Physical Intimate Partner Violence Concordance Rates in Couples: Does CTS2 Item Order Matter?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) concordance rates between partners are low across national, community, and clinical samples. Discordance between partners' IPV reports is problematic given that self-report questionnaires, such as the CTS2, are commonly used to assess IPV. Moreover, most research is based solely on the report of one partner. Some have attributed this discordance to how CTS2 items are presented. The CTS2 presents items inquiring on the frequencies of perpetration by oneself and then one's partner in pairs. The present study examined whether IPV concordance rates improve if couples are administered a version of the CTS2 where all items assessing their partner's behaviors are presented first, followed by items assessing the respondents' behaviors. Additionally, the present study examined whether correlations between self-reported and partner-reported perpetration and victimization differ depending on the order in which CTS2 items are presented. Two samples of heterosexual couples were recruited from a large metropolitan area in the United States. The first sample was administered the CTS2 in its usual format. The second sample was administered a version of the CTS2 that presented items on one's partners' behavior first, followed by self-reported behavior. Results revealed that concordance rates among violent couples were higher in the group administered the CTS2 in its altered format, particularly agreement on male IPV perpetration. However, when agreement on minor and severe IPV was examined separately, concordance rates between groups were relatively similar for severe IPV. These findings suggest that altering the item presentation of the CTS2 may improve the interrater reliability of the Physical Assault Scale of the CTS2. Additional results are discussed.

Risk Factors of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence among Hispanic Young Adults: Attachment Style, Emotional Dysregulation, and Negative Childhood Experiences.

This paper examined whether risk factors commonly associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with female-perpetrated physical IPV and female physical IPV victimization among young Hispanic women. It also examined how emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and attachment style exacerbated these relationships. Furthermore, it investigates how these associations differ by the type of self-reported physical violence against their romantic partner. Based on the participants' self-reported physical violence, they were classified into one of four groups: nonviolent, victim-only, perpetrator-only, and bidirectionally violent. Bidirectional violence was by far the most common form of violence reported. Utilizing self-report data from 360 young Hispanic women, we used binary logistic regression to examine potential predictors of physical IPV perpetration and victimization for each group. Results demonstrated that women in the bidirectionally violent group reported the highest levels of perpetration and victimization. Parental violence victimization, witnessing interparental violence, insecure attachment styles, and emotional dysregulation predicted physical IPV perpetration and victimization. These findings emphasize the need for effective interventions that include both members of the dyad and acknowledge the impact of women's attachment style, emotion dysregulation, and adverse childhood experiences on female-perpetrated IPV and female IPV victimization.

Attachment, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physical IPV in Predominantly Hispanic, Young Adult Couples.

Insecure attachment has been found to be a risk factor for perpetrating physical intimate partner violence (IPV). However, this association is likely exacerbated by additional factors, such as conflicting insecure attachment in one's partner and difficulties with overall emotion regulation and impulse control. The present study aimed to examine the associations between insecure attachment and physical IPV perpetration in male and female partners, as well as to examine whether these associations are exacerbated by involvement with a partner with opposing attachment needs and overall emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. Additionally, this study examined whether partners' emotion dysregulation interacted to predict IPV. Two hundred eight heterosexual couples primarily recruited from a Hispanic-serving university completed questionnaires on attachment, emotion dysregulation, and one's own and one's partner's perpetration. Results revealed that attachment anxiety, impulsivity, and an interaction effect between attachment avoidance and partner's attachment anxiety were associated with self-reported, but not partner-reported, male perpetration. For females, attachment anxiety was associated with female IPV (self-reported and partner-reported), and impulsivity was associated with self-reported female IPV. Overall, results underscore how relationships between known risk factors and IPV perpetration may differ depending on if IPV perpetration is measured using self-reported or partner-reported data. Additional results and implications are discussed.

The Impact of Perpetrator Characteristics on the Completion of a Partner Abuse Intervention Program.

This study examined how type of perpetrator (family only [FO] vs. generally violent [GV]), readiness to change, and stake in conformity function separately and together in predicting completion of a partner abuse intervention program (PAIP). Data were collected from 192 male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) who were court mandated to attend a PAIP. Participants were categorized as FO violent or GV based on a combination of their self-report and official records of violence. Stake in conformity has been defined as the degree to which an individual is invested in the values and institutions of a society. A composite stake in conformity score was computed for each participant based on his education level, and marital and employment status. Each participant was also assigned a stage of change score based on his responses on a validated measure of stage of change for domestic violence perpetrators. Analyses indicated that stage of change was not related to program completion or attendance. Type of perpetrator and stake in conformity composite score were significantly related to program completion. Perpetrators with higher stake in conformity scores and individuals categorized as FO attended more PAIP sessions and were more likely to complete the program. When both predictors were examined together, only stake in conformity composite score uniquely predicted program attendance and completion. These findings provide additional evidence that subtype of IPV perpetrator has implications for treatment responsiveness and provide preliminary evidence for the value of improved measurement of investment in societal institutions.

