Journal of Interpersonal Violence RSS feed -- OnlineFirst Articles

Prevalence of Childhood Physical Abuse in a Representative Sample of College Students in Samsun, Turkey

Turla, A., Dundar, C., Ozkanli, C. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:15:11 PST

The main objective of this article is to obtain the prevalence of childhood physical abuse experiences in college students. This cross-sectional study was performed on a gender-stratified random sample of 988 participants studying at Ondokuz Mayis University, with self-reported anonymous questionnaires. It included questions on physical abuse in childhood, on whom and why the violence was inflicted, and on the reactions exhibited. Of the 988 participants, 527 (53.3%) had a history of childhood physical abuse (64.0% in men and 41.6% in women). The prevalence of being subject to physical violence was 1.5 times higher in men. Mothers more frequently inflicted violence on daughters and fathers on sons. According to participants, most frequent reasons for physical violence were "loss of perpetrator‘s self-control" and "establishment of discipline at home." The most frequent statement observed among the participants was humiliation after subjection to physical violence. It is concluded that the first (and the most) important preventive measure is to protect and strengthen the social, economic, and judicial status of the Turkish family. Second, it should by all means be prevented that violence remains legal in some social conditions like child abuse.

Person-Oriented Methods in Partner Violence Research: Distinct Biopsychosocial Profiles Among Battered Women

Nurius, P. S., Macy, R. J. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:29:54 PST

Violence researchers have called for the use of person-oriented methods to understand differences that have been found in biopsychosocial consequences among those who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). To address this issue, we apply a person-oriented statistical method, latent profile analysis (LPA), to test for meaningful subgroups of a sample of 448 battered women based on participants’ appraisals of their vulnerability relative to their violent partner, depressive symptoms, physical injuries, overall physical health functioning, and their positive and negative social relationships with friends and family. The LPA established five significantly distinct subgroups. Using MANOVA, we examined these subgroups and their respective IPV exposure, both concomitant and separate incidents within the past year. Those with the most intensive violence exposure show the greatest level of challenge and impairment. However, the groups with comparable levels of IPV exposure manifest distinctly different configurations of biopsychosocial profiles, indicating a need for adaptive interventions commensurate with these profiles. We discuss the implications these findings have for developing adaptive interventions for battered women, as well as the potential utility of person-oriented tools for violence researchers.

Future Law Enforcement Officers and Social Workers: Perceptions of Domestic Violence

McMullan, E. C., Carlan, P. E., Nored, L. S. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:54:06 PDT

This study compares perceptions of domestic violence for college students planning to work in law enforcement with students aspiring to careers in social work and non-law-enforcement criminal justice (N = 491). The study involves students attending four public universities across one Southern state who completed a survey (spring of 2006) measuring whether various scenarios were (1) related to domestic violence, and (2) worthy of being reported to law enforcement. Findings indicate that all student groups (law enforcement, non-law-enforcement criminal justice, and social work) tended to identify the various scenarios as domestic violence (and worthy of being reported) regardless of the person’s sexual orientation, violence severity, and offender’s or victim’s gender. However, law enforcement students are less sensitive to domestic violence when compared with social work and non–law enforcement criminal justice students. Findings reveal that (1) graduate students, (2) female students, and (3) White students (compared with African American students in general) attending majority White universities were more likely to identify domestic violence and its worthiness of being reported. The data in this study indicate that criminal justice programs produce graduates who are reasonably sensitive toward the importance of appropriate domestic violence response but could still improve using the techniques employed within social work programs.

Parenting and Women Arrested for Intimate Partner Violence

Simmons, C. A., Lehmann, P., Dia, D. A. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:54:06 PDT

Exploring the relationship between parenting and women’s use of violence the current study surveyed 106 mothers arrested for intimate partner violence (IPV) related crimes on parenting styles and attitudes toward when using violence against their partner is justified. Findings indicate parenting styles indicative of low belief in using physical discipline with their child/children and an internal parental locus of control. However, a moderate to weak relationship between parenting styles and justification for using violence against a partner was also found. Although some support for the spillover theory is noted, results are far from conclusive.

A Further Look at the Intergenerational Transmission of Violence: Witnessing Interparental Violence in Emerging Adulthood

Black, D. S., Sussman, S., Unger, J. B. — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:31:42 PDT

The intergenerational transmission (IGT) of violence has been a main theoretical consideration to explain the link between interparental aggression in the family of origin and intimate partner violence (IPV) in subsequent intimate relationships. Studies have examined this theoretical link based on self-reports of interparental violence witnessed during childhood and adolescence. However, no study has examined whether emerging adults who currently witness interparental violence are more likely to exhibit violence in their own intimate relationships. Data were analyzed from undergraduate students (N = 223) attending an ethnically diverse Southern California university. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the impact of witnessing interparental violence on the physical and psychological IPV experienced in emerging adult relationships. The joint effects of witnessing both forms of interparental violence were also tested. Support for the intergenerational transmission of violence was identified for specific types of violence. Future directions of study and implications for prevention and treatment are offered.

Rape Myth Acceptance Among Korean College Students: The Roles of Gender, Attitudes Toward Women, and Sexual Double Standard

Lee, J., Kim, J., Lim, H. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:39:56 PDT

The purpose of the current study was to examine factors that influence rape myths among Korean college students. This study was particularly interested in the ways in which attitudes toward women and sexual double standard affect the relationship between gender and rape myths. Although the incidence of rape is a common concern in many current societies, within each society, the specific components of rape myths reflect the cultural values and norms of that particular society. A sample of 327 college students in South Korea completed the Korean Rape Myth Acceptance Scale–Revised, the Attitudes Toward Women Scale, and the Sexual Double Standard Scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test hypothesized models. Results revealed that in three of the four models, rape survivor myths, rape perpetrator myths, and myths about the impact of rape, attitudes toward women were a more important predictor of rape myths than gender or sexual double standard. In the rape spontaneity myths model, on the other hand, sexual double standard was a more important predictor than gender or attitudes toward women. This study provides valuable information that can be useful in developing culturally specific rape prevention and victim intervention programs.

Life-Course Typology of Adults Who Experienced Sexual Violence

Draucker, C., Martsolf, D. — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:46:05 PDT

Two qualitative methodologies were used to develop a life-course typology of individuals who had been exposed to sexual violence. Interview narratives of 121 adult women and men who participated in qualitative study of women's and men's responses to sexual violence provided the data. The authors combined a narrative approach (holistic-content and holistic-form analysis) to describe the life courses of the participants and a qualitative person-oriented approach (cross-case analysis) to identify meaningful subgroups within the total sample. The six groups are as follows: (a) life of turmoil, (b) life of struggles, (c) diminished life, (d) taking control of life, (e), finding peace in life, and (f) getting life back to normal. This work exemplifies a promising strategy for identifying subgroups of violenceexposed individuals within a heterogeneous sample. Such a typology could aid the development of treatment approaches that consider both the substance and the structure of an individual's life course, rather than target one specific type of violence.

Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes and Experience Among Women and Men in Uganda

Speizer, I. S. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:21:38 PDT

This study examines intimate partner violence (IPV) attitudes and experience among women and men in Uganda to inform IPV-prevention programs in the region. Nationally representative population-based data from women aged 15 to 49 and men aged 15 to 54 were collected between May and October 2006 as part of the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The survey included questions on women's and men's attitudes toward wife beating and information on IPV victimization (women) and perpetration (men). More than half of men and nearly three quarters of women have attitudes supportive of wife beating in Uganda. More than half of married women report IPV victimization, and 40% of married men report perpetration. Women and men who reported witnessing their fathers beating their mothers were more likely to report IPV victimization (perpetration for men). Witnessing violence was also associated with positive attitudes toward wife beating among men. IPV-prevention programs need to address the important role of having witnessed wife beating between the mother and the father on men's subsequent attitudes and behaviors. Women who witnessed wife beating are also the most likely to have supportive attitudes and IPV experience, possibly indicating that their relationship expectations are different than women who did not witness violence. Community-based prevention programs targeting men and women are needed in Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa where gender norms that justify IPV prevail.

The Differential Effects of Forms and Settings of Exposure to Violence on Adolescents' Adjustment

Ho, M. Y., Cheung, F. M. — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:18:32 PDT

This study investigated the link between exposure to violence and psychosocial adjustment for 442 Chinese secondary school students in Form 1-3. The students completed an inventory assessing exposure to violence through witnessing and through direct victimization in different settings (community, school, and home). Multiple measures and informants (i.e., self-report, teacher report, and school report) were used to assess emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning in adolescents. The results of this study showed that overall exposure to violence was related to emotional and behavior problems. High rates of exposure to violence across multiple contexts were found in this sample. After controlling for the co-occurrence of risk factors (e.g., exposure to violence in other settings), both witnessing school violence and being victimized by domestic violence were associated with emotional problems, whereas being victimized by community violence was related to behavior problems. These results suggest that there are differential effects of risks associated with different forms and settings of exposure.

Male Rape Victim and Perpetrator Blaming

Sleath, E., Bull, R. — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:57:02 PDT

One of four possible vignettes manipulated by (a) level of rape myth contained within them (low vs. high) and (b) type of rape (stranger vs. acquaintance) was presented to participants followed by scales measuring victim blame, perpetrator blame, belief in a just world, sex-role egalitarian beliefs, and male rape myth acceptance. Victim blaming was predicted by male rape myth acceptance. Perpetrator blaming was predicted by male rape myth acceptance and sex-role egalitarianism. Differences were found in victim and perpetrator blaming in terms of stranger and acquaintance rape and also in relation to manipulating the level of rape myths. Findings are discussed in relation to the previous literature on rape victim and perpetrator blaming.

The Association of Sibling Relationship and Abuse With Later Psychological Adjustment

Mackey, A. L., Fromuth, M. E., Kelly, D. B. — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:53:50 PDT

This study of 59 undergraduate men and 85 undergraduate women explored how defining emotional and physical sibling abuse affected the frequency of reported sibling abuse. In addition, the current study examined how the emotional context of the sibling relationship (i.e., rivalry and conflict) moderated the relationship between sibling abuse and later psychological adjustment (i.e., depression and anxiety). Respondents completed self-report questionnaires of sibling abuse (CTS2-SP), self-labeling of sibling abuse, quality of sibling relationships (SRQ), depression (CES-D),and anxiety (ZAS). Results indicated differences in frequency of reported abuse depending on how sibling abuse was defined. Also,there were no statistically significant correlations between the CTS2-SP and measures of psychological adjustment. Although self-labeling as emotionally abused correlated with later anxiety, the emotional context of the sibling relationship did not moderate this relationship.

Does the Situational Couple Violence-Intimate Terrorism Typology Explain Cohabitors' High Risk of Intimate Partner Violence?

Brownridge, D. A. — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:27:10 PDT

This study examines M. P. Johnson’s assertion that violence in marital unions is more likely to be intimate terrorism (IT) and violence in cohabiting unions is more likely to be situational couple violence (SCV). Having overcome limitations of the data on which Johnson based his assertion, the results show that cohabiting and married victims of violence are equally likely to report experiencing SCV and IT. Moreover, cohabitors have higher odds of experiencing SCV and IT compared to their counterparts living in a marital union. These marital status differences are explained by selection and relationship factors theorized to account for them. Although the SCV–IT typology does appear to shed light on gender differences, the results of this study suggest that, where relevant, researchers using this typology should not neglect risk factors derived from theories for understanding intimate partner violence (IPV).

Spirituality and Well-Being: The Relationship Between Religious Coping and Recovery From Sexual Assault

Ahrens, C. E., Abeling, S., Ahmad, S., Hinman, J. — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:27:09 PDT

Despite a growing body of literature documenting beneficial outcomes of religious coping, there are virtually no studies examining sexual assault survivors’ use of religious coping. To fill this gap in the literature, the current study examines predictors and outcomes of positive and negative religious coping among 100 sexual assault survivors who believed in God. Results suggested that African American survivors were more likely to use both forms of religious coping than survivors from other ethnicities. Yet, results also suggest that positive religious coping is related to higher levels of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression, whereas negative religious coping is related to higher levels of depression, regardless of ethnicity. The only outcome where ethnicity makes a difference is posttraumatic growth with a stronger relationship between positive religious coping and posttraumatic growth among Caucasian survivors. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.

Nightlife Violence: A Gender-Specific View on Risk Factors for Violence in Nightlife Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nine European Countries

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:23:17 PDT

Within nightlife settings, youth violence places large burdens on both nightlife users and wider society. Internationally, research has identified risk factors for nightlife violence. However, few empirical studies have assessed differences in risk factors between genders. Here, a pan-European cross-sectional survey of 1,341 nightlife users aged 16 to 35 assessed a variety of risk-taking traits,including violence, sexual, alcohol, and drug-related current and historic behaviors. Results show that the likelihood of having been involved in a physical fight in nightlife increases with younger age, drunkenness, and increasing preference for tolerant venues for both genders. The odds of involvement in a fight for females who were drunk five or more times in the past 4 weeks were almost five times higher than those who were never drunk (odds ratio for males 1.99). Use of cocaine more than doubled the risk of involvement in violence among males. However, no association was found for females. For heterosexual men, the odds for violence almost doubled compared with bisexual or homosexual men, whereas for women heterosexuality was a protective factor. The effects of structural risk factors (e.g., bar and club characteristics) for nightlife violence differed by gender. To develop effective violence prevention measures in nightlife, considerations need to be made regarding the demographic composition of patrons in addition to wider structural elements within the nighttime environment.

