Risk factors for intimate partner violence initiation and persistence among high psychosocial risk Asian and Pacific Islander women in intact relationships

Structural Relationship Model of Basic Psychological Needs With Intimate Partner Violence: The Mediating Role of Gender Discrimination and Self-Esteem

Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses a range of abusive behaviors within intimate relationships. This study examines the structural relationships between basic psychological needs and IPV victimization among Iranian women, shedding light on the complex factors contributing to IPV and potential avenues for intervention. Data were gathered from a sample of 306 Iranian women who had experienced IPV, utilizing the Domestic Violence Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The findings supported the appropriate fit of the proposed model and revealed that basic psychological needs exerted significant direct and indirect effects on IPV victimization, mediated through self-esteem and ambivalent sexism. These results provide valuable new insights into the complex dynamics of IPV victimization and hold promise for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preventing IPV and supporting the well-being of affected individuals. Furthermore, the interpretation of the findings has been revised to avoid any implication of victim-blaming, aligning with the aim of understanding and addressing the structural factors contributing to IPV victimization.

Best Practices for Early Bystander Intervention Training on Workplace Intimate Partner Violence and Workplace Bullying

The purpose of this study was to gain consensus from experts on the best practices that might be taken into account when developing early bystander intervention training programs to reduce both workplace intimate partner violence (WIPV) and workplace bullying (WB). A U.S. nationwide panel of 17 experts completed the qualitative five-round modified Delphi study. The experts were leaders or managers from business, government, not-for-profit, and academic organizations who exceeded the criteria to participate in the study. Research included the collection of data electronically to answer the research question: What do experts with experience in the area of workplace violence (WV), WB, or WIPV agree constitute the best practices that might be considered when developing a bystander training program to address WIPV or WB? In Rounds 1 and 2, participants provided their demographics and initial opinions about best practices. Likert-type scales were used as follows: Round 3, to rate agreement about which statements constituted best practices; Round 4, to rank order statements from Round 3; and Round 5, to rate the importance of each statement. Results were analyzed for top best practices. Three themes emerged: leadership, training, and people involved in the incident. Findings indicated that senior management must be committed to lead the way; that victims, targets, and bystanders need to be protected, and confidentiality must be maintained. The study was based on the concept of altruism and empathy that humans show to others experiencing crisis or suffering. Practical implications showed a clear emphasis on the critical need for leadership as the foundation for reducing all forms of violence in the workplace; training should instruct staff in how to identify WV, WB, and WIPV, when to intervene, and how to get help; and ensure that victims are treated in a supportive and caring manner.

Predictors of Intimate Partner Homicide in a Sample of Portuguese Male Domestic Offenders

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) is a major social problem, and it is important to determine the predictors of this violent behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between intimate partner violence (IPV) and IPH and to identify the variables that predict IPH. The sample was composed of 35 perpetrators of IPH, who were compared with 137 perpetrators of IPV. The data were collected using the Spousal Abuse Risk Assessment. The data suggest that IPH presents different dynamics from IPV. Being older, exhibiting suicidal and/or homicidal ideation/intent, and the use of weapons and/or credible threats of death substantially increase a man's risk of committing IPH. Inversely, not being single, violating conditional release, and being victimized in childhood decrease the likelihood of committing IPH. These findings reinforce the assumption that IPV and IPH have both commonalities and differences and challenge the view that IPV and IPH are different phenomena and that intimate partner murder is an inexplicable event. Implications for preventing IPV and IPH are discussed.

A Grounded Theory Study of How Couples Desist from Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence is a common and damaging experience for many couples, and therapists struggle to address it adequately (Johnson, 2008). Despite its negative effects, many violent couples stay together, with some stopping their violent behaviors. Unfortunately, we know little about the systemic factors affecting violence desistance. This study used grounded theory methods to analyze the process of desistance in formerly violent couples. A model of desistance consisting of three categories was developed, which for most couples included a (a) Turning Point, (b) Decision to Change, and (c) Doing Things Differently. Therapists are encouraged to use the model to better understand the varied and systemic nature of violence and desistance, and to make more sophisticated decisions about referral and treatment.