Exploring typology categorizations of male perpetrators: a methodology study / La exploración de las categorizaciones de la tipología de los varones violentos en la pareja: un estudio metodológico

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators were categorized based on whether they were generally violent (GV) or family only violent (FO) using self-report or arrest records. Classification criteria to assess recidivism in perpetrators of IPV were evaluated herein to determine the incremental validity of using a perpetrator's criminal history in addition to their self-report information for categorization purposes. The concordance rates for categorizing subtypes of male perpetrators were compared for two methods, namely, self-report versus criminal history data. Categorizations were made based on self-reported history of violence and federal criminal records separately. Between measures consistency was defined as whether or not the self-report categorizations matched federal criminal record categorizations. It was hypothesized that self-report would not be sufficient as the sole method of categorizing male perpetrators, and the use of criminal history data would add to the validity of the categorization system. Self-reports of aggression were higher than criminal records of aggression. Using data sources together may yield the best outcomes for offenders and society. Implications are discussed

Se clasificaron los varones que ejercen violencia en las relaciones de pareja (VP) en función de si eran violentos en general (VG) o solo en el entorno familiar (VF), empleando registros de autoinformes o de arrestos. Se analizaron los criterios de clasificación para evaluar la reincidencia de los infractores de VP con el fin de determinar la validez incremental del uso de los antecedentes penales del infractor, además de la información procedente de su autoinforme para la clasificación. Se compararon los índices de concordancia para categorizar los subtipos de infractores masculinos para dos métodos: los datos procedentes de autoinforme y los de antecedentes penales. La categorización se basó en la historia de violencia autoinformada y en los antecedentes penales por separado. La congruencia entre medidas se definió como la coincidencia o discrepancia de la categorización de autoinforme con la categorización de antecedentes penales. Se planteó la hipótesis de que el autoinforme no bastaba como único método para clasificar a los infractores masculinos y que el uso de datos procedentes de antecedentes penales aumentaba la validez del sistema de categorización. Hubo más autoinformes sobre agresión que antecedentes penales de agresión. El uso conjunto de ambos podría tener mejores resultados, tanto para los delincuentes como para la sociedad. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados

Treatment impact on recidivism of family only vs. generally violent partner violence perpetrators.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The outcome of a treatment program for a large sample of male perpetrators on probation for intimate partner violence (IPV) was evaluated with particular reference to the differential impact on family only (FO) versus generally violent (GV) perpetrators. METHOD: Official rates of recidivism for three years post termination of treatment and probation were examined for 456 perpetrators after they were classified as FO and GV. RESULTS: Both treatment completion and type of perpetrator were predictive of IPV recidivism and time to recidivism. However, analyses conducted separately for the two groups indicated that participation in the intervention predicted both recidivism and time to recidivism for the GV but not FO perpetrators who participated in treatment. Specifically, GV men were responsive to treatment whereas FO men were not. Results were somewhat different depending on who was included in the no treatment comparison group. CONCLUSIONS: Implications of these findings for one size fits all interventions in IPV are discussed with specific reference to the need to develop different interventions for GV and FO perpetrators.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El resultado de un programa de intervención para una muestra de agresores masculinos en libertad condicional por violencia contra su pareja intima (VPI) fue evaluado con particular referencia al impacto diferencial en agresores de familia solamente (AF) y agresores generalmente violentos (GV). MÈTODO: Las tasas oficiales de reincidencia durante tres años después de la terminación del tratamiento y de la libertad condicional fueron examinadas en 456 agresores después de ser clasificados como AF y GV. RESULTADOS: Tanto completar la intervencion como el tipo de agresor fueron predictores de la reincidencia de la VPI y del tiempo para reincidir. Sin embargo, el análisis de los dos grupos por separado mostró que la intervención predijo tanto la reincidencia como el tiempo para reincidir en los agresores GV pero no para los agresores AF que participaron en el tratamiento. Específicamente, los hombres GV fueron receptivos al tratamiento mientras que los hombres AF no lo fueron. Los resultados fueron algo diferentes dependiendo de quién fue incluido en el grupo de contraste. CONCLUSIONES: Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados para intervenciones de una misma talla en VPI con especial atención a la necesidad de desarrollar diferentes intervenciones para los agresores GV y los AF.

Treatment impact on recidivism of family only vs. generally violent partner violence perpetrators / Impacto de la intervención en reincidencia en agresores solo dentro de la familia vs. agresores violentos en general

Background/Objective: The outcome of a treatment program for a large sample of male perpetrators on probation for intimate partner violence (IPV) was evaluated with particular reference to the differential impact on family only (FO) versus generally violent (GV) perpetrators. Method: Official rates of recidivism for three years post termination of treatment and probation were examined for 456 perpetrators after they were classified as FO and GV. Results: Both treatment completion and type of perpetrator were predictive of IPV recidivism and time to recidivism. However, analyses conducted separately for the two groups indicated that participation in the intervention predicted both recidivism and time to recidivism for the GV but not FO perpetrators who participated in treatment. Specifically, GV men were responsive to treatment whereas FO men were not. Results were somewhat different depending on who was included in the no treatment comparison group. Conclusions: Implications of these findings for one size fits all interventions in IPV are discussed with specific reference to the need to develop different interventions for GV and FO perpetrators

