
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... Like other surveys 2 , our results identified that girls reported perpetrating physical violence more often than boys. Among adults, the role of women as assault perpetrators against partners has been debated for a long time 36 . Some authors focusing on heterosexual relationships argue that female engagement in intimate partner violence is motivated by resistance and reaction to a male's attempts at power and control 37 , especially in patriarchal societies 38 . ...
... Some authors focusing on heterosexual relationships argue that female engagement in intimate partner violence is motivated by resistance and reaction to a male's attempts at power and control 37 , especially in patriarchal societies 38 . Other researchers soften the rigid roles of men and women in intimate partner violence, reinforcing the importance of considering intimate partner dynamics in these situations 36 . ...
... Although considered a useful theoretical model to explain violence occurrence, positing that these different spheres have distinct relevance when it occurs during adolescence is still possible. Rather than using individual characteristics to explain the higher level of dating violence in certain subgroups, some authors highlight relational characteristics, especially those involving parent-child interactions, specific contexts of adolescent socialization, and aspects of the romantic relationship itself 36 . Our results somewhat support this proposition by indicating that dating violence was more frequent among adolescents with a family history of childhood abuse, instigating a discussion on the importance of family bonding in building affective relationships during adolescence. ...
Dating violence during adolescence is a global public health issue due to its widespread occurrence and negative health consequences. Unfortunately, research addressing this topic in Latin American countries remains limited. Seeking to bridge this gap, the present study estimated the prevalence of both dating violence victimization and perpetration among high schoolers considering sociodemographic factors, exposure to other forms of violence, and school-related characteristics. A total of 539 students participated in the study selected by means of probabilistic sampling from private and public schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dating violence was identified using the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory. Victimization prevalence ranged from 16.7% (sexual) to 94.6% (emotional), whereas perpetration prevalence varied between 9.9% (sexual) and 94.6% (emotional). Boys were more physically victimized (37.2% vs. 24.5%) and perpetrated more sexual abuse (13.7% vs. 6.9%) than girls. Adolescents reporting child abuse, living in violent areas, and those who consumed alcoholic beverages more frequently had greater dating violence prevalence overall. However, some differences between male and female vulnerability characteristics merit debate. These heterogeneous profiles of victimization/perpetration between boys and girls indicate the need for specific dating violence prevention interventions.
... What is not often understood by the public is that men are casualties of DV and IPV at approximately equal rates as women (Adebayo, 2014;NIJ, 2007). However, the reporting figures for each gender differs greatly (Straus, 2010). Generally, under reporting of DV is almost universal across age groups, gender, and social economic status (Concannon, 2013;Strong et al., 2010;Watts & Zimmermann, 2002). ...
... Even though the husband beater was also punished in an almost similar way, the shame and stigma associated for a man admitting victimization made this type of offense unpopular (Steinmetz, 1978). Straus (2010) established claims against many feminist movements, stating that domestic violence was not an instrument of patriarchal control nor was it a gender-based crime, as stated in the Violence Against Women's Act, but that it is a crime that a disturbed man or woman can commit against their partner at a roughly equal rate. Straus further opined that injuries against a woman are only more visible because of the physical strength and energy of men. ...
... Saunders (2002) further argued that sometimes, the act of physical assault carried out by both a man and a woman may be the same, however, the physical evidence showing the extent of the abuse may differ. As an example, because of the biological strength a man possesses, the impact of a blow to the body of another will differ from the impact of a blow from a woman to the body of another (Straus, 2010). ...
Little or nothing is really known about a man’s victimization in a domestic violence situation. Generally, domestic violence is viewed from the lens of a woman with the typical idea that women are the victims while men, are the perpetrators of violence. Over time, this societal perception is beginning to subside as researchers have proven that men are also victims of domestic violence (Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980). Despite this revelation, not much is known about male victimization as most men prefer not to report their victimization. This study examines the reasons for not reporting victimization and the effect of this decision on men. The study does so by employing a cross-sectional research carried out in 1994-1996, that was designed to assess the prevalence and impact of violence and threat of violence on women and men across the United States.
... La caracterización, más o menos rígida, de uno de los integrantes de la pareja como agresor (usualmente, el hombre) y a la otra persona como víctima (usualmente, la mujer), proviene en parte también, de acuerdo a algunos autores, del hecho de que muchas de las encuestas están diseñadas para medir el problema solo en esa dirección, es decir, que no exploran la violencia que pueden estar ejerciendo las mujeres y, por tanto, no producen datos en ese sentido (72) . Ello impide, por una parte, visualizar la posible bidireccionalidad de la violencia de pareja, pero, además, ha llevado a encasillar a las mujeres en la posición de víctimas (79,80) . ...
