Differences in female and male victims and perpetrators of partner violence with respect to WEB scores

J Interpers Violence. 2008 Aug;23(8):1041-55. doi: 10.1177/0886260507313969. Epub 2008 Feb 13.

Abstract

Measurements of intimate partner violence (IPV) based on acts of violence have repeatedly found substantial bilateral violence between intimates. However, the context of this violence is not well defined by acts alone. The objective of this research was to compare differences in women and men within each IPV status category (victim, perpetrator, and both) with respect to levels of battering as defined by their scores on the Women's Experience With Battering Scale (WEB), which asks gender-neutral questions about the abuse of power and control and fear in an intimate relationship. In our study, women disclosed higher levels of battering on the WEB, despite IPV status (victimization or both victimization and perpetration). In addition, female IPV victims were 5 times more likely than their male counterparts to disclose high rates of battering on the WEB. Depressive symptoms, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, African American race, and IPV victimization were independently associated with higher WEB scores.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Battered Women / psychology
  • Battered Women / statistics & numerical data*
  • Comorbidity
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Women's Health