Control of the Self: Partner-Violent Men's Experience of Therapy

Shamai, M., Buchbinder, E. — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:23:16 PDT

This study explores the experience of men who participated in programs for partner-violent men by understanding their perceptions of the treatment process, the treatment outcomes, and the meaning they attached to it. The sample included 25 men who completed these programs in agencies that specialized in treating domestic violence in Israel. A qualitative methodology was used to collect and analyze the data. The findings revealed that most of the men experienced therapy as positive and meaningful and underwent personal changes, especially the acquisition of self-control. Deeper analysis of the data, however, shows that the men still used a power scheme in understanding and creating relationships with others, especially with their woman partner. The findings are discussed in light of the complex and contradictory impact of the treatment process as it appears in the participants’ experiences and in the meaning they attached to it.

Predictors of Psychological Sequelae of Torture Among South African Former Political Prisoners

Halvorsen, J. O., Kagee, A. — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:23:16 PDT

The present study investigated potential predictors of the psychological sequelae of torture among 143 former political activists who had been detained during the apartheid era in South Africa. Using multiple regression analyses, the authors found that the number of times detained for political reasons, negative social support, strong religiousness, female gender, and number of days detained significantly predicted psychological distress and symptoms of traumatization as measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (adjusted R² = .183) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (adjusted R² = .152). The number of times detained for political reasons, negative social support, strong religiousness, and female gender emerged as salient risk factors for psychological distress, whereas duration of imprisonment appeared to protect against posttraumatic symptoms. This article discusses these results in terms of the current research on factors associated with traumatization.

Aging and Risk: Physical and Sexual Abuse of Elders in Canada

Brozowski, K., Hall, D. R. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:31:01 PDT

In this article, we review the literature on physical and sexual elder abuse within the context of risk theory and feminist sociology. Employing data from the 1999 General Social Survey, we also examine several variables potentially associated with the risk for physical or sexual abuse of elders. Women, Aboriginal Canadians, and elders who are divorced, living in urban areas with low income have a higher risk of physical or sexual abuse. This supports risk and anxiety as factors. Further testing of elder abuse using this theoretical framework is required.

A Survey of Police Officers' and Prosecutors' Beliefs About Crime Victim Behaviors

Ask, K. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:31:00 PDT

A survey of police officers (n = 211) and prosecutors (n = 190) in Sweden was conducted to assess law personnel’s beliefs about the behaviors and reactions of victims of violent crimes. There were considerable differences in the expected behavioral display of different types of crime victims, with rape and domestic assault victims seen as particularly prone to expressive self-presentation and self-blame. Despite empirical evidence showing otherwise, most respondents thought that crime victims’ nonverbal and emotional expression is to some extent related to the truthfulness of their accounts. However, educational efforts appeared to have a corrective influence on such beliefs. The perceived prevalence of false reports differed across crime types, with rape and mugging receiving particularly high estimates. Police officers believed false reports to be more common than did prosecutors. Time constraints were seen, especially by prosecutors, as an impediment to appropriate treatment of crime victims. Potential explanations for occupational differences and limitations associated with the survey methodology are discussed.

Mental Health Consequences in Men Exposed to Sexual Abuse During the War in Croatia and Bosnia

Loncar, M., Henigsberg, N., Hrabac, P. — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:38:03 PDT

In their work with men exposed to sexual abuse during the war in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the authors gathered detailed information from 60 victims of such crimes. The aim of the research was to define key attributes of sexual abuse of men in war as well as consequences it had on the victims. A method of structured interview was used. Also, the statement of each victim was recorded. Victims were exposed to physical torture of their genitals, psycho-sexual torture and physical abuse. The most common symptoms of traumatic reactions were sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, nightmares and flashbacks, feelings of hopelessness, and different physical stress symptoms such as constant headaches, profuse sweating, and tachycardia. In addition to rape and different methods of sexual abuse, most of the victims were heavily beaten. The conclusion is made that the number of sexually abused men during the war must have been much higher than reported.

Homicide-Suicide in Durban, South Africa

Roberts, K., Wassenaar, D., Canetto, S. S., Pillay, A. — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:04:39 PDT

This study investigated homicide-suicide in Durban, South Africa, for the years 2000 to 2001. The incidence was 0.89 per 100,000, higher than the international average. A majority of perpetrators (91%) and victims (87%) were Black African, proportional to their representation in the population. Perpetrators were typically men (in 95% of cases), older than, and intimate partners (in 75% of cases) of the female victims (in 100% of cases). Average ages of perpetrators and victims were 32 and 27, respectively. The security sector was overrepresented as an employment category for perpetrators. A firearm was used in 87% of the homicides and 80% of the suicides. The individuals involved in homicide-suicides in Durban are similar to homicide-suicide perpetrators and victims in industrialized countries. The fact that homicide-suicides in South Africa, as in most countries, involve almost exclusively men killing female intimates confirms the importance of examining and challenging social norms enabling male violence against women.

The Relationship Between Battered Women's Causal Attributions for Violence and Coping Efforts

Meyer, A., Wagner, B., Dutton, M. A. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:22:15 PDT

This study investigates the relationship between battered women’s causal attributions for the violence they experience and their subsequent coping efforts. Causal attributions related to partner blame, excusing the violence, and the combination of partner blame and excusing the violence were regressed on six categories of coping strategies: placating, resistance, formal help source, informal help source, safety planning, and legal strategies. Of the 793 women approached outside of a battered women’s shelter and the district court, 406 women completed the baseline measure. It was found that women who hold their partners accountable for abuse are more likely than women who excuse the violence to utilize more overall coping strategies. Also, women who blame their partners for the abuse utilize both more active and more public coping efforts. After accounting for the effects of ethnicity, violence severity, and excusing the violence, the percentage of blame attributions endorsed predicted informal (R = .077, p = .001) and safety planning (R = .054, p = .014) strategies. After controlling for ethnicity, violence severity, and blaming, the percentage of excuse attributions predicted placating (R = .103, p = .016) strategies.