Antecedentes/Objetivo: El resultado de un programa de intervención para una muestra de agresores masculinos en libertad condicional por violencia contra su pareja intima (VPI) fue evaluado con particular referencia al impacto diferencial en agresores de familia solamente (AF) y agresores generalmente violentos (GV). Método: Las tasas oficiales de reincidencia durante tres años después de la terminación del tratamiento y de la libertad condicional fueron examinadas en 456 agresores después de ser clasificados como AF y GV. Resultados: Tanto completar la intervencion como el tipo de agresor fueron predictores de la reincidencia de la VPI y del tiempo para reincidir. Sin embargo, el análisis de los dos grupos por separado mostró que la intervención predijo tanto la reincidencia como el tiempo para reincidir en los agresores GV pero no para los agresores AF que participaron en el tratamiento. Específicamente, los hombres GV fueron receptivos al tratamiento mientras que los hombres AF no lo fueron. Los resultados fueron algo diferentes dependiendo de quién fue incluido en el grupo de contraste. Conclusiones: Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados para intervenciones de una misma talla en VPI con especial atención a la necesidad de desarrollar diferentes intervenciones para los agresores GV y los AF

Exposure to violence, typology, and recidivism in a probation sample of domestic violence perpetrators.

The present study investigated the predictive utility of self-reported domestic violence perpetrators' exposure to violence in their family of origin and patterns related to this exposure through the use of longitudinal analyses on a sample of 228 men on probation in Lake County, Illinois. Differences in typology, recidivism, recidivism frequency, and violent behavior survival patterns in men with a history of domestic violence perpetration and with varying levels of family of origin violence exposure were examined. Findings suggest that those who witnessed interparental violence (either alone, or in combination with experiencing violence) were most likely to be classified as Generally Violent offenders (e.g., perpetrators who direct violence toward their family and others), compared to those who did not report experiencing or witnessing violence. In addition, results also indicate that men who experienced both witnessing interparental violence and receiving physical abuse in childhood were more likely to recidivate more frequently compared to those who did not report experiencing or witnessing violence. No significant findings for typology and recidivism were noted. Clinical and policy/practice implications are discussed.

Correlates and program completion of family only and generally violent perpetrators of intimate partner violence / Correlatos y adherencia al tratamiento de maltratadores de pareja: agresores generalizados vs. sólo dentro de la familia

The present study examined correlates and program completion rates of Family only violent (FO) versus Generally violent (GV) male perpetrators of intimate partner violence mandated to batterer intervention programs. Probation records of 456 men sentenced to probation in Lake County, Illinois between 2006 and 2008 were examined, and the men were categorized as FO (n= 269) or GV (n= 187) by graduate student raters. GV men were younger, had more extensive criminal histories, greater substance use, and greater demographic risk factors related to education and employment. GV men were less likely to complete a mandated partner abuse intervention program and were deemed by probation officers to be at higher risk to reoffend as compared to FO men, even after controlling for racial differences. These findings highlight the utility of a reliable, easy to administer dichotomous categorization system for probation officers to use to differentiate between FO vs. GV men that had differential correlates and was associated with differential program completion rates. Implications for treatment of partner violent men are discussed

Se examinaron los correlatos y nivel de adherencia al tratamiento de agresores masculinos de violencia contra su pareja, clasificados como generalmente agresivos (GV) y agresivos sólo dentro de la familia (FO), sentenciados a completar programas de intervención. Se examinaron los archivos de 456 hombres en libertad condicionada en Lake County, Illinois, entre los años 2006 y 2008, y fueron categorizados como FO (n= 269) o GV (n= 187). Los hombres GV eran más jóvenes, con historiales criminales más extensos, mayor consumo de sustancias y factores demográficos de mayor riesgo relacionados con la educación y el empleo. Mostraron menos probabilidad de completar un programa de intervención obligatorio y mayor riesgo de reincidir en comparación a los hombres FO, aun cuando se controlaron diferencias de raza. Se resalta la utilidad de un sistema de categorización dicotómico, fiable y de uso sencillo para que oficiales de libertad condicionada distingan entre hombres FO y GV con correlatos diferenciados y asociados a distintos niveles de adherencia al tratamiento. Se discuten las implicaciones para la intervención con agresores de su pareja intima

Subtypes of batterers in treatment: empirical support for a distinction between type I, type II and type III.

This study explores the existence of different types of batterers in a sample of 266 men who had been court referred for intimate partner violence. The data collected in the assessment that have been used to perform a hierarchical and a two-step cluster analysis fall into three areas: aggression towards the partner, general aggression and presence of psychopathology and personality traits, more specifically, alcohol use, borderline and antisocial personality traits, psychopathy traits, state anger and trait anger, anger expression and control, anger, hostility, and, finally, impulsivity. The results show a typology consisting of 3 types of batterers on the basis of violence level and psychopathology: low (65%), moderate (27.8%) and high (7.1%). This study provides empirical support for the development of batterer typologies. These typologies will help achieve early detection of different types of batterers, allowing us to tailor interventions on the basis of the needs of each of the types.