A survey was conducted of national and international surveys of the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV). Methodologically, the most sound surveys were carried out in the United States by several independent organizations. They assessed both IPV victimization and perpetration and found that 50% of all reported IPV was bilateral and matched for the level of severity. Another 35% was unilateral—women more severe, and 15% was unilateral—men more severe. Surveys that do not assess both victimization and perpetration conflate the 50% mutual combat group with 15% of women victimized by male IPV. Hence, these estimates of female victimization are inflated by 77%. International surveys only ask women about IPV victimization despite the findings of the U.S. National Surveys.
This systematic review synthesizes quantitative evidence on intimate partner violence (IPV) in Middle Eastern countries between 2013 and 2023, with the explicit aim of comparing regional patterns with those identified by Esquivel-Santoveña et al. A total of 294 studies were analyzed across seven domains, including prevalence, gender differences, impacts, risk factors, development, women’s empowerment, and relationship dominance. Overall, the findings replicate key conclusions of the 2013 global review, confirming that IPV is widespread, highly variable, and best understood as a multicausal and relational phenomenon. Consistent with prior evidence, bidirectional violence and gender symmetry were frequently observed, particularly in nonsevere forms. However, the present review extends earlier findings by demonstrating the heightened prominence of psychological violence and controlling behaviors, which emerged as central forms of IPV in the Middle Eastern context. Additionally, while Esquivel-Santoveña et al. found no consistent association between national development and IPV, the current results reinforce this nonlinear relationship and further highlight gender inequality as a more salient determinant. Women’s empowerment was generally protective but context-dependent, with evidence of backlash effects in more traditional settings. Finally, relationship dominance was confirmed as a key factor, with new evidence emphasizing its dynamic and contested nature. These findings refine global IPV models by underscoring the role of sociocultural context in shaping both the expression and dynamics of violence.
Dating violence (DV) is a harmful relational dynamic with a propensity for continuity across time and relationships. While most studies investigating psychological outcomes associated with DV have relied on cross-sectional designs, longitudinal studies have revealed that DV can have lasting effects on adolescents’ mental health. However, studies have yet to account for DV continuity when investigating outcomes over time. Therefore, the differential role of past DV in psychological outcomes remains unknown among adolescents experiencing DV continuity (i.e., repetitive violence within a single relationship and revictimization by multiple partners). This two-wave study aimed to (1) assess the effect of past DV on psychological outcomes (psychological distress, suicidal ideation, dissociation, and DV-related PTSD) among adolescent victims of DV continuity, and (2) explore the moderating role of partner change in these associations. Sex differences were also examined. A moderation analysis was conducted among 444 adolescents experiencing DV at two time points spaced 6 months apart, either in the same or a different relationship (330 girls; M = 16.09 years old, SD = .97). Controlling for recent DV and relationship duration, the results indicate that past DV significantly predicted psychological distress and suicidal ideation only in girl victims of revictimization by multiple partners. Past DV did not predict any of the outcomes among victims of repetitive violence beyond the contribution of recent DV. These findings underscore the importance of evaluating DV history when addressing psychological outcomes in girls experiencing DV continuity and adapting interventions based on whether DV continuity occurs in a single relationship or multiple relationships.
This study investigates the dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Hispanic people in a Hispanic-majority U.S.–Mexico border region, focusing on how familialism, a cultural value emphasizing strong family ties, loyalty, and collectivism, is reflected in victims’ decisions to disclose abuse and seek help. Research on the borderlands lacks studies dedicated to IPV, specifically focusing on Hispanic cultural concepts that may contribute to barriers to leaving abusive relationships. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining survey responses from 514 participants and in-depth interviews with 13 victims to explore the types of abuse, barriers to disclosure, and the role of familialism in victims’ experiences. The research findings revealed that psychological and verbal abuse were the most reported forms of violence, and reported experiences of abuse varied across gender groups. Barriers such as fear, shame, sociocultural factors, and misinformation deterred victims from seeking formal support. Moreover, familismo emerged as an important factor shaping victims’ decisions in several interview narratives. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions and policies to address IPV within Hispanic communities. This study contributes valuable insights into developing targeted support systems, promoting victim safety, and empowering Hispanic IPV survivors.