Relationship Between Recent Life Events, Social Supports, and Attitudes to Domestic Violence: Predictive Roles in Behaviors

Guoping, H., Yalin, Z., Yuping, C., Momartin, S., Ming, W. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:22:15 PDT

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between recent life events, attitudes to domestic violence (DV), and DV behaviors among perpetrators of DV in China. A total of 600 participants were assessed for recent life events, psychological functioning, social support, and attitudes to DV. Results demonstrated that recent negative life events (NLE) and attitudes to DV were predictive factors for DV among perpetrators of DV, after controlling for demographic variables, psychological functioning, and social supports. The findings suggest that recent life events are potential factors contributing to behaviors of DV. The importance of changes of negative attitudes to DV among perpetrators was highly emphasized. Intervention and prevention programs based on psychological functioning and social support in relation to perpetrators of DV may be useful to control DV in China.

Help-Seeking Behaviors and Reasons for Help Seeking Reported by a Representative Sample of Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in New Zealand

Fanslow, J. L., Robinson, E. M. — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:45:32 PDT

Efforts to understand and support the process of help seeking by victims of intimate partner violence are of considerable urgency if we are to design systems and responses that are capable of actively and appropriately meeting the needs of victims. Using data from the New Zealand Violence Against Women Study, which drew from a representative general population sample of women aged 18 to 64 years, the authors report on the help-seeking behaviors of the women who had ever in their lifetime experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner (n = 956). More than 75% of respondents reported that they had told someone about the violence, indicating that it is not necessarily a "secret and private" problem. However, more than 40% of women indicated that no one had helped them. Informal sources of support (family and friends) were most frequently told about the violence but not all provided helpful responses. Fewer women told formal sources of help such as police, health care providers, and not all provided helpful responses. Women’s reasons for seeking help and for leaving violent relationships were similar and included "could not endure more," being badly injured, fear or threat of death, and concern for children. Women’s reasons for staying in or returning to violent relationships included perception of the violence as "normal/not serious," her emotional investment in the relationship, or staying for the sake of the children. The findings suggest that broader community outreach is required to ensure that family and friends are able to provide appropriate support for women in abusive relationships who are seeking help. Continued improvement in institutional responses is also required.

Domestic Violence Against Married Women in Edirne

Tokuc, B., Ekuklu, G., Avcioglu, S. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:49:10 PDT

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence against married women in Edirne, Turkey. This is a cross-sectional study which included a representative sample of the married women living in the Provincial Center of Edirne. The total past year prevalence of some forms of physical domestic violence is 34% in the last 12 months. 93% of women reported that they have been experiencing different forms of verbal and psychological domestic violence. The important risk factors for physical domestic violence were being Roma woman (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.44-6.12), living with more than four people in the household (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.21-4.36), being unemployed (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.06-4.37), and got married only with her families’ decision (OR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.42-14.80). Our findings conclude that patriarchal and traditional values, women’s lack of financial autonomy, and low socioeconomic status are the risk factors for physical domestic violence.

Blame Attribution as a Moderator of Perceptions of Sexual Orientation-Based Hate Crimes

Cramer, R. J., Chandler, J. F., Wakeman, E. E. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:37:11 PDT

Blame attribution is a valuable mechanism explaining decision making. However, present literature mainly employs blame attribution as a dependent variable. The shortcoming of this fact is that blame attribution offers a potentially valuable explanatory mechanism for decision making. The authors designed two studies to investigate blame attribution as a moderator of sentencing decisions in sexual orientation–based hate crimes. Study 1 showed that mock jurors punished perpetrators of hate crimes more severely than a control condition. Also, degree of victim blame influenced punitive decision making. In Study 2, mock jurors extended findings that perpetrators of hate crimes are more harshly punished than those of other types of crimes. Victim and perpetrator blame failed to moderate decision making in this more complex scenario. Results are discussed in relation to hate crimes definitions and attribution theory.

Comparison of Measures of Risk for Recidivism in Sexual Offenders

Looman, J., Abracen, J. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:37:11 PDT

Data for both sexual and violent recidivism for the Static-99, Risk Matrix 2000 (RM 2000), Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offense Recidivism (RRASOR), and Static-2002 are reported for 419 released sexual offenders assessed at the Regional Treatment Centre Sexual Offender Treatment Program. Data are analyzed by offender type as well as the group as a whole. Overall, the Static-2002 performed best for both outcomes, although differences between measures were not significant. The one exception to this was the RRASOR, which overall performed poorly. For rapists, the Static-2002 performed best for sexual recidivism, and the Risk Matrix 2000 performed best for violent recidivism. None of the measures performed well in predicting recidivism for child molesters. The components of the Static-2002 were examined in a regression analysis predicting sexual recidivism. Persistence of Sexual Offending and Age at Release were the only significant predictors for the group as a whole and for rapists. For child molesters, only the Deviant Sexual Interests component was significant. Results are discussed in terms of the current debate concerning age and risk for reoffence.

The Prevalence of Middle Eastern Extremist Ideologies Among Some Canadian Offenders

Loza, W. — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:07:18 PDT

The Belief Diversity Scale (BDS) was administered to 89 male Canadian offenders of different religious backgrounds. The BDS is a 33-item, six-subscale instrument designed to quantitatively measure the religious attitudes, beliefs, and ideologies of Middle Eastern extremists on risk areas described in the literature. Results indicated that the Muslim offenders scored much higher than and significantly different from both the Christian and atheist groups on the BDS. Results also suggested the prevalence of Middle Eastern extremist ideologies among the Muslim offenders involved in this study.

Psychosocial Correlates of Physical Dating Violence Victimization Among Latino Early Adolescents

Yan, F. A., Howard, D. E., Beck, K. H., Shattuck, T., Hallmark-Kerr, M. — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:07:18 PDT

This study examined the association between dating violence victimization and psychosocial risk and protective factors among Latino early adolescents. An anonymous, cross-sectional, self-reported survey was administered to a convenience sample of Latino youth (n = 322) aged 11 to 13 residing in suburban Washington, D.C. The dependent variable was physical dating violence; the independent variables included violence, substance use, emotional well-being, prosocial behaviors, and parenting practices. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed and adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were examined. Overall, 13.5% (n = 43) of Latino early adolescents reported being a victim of physical dating violence within the past year. The prevalence was 14.4% for girls and 12.9% for boys. Among the girls, binge drinking was the sole risk behavior associated with dating violence. Gun carrying, alcohol consumption, and having considered suicide were associated with dating violence among the boys. Physical dating violence appears to affect a small but significant proportion of Latino early adolescents and is associated with other risk behaviors. Healthy dating relationship programs are warranted for middle school youth with some tailoring to reflect gender differences in risk profiles.

