Research shows that the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex phenomenon with multiple determinants. One aspect of this issue which is not well understood is the relationship between IPV perpetration and gender. One argument concerning gender symmetry is that females are less likely to initiate aggression and behave aggressively for defense purposes. The frequency, severity, and reciprocity of female-perpetrated intimate partner violence and its consequences were investigated in a sample of 457 college women. The women were classified into one of four groups: nonviolent, perpetrator-only, victim-only, and bidirectionally violent. Additionally, the study focused on how intimacy was regulated in relationships, specifically attachment theory. The study predicted that females who reported engaging in bidirectional violence would report more perpetration of IPV and infliction of injury than perpetrator-only females and more IPV victimization and sustained injury than victim-only females. Results were generally consistent with these predictions. However, in relation to attachment theory the results were consistent with previous research findings, suggesting that the hyperactivating strategies associated with attachment anxiety may underlie or increase risk for violence in couples. Females high in attachment anxiety and low in attachment avoidance were more likely to report perpetrating violence than females high in both styles. Tables, figure, references