Postprison relationship dissolution and intimate partner violence: Separation-instigated violence or violence-instigated separation?

Abstract

Prior work suggests that partner violence may occur in the context of relationship dissolution among couples in which the male partner is reentering from prison. Using longitudinal data from 666 reentering men and their female partners, we found that couples who were no longer romantically involved were more likely to report violence in the relationship at reentry than those who were. Among those who broke up, 28% of women and 10% of men reported violence as a reason. Men who reported IPV in their relationships were less likely to report being in a romantic relationship with their study partner at the next survey wave than those who did not.

Keywords:

• Couples
• intimate partner violence
• reentry
• relationship dissolution
• violence

Additional information

Funding

This article was prepared by RTI International using data collected with support from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and the Office of Family Assistance/Administration for Children and Families within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (Contract HHSP2332006290YC, September 2006). The views, opinions, and findings expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official positions and policies of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.