The Impact of Protective Factors in Desistance From Violent Reoffending: A Study in Three Samples of Adolescent Offenders

Lodewijks, H. P. B., Ruiter, C. d., Doreleijers, T. A. H. — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:07:17 PDT

This study examined the impact of protective factors, assessed by means of the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), on desistance from violent reoffending in adolescents. Three samples included male adolescents in different stages of the judicial process: pre-trial (n = 111); during residential treatment (n = 66); and after release from a juvenile justice facility (n = 47). The results lend support to the hypothesis that protective factors buffer or mitigate the risk of violent reoffending. Using regression analyses, in all samples, the addition of protective factors yielded a significant increment in the amount of variance explained by dynamic risk factors alone. Furthermore, in medium to high risk subgroups, the violent reoffending rate was significantly higher when protective factors were absent, compared to when protective factors were present. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for risk assessment and risk management practice with adolescent offenders.

From Client to Pimp: Male Violence Against Female Sex Workers

Karandikar, S., Prospero, M. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:41:03 PDT

The present study explores intimate partner violence (IPV) among female sex workers from the red-light area based in Mumbai, India. Using a grounded theory approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten sex workers to explore their experiences of IPV in the context of commercial sex work. Narratives were analyzed and themes constructed. A prevalent theme was the complex development of the male role among sex workers, starting as male clients, becoming intimate partners, and ending as their coercive pimps. In addition, themes were compared to the model of coercion in IPV. The model was generally supported, as sex workers reported exploitation from male partners, followed by coercion and ending with intense IPV victimization. This study draws attention to the drawbacks of criminalization of sex work.

Tonic Immobility in Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors and Its Relationship to Posttraumatic Stress Symptomatology

Humphreys, K. L., Sauder, C. L., Martin, E. K., Marx, B. P. — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:41:26 PDT

Past research has shown that 37% to 52% of sexual assault survivors report experiencing a set of peritraumatic responses, which include gross motor inhibition, analgesia, and fixed or unfocused staring. This response set closely resembles a set of unconditioned responses, collectively known as Tonic Immobility (TI). This study examined TI among childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors and its relation to PTSD symptomatology. Participants were 131 female college undergraduates who completed questionnaires assessing sexual abuse history, TI, and PTSD symptom severity. Results showed that TI partially mediated the relation between peritraumatic fear and overall PTSD symptom severity and completely mediated the relation between fear and the PTSD reexperiencing symptoms. Although peritraumatic fear is associated with TI, the mediation findings provide evidence for the notion that these responses are separate from one another. These results suggest that TI during CSA may play an important role in the subsequent PTSD symptomatology in adulthood.

Palestinian Physicians' Misconceptions About and Approval of Wife Abuse

Haj-Yahia, M. M. — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:41:26 PDT

The article presents the results of a study that examined Palestinian physicians’ misconceptions about abused wives and abusive husbands and the extent to which Palestinian physicians approve of wife abuse. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 396 physicians. The results revealed that between 10% and 49% of the Palestinian physicians held misconceptions about abused wives and between 15% and 63% held misconceptions about abusive husbands. The findings also revealed that substantial percentages of physicians tended to approve of moderate and severe violence against wives. Significant amounts of the variance in the physicians’ approval of moderate and severe wife abuse can be attributed to their exposure to family violence and to their patriarchal ideology—variance over and above that which can be explained by the physicians’ sociodemographic characteristics. The limitations of the study are discussed, as are the implications of the results for future research and theory development on the approaches of professionals toward wife abuse.

Alcohol Use and Perceived Social and Emotional Consequences Among Perpetrators of General and Sexual Aggression

Stappenbeck, C. A., Fromme, K. — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:28:33 PDT

This study examines the relation among alcohol use, alcohol-related aggression expectancies, and the perceived negative consequences of perpetrating general and sexual aggression. Participants (N = 2,941; 59% female) were incoming college freshmen who reported on the last 3 months of their senior year of high school. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses for general aggression reveal that heavy alcohol consumption at the time of the aggression and strong alcohol-related aggression expectancies were associated with more frequent social and emotional consequences. For sexual aggression, similar regression analyses found that any alcohol use at the time of the aggression, but not outcome expectancies, was associated with social and emotional consequences. Among individuals who perpetrated general and sexual aggression, consuming alcohol at the time of the aggression was positively associated with perceived negative social and emotional consequences. Results do not support the idea that alcohol is used as an excuse for aggressive behavior.

Depression Among Couples in the United States in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

Vaeth, P. A. C., Ramisetty-Mikler, S., Caetano, R. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:48:27 PDT

This paper examines the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression. A multicluster random household sample of U.S. couples was interviewed as part of a five-year national longitudinal study (response rate = 72%). Depression was assessed with the CES-D. The multivariate analyses for men showed that the odds of depression did not vary significantly by type of male-to-female (MF) or female-to-male (FM) aggression. Men who engaged in infrequent binge drinking, compared to those who never binged, were less likely to be depressed, as were men with greater collective efficacy. For women, the multivariate analysis, showed that FM aggression (psychological: minor and severe, and physical) was associated with a greater likelihood of depression. Exposure to parental violence was also associated with depression. Women may experience depression as the result of psychological and physical aggression even if they are the perpetrators of such aggression.

Psychological Abuse Perpetration in College Dating Relationships: Contributions of Gender, Stress, and Adult Attachment Orientations

Gormley, B., Lopez, F. G. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:48:28 PDT

This study investigated whether gender, stressful problems common among college students, and adult attachment orientations (anxiety and avoidance) contributed to self-reported perpetration of psychological abuse in dating relationships among 127 college students. College men’s stress levels were the strongest predictor of perpetration of emotional abuse against their female romantic partners. Attachment avoidance among college men and women was associated with higher levels of emotional abuse perpetration when self-reported stress levels were high. Recommendations for research and practice are provided.

Personal Contextual Characteristics and Cognitions: Predicting Child Abuse Potential and Disciplinary Style

Rodriguez, C. M. — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:47:37 PDT

According to Social Information Processing theory, parents’ cognitive processes influence their decisions to engage in physical maltreatment, although cognitions occur in the context of other aspects of the parents’ life. The present study investigated whether cognitive processes (external locus of control, inappropriate developmental expectations) predicted child abuse potential and overreactive disciplinary style beyond personal contextual factors characteristic of the parent (hostility, stress, and coping). 363 parents were recruited online. Results highlight the relative importance of the contextual characteristics (particularly stress, avoidant coping, and irritability) relative to cognitive processes in predicting abuse potential and overreactive discipline strategies, although an external locus of control also significantly contributed. Findings do not support that parents’ developmental expectations uniquely predict elevated abuse risk. Results indicate stressed parents who utilize avoidance coping strategies are more likely to use overreactive discipline and report increased abuse potential. Findings are discussed with regard to implications for prevention/intervention efforts.