El objetivo de este artículo es explorar las teorías sociológicas existentes sobre la violencia entre parejas de la diversidad sexual para generar un marco explicativo e identificar los desafíos que enfrenta esta teorización en estas poblaciones. Tomamos como referencia el enfoque feminista y el enfoque de la violencia familiar vinculada a la violencia entre parejas heterosexuales, para analizar críticamente desde allí las nuevas teorizaciones que se han propuesto como marco explicativo de la violencia en parejas sexo diversas, particularmente, el feminismo posestructural y las teorías queer. Se observa que hay un creciente desarrollo de marcos teóricos e investigaciones empíricas enfocadas específicamente a explicar la violencia entre parejas LGBTIQ+. El artículo reflexiona sobre los elementos sociológico-feministas fundamentales que se deberían incorporar en las propuestas teóricas para explicar la violencia de parejas no heterosexuales y sobre algunos desafíos pendientes de resolver.
... Despite the claims that violence is gender-symmetrical (Straus 2010), in which it is proposed that women and men are similarly violent (for example, if you ask: have you ever been hit by your partner?), men do most interpersonal, 'domestic' and intimate partner violence, especially planned, heavy, damaging/injurious, repeated, non-defensive, premeditated, nonretaliatory, sexual, and multiple forms of violence, as well as most economic, collective, institutional, military violence, that is also often interpersonal, sometimes 'domestic' (Hearn 2012). All such forms of violence have negative impacts, including physical damage and marking, chronic fatigue, psychological distress, problems with intimate relationships, sexual dysfunction, depression, psychological distress, social isolation. ...
How to represent violence-that is, talk about, write about and image violence-without reproducing violence/violation, is a challenge. Violence can be presented, represented , and represented in many ways, and through diverse narratives. In this paper, we analyse the narratives of those using violence, either when subsequently talking about the violence or in doing violation itself. Thus, we write about violence and violation, and explore how men's violence and violation are talked of, written, and imaged by men, even whilst they may well not be aware that they are enacting violence/violation. We attend to some of the continuities and discontinuities in men's narratives between those talking about their use of immediate, direct physical violence/violation, especially as with violence against women, and those doing various forms of digital violence/violation through writing violence/violation. In the latter case, two examples are foregrounded: first, what is popularly known as 'revenge pornography', that is, non-consensual sharing and distribution of sexual images and texts; and second, 'upskirting': covert, non-consensual taking of photographs and videos of (usually) women's bodies and clothing. We draw on or analyse these practices through understandings of men, masculinities, and variable masculinist narratives.
... This type of violence has important mental health consequences. A study reported that abused men were more likely to experience psychosomatic symptoms, stress and depression than non-abused men [24]. This was backed up by another study showing that abused men are at risk of emotional hurt, fear, depression, stress, psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms [25]. ...
Background
Men in sub-Saharan Africa experience intimate partner violence, with few reporting their cases to the legal authorities or coming out for assistance. Consequently, data on the prevalence and drivers of intimate partner violence in different parts of sub-Saharan Africa are inadequate. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of intimate partner violence against men in Kisumu slums, Kenya.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 398 randomly selected male participants from Kisumu slums, sampled data collected from Community Health Volunteers. We used a multinomial regression analysis to assess determinants and forms of violence.
Results
A total of 398 respondents out of 438 eligible men participated in the survey. The prevalence of intimate partner violence against men was 76.1%. From the multinomial regression, men who were married or living together, compared with never married, were 2.13 times more likely to have experienced physical violence (95% CI = 0.91–4.97, p = 0.080) and 2.41 times more likely to have experienced economic violence (95% CI = 1.20–4.84, p = 0.013). Compared to never married, men who divorced or separated were 5.42 times more likely to have experienced sexual violence (95% CI = 0.97–30.37, p = 0.055). Men who had primary education or less were 2.39 times more likely to have experienced sexual violence (95% CI = 1.02–5.61, p = 0.045). Men who were Muslim, compared with Protestants, were 2.37 times more likely to have experienced psychological or emotional violence (95% CI = 0.87–6.37, p = 0.086).
Conclusions
Sexual, physical, and emotional violence is common among men in Kisumu slums, and the prevalence differs by age, marital status, education, and religion. Safe spaces should be created that will enable men of diverse socio-demographic characteristics to share their experiences of violence by intimate partners. Policies, including education to increasing awareness of this issue, should be enacted to protect men from intimate partner violence.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a pervasive social issue in Nigeria with a complex interplay of cultural, social, and individual factors contributing to its prevalence. One notable factor is the significant association between alcohol consumption and IPV, which poses a challenge to understanding and addressing this multifaceted problem. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria, by seeking to interrogate the underlying mechanisms through theoretical frameworks and literature evidence. The study argues that alcohol consumption acts as a catalyst for IPV in Nigeria, influencing individual behaviours and interacting with societal norms. Deviance Disavowal Theory was adopted to offer a nuanced perspective on cultural dynamics at play. A systematic literature review was conducted integrating studies that explored the link between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria. To ensure thorough coverage of relevant literature, different electronic sources, such as PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar, and manual searches of references from selected studies were used. An examination of the literature revealed a relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria. Deviance Disavowal Theory highlights the cultural dynamics that permit alcohol as an excuse for deviant actions. This study underscores the urgency of adopting comprehensive intervention strategies that address not only individual behaviours, but also societal norms and cultural beliefs. Recommendations include targeted public health campaigns, legal reforms to strengthen enforcement against IPV, and the integration of alcohol abuse treatment into support programs.
