Victims’ influence on intimate partner violence revictimization: an empirical test of dynamic victim-related risk factors

Authors:
KUIJPERS Karlijn F., VAN DER KNAAP Leontien M., WINKE Frans Willem
Journal article citation:
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 27(9), June 2012, pp.1716-1742.
Publisher:
Sage

Previous research has reported that not only characteristics of the perpetrator but also characteristics of the victim influence risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). This would suggest that prevention of repeat abuse could benefit from a focus on both perpetrator and victim characteristics. The aim of this study was to examine to what extent prior IPV and, in particular, dynamic victim-related factors influence the risk for future IPV. Specifically, the study examined how 3 key factors (partner violence, victims’ psychological difficulties, and victims’ resilience) relate to risk for IPV revictimisation. The participants were 156 female, help-seeking IPV victims recruited from various victim support services in the Netherlands in 4 large and 4 medium-sized cities. The participants completed questionnaires at 3 timepoints: at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. The findings show that victim-related variables significantly contributed to the prediction of any physical IPV revictimisation and the severity of psychological IPV revictimisation and, moreover, that they did so in addition to the influence of any prior violence committed by a partner against the victim (i.e., any prior IPV victimisation). Knowledge on these factors might help victims of IPV to end the abuse they experience at the hands of their partners.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, partner abuse, resilience, risk, crime victims;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Netherlands
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1552-6518
ISSN print:
0886-2605

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