Friends of Survivors: The Community Impact of Unwanted Sexual Experiences

Banyard, V. L., Moynihan, M. M., Walsh, W. A., Cohn, E. S., Ward, S. — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:48:07 PDT

Since sexual assault survivors are most likely to disclose their experiences to a friend; prevention efforts increasingly focus on friends as informal helpers. The current study examined friends' perceptions of the disclosure experience. Undergraduates (N=1,241) at the University of New Hampshire completed a shortened version of the Ahrens and Campbell (2000) Impact on Friends measure. Results found that about 1 in 3 female undergraduates and 1 in 5 male students were told by a friend that they were a victim of an unwanted sexual experience. Gender differences were found in friends' responses to disclosure. Women reported greater emotional distress in response to a friend's disclosure, greater positive responses and lesser-perceived confusion/ineffectiveness as compared to men. Implications include the need to develop specific and clear educational material to help the community cope with and effectively respond to unwanted sexual experiences on college campuses.

Persistence and Desistance of the Perpetration of Physical Aggression Across Relationships: Findings From a National Study of Adolescents

Whitaker, D. J., Le, B., Niolon, P. H. — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:48:07 PDT

This study examined the persistent perpetration of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) across relationships. Based on the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health, data were analyzed on 6,446 young adults, who reported on two recent relationships. Frequency and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the persistence of physical IPV perpetration across relationships and the predictors of persistent perpetration. Among individuals who perpetrated physical violence in their first relationship, 29.7% persisted in their perpetration in the second relationship and 70.3% desisted. Significant predictors of persistent physical IPV in the final multivariate model were as follows: IPV frequency in the first relationship, age, living together versus apart in the subsequent relationship, respondent being better educated than the partner, and being an IPV victim in second relationship. The persistence of physical IPV across relationships was relatively low, with desistance being much more common. Factors specific to the second relationship were the strongest predictors of persistence.

The Relationship Among Exposure to Stressful Life Events, Drug Use, and Violence Perpetration in a Sample of Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Filipino Adolescents

Baker, C. K., Hishinuma, E. S., Chang, J. Y., Nixon, D. C. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:15:49 PDT

This study examined the relationship between stressful life events, drug use, and self-reported violence perpetration among 293 Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Filipino adolescents. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with students in three high schools in Hawai‘i. Stressful life events were delineated into three categories: transitions, discrete events, and victimization. Samoans reported more stressful life events than Native Hawaiians and/or Filipinos, depending on the subscale, but there were no sex differences in the stressful life events total scale or subscales. There were sex differences on several stressful life events items, including boys reporting more physical victimization and more life threatening illnesses and injuries than girls. Stressful life events were related to higher rates of violence perpetration for all groups, though specific types of events were significant for some groups but not others. Drug use moderated the influence of transitions on violent behaviors for boys and Samoan adolescents and also of discrete events on violence perpetration for Samoan adolescents. Additional research is needed to examine other risk factors, as well as types of protective factors that may moderate the relationship between life stressors and engaging in violent behaviors.

Interprofessional Collaboration on Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART): The Role of Victim Alcohol Use and a Partner-Perpetrator

Cole, J., Logan, T. K. — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:06:16 PDT

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of victim alcohol use and partner–perpetrator on interprofessional collaboration on Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART). Telephone surveys with 78 medical, criminal justice, and victim advocacy professionals were conducted. When asked to identify case factors that pose challenges to interprofessional collaboration, 48.7% mentioned victim characteristics and 28.2% mentioned situation characteristics. Significantly more victim advocates identified aspects of the victim’s behavior before the sexual assault as a challenge to collaboration compared to criminal justice professionals. Using vignette methodology, professionals anticipated more disagreement between SART professionals on the hypothetical case involving victim alcohol use and a partner–perpetrator compared to a hypothetical stranger/no alcohol case, with victim advocates rating agreement significantly lower than other professionals. Finally, professionals who perceived of more disagreement between professionals when discussing the vignettes also perceived of lower interprofessional collaboration on their SART. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Perceptions of Rape and Attitudes Toward Women in a Sample of Lebanese Students

Rebeiz, M. J., Harb, C. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:11:27 PDT

This study investigated values, ambivalent sexism, religiosity, religious differences, gender, and attitudes toward rape victims as predictors of rape myths in a sample of Lebanese students (N = 300). Values of self-transcendence and conservation, gender, hostile sexism, and attitudes toward rape victims emerged as significant predictors of rape myths, confirming some of the premises in the literature. Type of rape (date, marital, acquaintance, and stranger rape) and victim’s characteristics (widowed, married, devout, promiscuous, and chaste) were also investigated. Results revealed that no matter what the relationship between the victim and her perpetrator was, and regardless of the victim’s characteristics, forcible sexual contact was always considered as rape. However, differences did emerge as to the degree to which these variations were perceived as rape. Implication of findings for research and the Lebanese culture are discussed.

Attitudes Toward Wife Beating Among Palestinian Women of Reproductive Age From Three Cities in West Bank

Dhaher, E. A., Mikolajczyk, R. T., Maxwell, A. E., Kramer, A. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:11:27 PDT

A total of 450 women were interviewed in Mother and Child Health Care Centers in three cities in West Bank, Palestine, to assess attitudes toward wife beating. Overall, women perceived wife beating to be justified if a wife insults her husband (59%), if she disobeys her husband (49%), if she neglects her children (37%), if she goes out without telling her husband (25%), if she argues with her husband (11%), and if she burns the food (5%). Sixty-five percent of women agreed with at least one reason for wife beating, but there were statistically significant regional differences: Wife beating was most accepted in Jenin (73% acceptance of at least one reason) and least accepted in Hebron (55%). Lower level of education, not being employed, having more than one child, being married for fewer than 10 years, and making few household decisions were all associated with women’s acceptance of wife beating. The implications of these results are discussed.

Violence Against Primary Health Care Workers in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia

El-Gilany, A.-H., El-Wehady, A., Amr, M. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:11:27 PDT

This self-report questionnaire study was carried out in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia to highlight the magnitude, predictors, and circumstances of workplace violence against primary health care (PHC) workers. A total of 1,091 workers completed a self-administered questionnaire. About 28% were exposed to at least one violent event during the past year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most important predictors of violence are high education of workers (OR = 9.3), working in emergency clinics (OR = 6.8), and in Hegar (OR = 3.2). Emotional and physical violence accounted for 92.1% and 7.9% of violent events, respectively. Unmet needs of patients, overcrowding, and reaction to injury or illness were the leading contributing factors for violence. There is a need for violence prevention and control program in health care facilities.