Identity-based discrimination experiences have been associated with intimate partner aggression (IPA) use, yet very little research has examined sexist discrimination. This study explored whether women's experiences of sexist discrimination are associated with their IPA use. Participants were 626 predominantly white, cisgender, heterosexual women who completed self-report measures online. Women's sexist experiences were significantly and positively correlated with their IPA use, even after controlling for recent stressful experiences and gender-based violence exposures. Psychological distress symptoms significantly mediated the relation between sexist experiences and IPA use. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering the role of sexism in women's IPA.
This article aims to dispel the prevalent misconception in Pakistani society regarding spousal violence (SV), particularly the assumption that men are always the perpetrators. It seeks to illuminate the fact that SV is not only condemnable when inflicted upon women but also when perpetrated against men, a reality often overlooked in Pakistan. Through an analytical legal research approach, this study explores the causes and manifestations of SV by women against men, alongside an analysis of existing SV legislation in Pakistan. The results indicate a notable lack of awareness and action toward sexual violence against men, with minimal acknowledgment in governmental institutions throughout. SV against males is still often unacknowledged and not reported enough, especially within Pakistani societal standards. The study emphasizes the lack of laws that particularly deal with sexual violence against males. Only one law in Balochistan Province recognizes men as victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. The paper emphasizes the significance of devoting resources and raising awareness to support male victims of SV and reduce its occurrence. It also supports changes to current domestic violence legislation to more effectively protect the rights of males and align with changes in society. This article attempts to promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to tackling sexual violence in Pakistani society by debunking misunderstandings and pushing for legislative reforms.
Il saggio presenta uno studio su una particolare tipologia di autori di reato con-tro le donne i sex offender. Attraverso le narrazioni di 40 detenuti in 2 carceri ita-liane, si vuole far emergere la struttura sociale diseguale e gli stereotipi di genere, ma soprattutto i modelli di neutralizzazioni che questi uomini utilizzano per colpe-volizzare le vittime, oppure per negare il reato. I risultati mostrano una negazione di qualunque responsabilità.
Objective: The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is high, with young adults at increased risk. IPV is largely understood as a dyadic process, as it involves both partners and is inherently influenced by the behaviors of both partners. The objective of this study was to examine the proximal influence of relationship satisfaction and conflict on same-day and next-day IPV perpetration among young-adult couples. Method: This study used data from young-adult couples (N = 172) who completed a 60-day daily diary design. The actor–partner interdependence model was used to examine whether within- and between-person levels of relationship satisfaction and conflict were associated with same-day and next-day IPV perpetration. Results: Results suggest that high levels of one’s own and one’s partner’s relationship satisfaction was associated with low levels of same-day and next-day psychological IPV. For women, but not men, high levels in their own and their partner’s relationship satisfaction were associated with low levels in same-day physical IPV perpetration. Conversely, high levels in one’s own and their partner’s conflict was associated with high levels of same-day psychological IPV perpetration. For women, but not men, high levels in their partner’s conflict were associated with high levels of same-day physical IPV perpetration. Conclusion: Results suggest that relationship dissatisfaction and conflict may be proximal risk factors for IPV perpetration, particularly psychological IPV perpetration, implying these factors may be effective targets for prevention and intervention.
Reassesses thirty years of domestic violence research and demonstrates three forms of partner violence, distinctive in their origins, effects, and treatments Domestic violence, a serious and far-reaching social problem, has generated two key debates among researchers. The first debate is about gender and domestic violence. Some scholars argue that domestic violence is primarily male-perpetrated, others that women are as violent as men in intimate relationships. Johnson's response to this debate-and the central theme of this book-is that there is more than one type of intimate partner violence. Some studies address the type of violence that is perpetrated primarily by men, while others are getting at the kind of violence that women areinvolved in as well. Because there has been no theoretical framework delineating types of domestic violence, researchers have easily misread one another's studies. The second major debate involves how many women are abused each year by their partners. Estimates range from two to six million. Johnson's response once again comes from this book's central theme. If there is more than one type of intimate partner violence, then the numbers depend on what type you're talking about. Johnson argues that domestic violence is not a unitary phenomenon. Instead, he delineates three major, dramatically different, forms of partner violence: intimate terrorism, violent resistance, and situational couple violence. He roots the conceptual distinctions among the forms of violence in an analysis of the role of power and control in relationship violence and shows that the failure to make these basic distinctions among types of partner violence has produced a research literature that is plagued by both overgeneralizations and ostensibly contradictory findings. This volume begins the work of theorizing forms of domestic violence, a crucial first step to a better understanding of these phenomena among scholars, social scientists, policy makers, and service providers.
