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Examining Symmetry in Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Adults Using Socio-Demographic Characteristics

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Abstract

Over the past few decades, research on symmetry in intimate partner violence (IPV) has continued to yield mixed results. This article examines symmetry in the prevalence of four types of IPV perpetration and victimization based on socio-demographic characteristics of gender, race, relationship status, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status. Socio-demographic characteristics are examined individually and in combination based on subgroups of unidirectional (perpetration-only and victimization-only) and bidirectional IPV using a nationally representative sample of young adults. Results indicate nearly 40% of the study sample reported at least one act of intimate partner violence and the majority of relationships involved bidirectional violence. Study findings reveal a lack of symmetry on some types of IPV based on the individual and combined socio-demographic characteristics of age, race, and gender. Overall findings show IPV to be prevalent in the relationships of young adults and implications for primary prevention programs are discussed.

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Notes

  1. For purposes of this paper, symmetry refers to near equivalent prevalence rates of perpetration and victimization of aggressive or violent acts.

  2. The term intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to a broad range of psychological, physical, and sexual forms of abuse, along with economic coercion, between current or former adult and adolescent romantic partners (Ganley 1996). IPV is an inclusive, gender-neutral term that can be used in reference to current or former spouses, cohabiting or dating partners, and opposite or same-sex partners, as well as to describe acts of victimization and perpetration (Barnett et al. 2005; Ganley 1996).

  3. These rates refer to “any” violence. Straus and Gelles (1990) report that most assaults were “minor” (e.g., pushing, slapping, shoving, throwing things) but that 6.3% of couples experienced an incident of “severe” violence (e.g., kicking, punching, stabbing, choking).

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  1. School of Social Work, University of Iowa, 308 North Hall, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Lynette M. Renner

  2. Department of Educational, School, & Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA

    Stephen D. Whitney

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Renner, L.M., Whitney, S.D. Examining Symmetry in Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Adults Using Socio-Demographic Characteristics. J Fam Viol 25, 91–106 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-009-9273-0

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