The Validity of Injury Surveillance System Measures of Assault: A Lesson From the Study of Violence in Alaska

Wood, D. S. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:11:26 PDT

This article considers the validity of estimates of intentional violence using a statewide injury recording system: the Alaska Trauma Registry (ATR). One benefit of using data from an injury surveillance system is that its records are generated without police involvement, thereby reducing the likelihood of undercounting. However, there is reason to suspect that measures of violence derived from injury surveillance systems do not accurately measure underlying levels of assault in a population and are instead partly a reflection of influential patient characteristics. The ATR was used to compare assault injury cases of Alaska Natives with those of non–Natives to determine if patient characteristics varied between racial groups and to determine if those characteristics served to bias comparisons of injury rates. Results indicate that differences in assault injury rates are partly attributable to a greater proportion of Alaska Native patients being hospitalized for injuries of only minor or moderate severity.

Intimate Partner Violence and Contribution of Drinking and Sociodemographics: The Brazilian National Alcohol Survey

Zaleski, M., Pinsky, I., Laranjeira, R., Ramisetty-Mikler, S., Caetano, R. — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:43:31 PDT

Purpose: To estimate prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Brazilian couples and to assess the contribution of drinking and sociodemographic factors to the risk of IPV. Methods: A sample consisting of 1,445 married or cohabitating males and females in the Brazilian population was interviewed. The survey response rate was 66%. Results: The analyses indicate 10.7% and 14.6% prevalence, respectively for male-to-female and female-to-male IPV. Males were drinking in 38.1% of IPV events and females in 9.2%. The male’s partner was drinking in 30.8% and the females’ partner in 44.6% of IPV acts. Bivariate associations between violence and sociodemographics were found for age groups, household monthly income and educational level. Logistic regression analysis indicate that younger age for both male and female partners, men with no religious affiiliation and women who are homemakers are significant predictors of violence. Conclusion: This survey provides important information to further IPV research in Brazil.

Does Powerlessness Explain the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and Depression?

Filson, J., Ulloa, E., Runfola, C., Hokoda, A. — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:34:32 PDT

The current study aimed to test whether relationship power could act as a mediator of the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression. The proposed mediation model was based on the theory of gender and power and on previous research of intimate partner violence and depression. Survey results from a sample of 327 single undergraduate women lent support to the hypothesis stating that relationship power accounts for some of the association between intimate partner violence and depression. Results revealed that women who felt powerless had higher rates of intimate violence victimization and higher levels of depression; a mediation analysis revealed that sexual relationship power mediated the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression. Future interventions targeting the prevention of intimate partner violence among young women may want to utilize an empowerment approach to decrease their likelihood of experiencing dating violence victimization and their subsequent risk for depression.

The Association Between Sexual Aggression and HIV Risk Behavior in Heterosexual Men

Peterson, Z. D., Janssen, E., Heiman, J. R. — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:09:06 PDT

Perpetrating sexual coercion and rape can be conceptualized as a form of sexual risk taking. In this study, the authors evaluated the relationship between sexual aggression and other risky sexual behaviors (e.g., intercourse without a condom) using an online convenience sample of 1,240 heterosexual men. Sexually aggressive men engaged in more sexual risk taking (i.e., sex with multiple partners, unprotected sex, and one-night stands) than nonaggressive men, and almost half of the reported incidents of sexual aggression were unprotected (i.e., no condom was worn). Thus, sexual aggression was found to be part of a larger pattern of sexual risk taking. Regression analyses revealed that sexual aggression was associated with greater alcohol use and lower sexual inhibition—two variables that have consistently been found to be related to other forms of sexual risk taking.

Japanese Women's Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Nagae, M., Dancy, B. L. — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:12:13 PDT

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a problem in Japan. The purpose is to describe IPV as perceived by a purposive sample of 11 Japanese adult females who were in a heterosexual marriage at the time of IPV. We used a cross-sectional, retroactive, qualitative description research design with individual, fact-to-face in depth interviews. At the time of the interview, the women had a mean age of 38 years and at the time of the IPV, a mean age of 28 years. Data were analyzed using the directed qualitative content analysis method. The results revealed that all women experienced physical and emotional abuse and 82% experienced sexual abuse. Communication between spouses was characterized as unilateral, with husbands initiating and dominating the conversation. The women identified the culture of the Japanese patriarchal system as directly influencing IPV. The implication is health professionals should actively advocate for effective legislation and policies to address IPV.

Relational Challenges and Recovery Processes in Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Kia-Keating, M., Sorsoli, L., Grossman, F. K. — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:12:13 PDT

Male survivors of childhood sexual abuse face challenges resolving sexual victimization experiences with the ideals of masculinity, often experiencing intimacy problems, emotional discomfort, alienation, and anger. Little attention has been paid to how male survivors learn to develop long-term connections, disclose emotions in relationship contexts, and negotiate intimacy. The current qualitative study of 16 adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, examined the relational challenges and the processes by which these survivors improved their capacity for seeking and participating in supportive relationships over time. Several mechanisms associated with positive adaptation were identified in their narratives, including engaging in safe relationships; gaining a sense of belonging by locating a community of others with shared experiences; learning healthy ways to manage relationships through setting boundaries, controlling anger, building trust, and developing intimacy; and achieving acceptance. Clinical implications and future directions for research and intervention are presented.

Nonoffending Caregiver and Youth Experiences With Child Sexual Abuse Investigations

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:12:13 PDT

Qualitative responses by caregivers (n = 203) and youth (aged 8 and older; n = 65) about their experiences with sexual abuse investigations were analyzed in conjunction with quantitative ratings of satisfaction. Respondents described mostly high levels of satisfaction, although dissatisfaction was reported with some key aspects of investigations. The features cited as worse than expected by caregivers were the investigators’ commitment to prosecuting the alleged offender and the absence of clear and regular communication about the status of the case. The features mentioned most often by caregivers as better than expected were the emotional support and interviewing skills of investigators. Youth focused both praise and criticism on investigators’ interviewing skills. There were relatively few complaints by either caregivers or youth about the duration of the investigation, medical exams, lack of services, or failures of interagency communication, areas of considerable reform in the past several decades. Implications for investigator training and reform initiatives are discussed.

Sexually Harassing Behavior Against Adolescent Girls in Rural Bangladesh: Implications for Achieving Millennium Development Goals

Alam, N., Roy, S. K., Ahmed, T. — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:45:59 PDT

This study examines the extent and type of sexually harassing behavior or intimidations unmarried adolescent girls experienced on their way to school, college or social visits and type of perpetrators in victims’ view in rural Bangladesh using data of the 2004 National Nutrition Programme baseline survey. The survey collected self-reported data on sexual harassments of 5,106 girls aged 13-19 years selected randomly. Results reveal that gendered harassments were experienced by 35% of the girls, unwanted sexual attentions by 34%, and sexual intimidations by 14%, yielding prevalence of sexual harassments of any type 43%. Higher girls’ education and household economic status heightened their risks of being harassed. Perpetrators were male young spoilt bullies (64%), neighborhood youths (30%), students (22%) and hoodlums (6%). High prevalence of sexual harassments mirrors vulnerability of adolescent girls in the community and deserves to be tackled to achieve millennium development goals (MDgs) in gender equality in health and social development.

