It Takes Two to Tangle: Gender Symmetry in Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This study examined the equivalence of male and female intimate partner violence (IPV) across three samples of the New Zealand population (student, general, and incarcerated). Additionally, we compared the attitudes of victims and perpetrators. Findings revealed that although the incarcerated sample experienced a higher frequency of violence, the nature of IPV was similar across the samples. More importantly, our findings showed gender symmetry in IPV with male and female IPV being similar in frequency, severity, and injury. There was, however, some variation in the type of physical abuse acts perpetrated as a function of gender. Furthermore, victims and perpetrators reported similar attitudes and behaviors that differentiated them from participants with no history of physical violence. These included being more hostile, holding traditional gendered beliefs, and lacking communication and anger management skills. A rethinking of how we view IPV is recommended in light of these findings.

Notes

Note. IPV = intimate partner violence.

^a Value differs significantly between genders.

^b Value differs significantly between samples.

^a Range = 0–80.

^b Range = 0–105.

^c Range = 0–72.

^d Range = 0–61.

^e Range = 0–59.

^f Range = 0–53.

Note. Subscripts indicate significant differences between samples.

^a Range = 0–80.

^b Range = 0–105.

^c Range = 0–72.

^d Range = 0–61.

^e Range = 0–59.

^f Range = 0–53.

∗∗p < .01. ∗∗∗p < .001.

^a Range = 8–26.

^b Range = 0–19.

^c Range = 0–18.

^d Range = 0–13.

^e Range = 0–13.

^f Range = 0–9.

^g Range = 0–18.

^h Range = 46–138.

ⁱ Implicit attitude; range = − .84–1.28.

^j Implicit attitude; range = − .67–1.80.

∗p < .05. ∗∗p < .01. ∗∗∗p < .001.