Sexual Assault and Rape Perpetration by College Men: The Role of the Big Five Personality Traits

Voller, E. K., Long, P. J. — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:51:12 PDT

A sample of 521 college men completed the Revised NEO Personality Inventory and an expanded version of the Sexual Experiences Survey to examine whether variation in the Big Five personality traits in a normal, college population provides any insight into the nature of sexual assault and rape perpetrators. Rape perpetrators reported lower levels of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness when compared to both sexual assault perpetrators and nonperpetrators, and lower levels of Extraversion when compared to nonperpetrators. Rape perpetrators also endorsed lower levels of tendermindedness, excitement-seeking, warmth, positive emotions, feelings, altruism, competence, and dutifulness, and higher levels of vulnerability. Contrary to expectation, overall personality profiles followed remarkably comparable patterns for sexual assault and nonperpetrators, suggesting that sexual assault perpetrators were more similar to nonperpetrators than to rape perpetrators. Findings suggest that individuals who perpetrate sexual offenses, particularly rape, differ from nonperpetrators on dimensions of normal personality. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Adolescent Girls' Responses to Warning Signs of Abuse in Romantic Relationships: Implications for Youth-Targeted Relationship Violence Prevention

Murphy, K. A., Smith, D. I. — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:46:42 PDT

This study explored adolescent girls’ experiences of, and responses to, seven domains of partner behavior that are considered to be early warning signs of relationship abuse. Girls (N = 146) aged 14 to 18 years, attending schools in a semirural area, completed a purpose-built questionnaire, providing measures of self-reported exposure, perceived seriousness, and proposed response protectiveness in relation to each domain. Substantial proportions of girls (a) reported exposure to each of the domains, (b) lacked awareness particularly of the risks associated with jealous/possessive partner behaviors, and (c) regardless of their level of risk awareness, lacked knowledge of behavioral responses that might discourage continued warning-sign behaviors by their partners in all domains except for social restriction tactics. The implications of these findings for youth-targeted relationship abuse prevention are discussed.

Through the Lens of Therapeutic Jurisprudence: The Relationship Between Empowerment in the Court System and Well-Being for Intimate Partner Violence Victims

Bennett Cattaneo, L., Goodman, L. A. — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:57:18 PDT

Research has established the connection between intimate partner violence victims’ empowering experiences in the court system and their satisfaction with the process, but not between these experiences and victims’ broader well-being, a link suggested by the framework of therapeutic jurisprudence. This study investigated the relationship between empowerment and victim depression, quality of life, fear, and intention to use the system in the future among 142 court-involved women. At 3 and 6 months after recruitment, over and above repeat abuse, the outcome of the criminal case, and expectations about the court system, more empowering experiences in the court predicted improvement in depression and quality of life, in addition to stronger intention to use the system in the future if needed. Implications include the need for research on what aspects of victim experience in the court are empowering and evaluations of innovations that can increase the likelihood they will occur.

The Effects of Change in Spousal Power on Intimate Partner Violence Among Chinese Immigrants

Jin, X., Keat, J. E. — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:57:03 PDT

This study explored how changes in power relations within couples after immigrating from more patriarchal societies contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV). Both subjective decision-making power and objective power bases were examined in Chinese immigrant couples. Batterers and nonviolent men both experienced loss of decision-making power in favor of their spouses postimmigration. For the batterers, this loss appeared materialized by lower gains in education and lack of significant gains in income compared to their spouses. However, it was subjective power loss that was related to the batterers’ attitudes toward IPV. The study highlights the significance of understanding changes in power dynamics postimmigration among immigrants and the importance of distinguishing between subjective and material power to better capture power imbalance within couples.

The Individual as a Moderating Agent of the Long-Term Impact of Sexual Abuse

Cleverley, K., Boyle, M. H. — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:57:02 PDT

Adverse developmental effects associated with traumatic life experiences such as child sexual abuse will not apply to all individuals exposed. This general population study, compared the health and life circumstances of 45 respondents who spontaneously identified the experience of sexual abuse before age 22 as changing their life for the "better" (n = 12) versus "worse" (n = 33); with respondents who reported exposure to child sexual abuse on a standard questionnaire; and respondents not reporting such exposure. Individuals exposed versus non-exposed to sexual abuse experienced more adversity in early life and exhibited lower functioning in adulthood. However, individuals associating sexual abuse with a life change for the "better" exhibited a constellation of features consistent with more stable, supportive home environments and better prospects early on and healthier functioning later-on as adults. Studies are needed to understand the complex pathways between early exposure to sexual abuse and these diverse outcomes.

Personal and Perceived Peer Attitudes Supporting Sexual Aggression as Predictors of Male College Students' Willingness to Intervene Against Sexual Aggression

Brown, A. L., Messman-Moore, T. L. — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:58:34 PDT

Male college students (N = 395) completed anonymous surveys to report personal attitudes supporting sexual aggression and estimated the attitudes of their peers. Participants also indicated their willingness to intervene against a peer if they witnessed sexual aggression. Although both personal and peer attitudes were correlated with willingness to intervene, in regression analyses only perceived peer attitudes emerged as a significant predictor of willingness to intervene. Results suggest that personal attitudes supporting sexual aggression are not as relevant to men’s willingness to intervene against sexual aggression as are perceived peer norms regarding sexual aggression. Findings are relevant to sexual assault prevention education with men, suggesting that attempts to encourage bystander intervention may be best presented in the context of challenging perceived norms.

Potential Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse Among Males, by Whether It Occurred at or After Sexual Debut

Holmes, W. C. — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:03:25 PST

This study compares risk behavior in men with no history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) with men with CSA histories that had occurred at sexual debut versus after debut. Using random-digit dialing from half the zip code areas of Philadelphia, information is retrieved from 197 men about CSA; first willing sex; and other sexual, drug, and legal histories. Forty-three (22%) participants have CSA histories, 35 at debut and 5 after debut. When their risk behaviors are compared to men without CSA (n = 154), the at-debut subgroup is found to have the highest rates, the after-debut subgroup is found to have the lowest rates, and the no-CSA subgroup rates are in the middle. This ordering is significant (p ≤ .05) for the number of lifetime sexual partners, sex under the influence, no long-term partner, and experience of ever having injected drugs. CSA-associated risk behavior outcomes in men may be influenced by when CSA occurred vis-à-vis sexual debut.