In 2000, Johnson and Ferraro’s couple typology provided the framework for this analysis of narrative accounts of couples in violent heterosexual relationships. Johnson and Ferraro suggested that at the relationship level, four major patterns of partner violence could be distinguished: common couple violence, intimate terrorism, violent resistance, and mutual violent control. These four patterns were based on general patterns of control exercised across the many encounters that constitute a relationship. This study provides additional support for the couple typology put forth by Johnson and Ferraro. The study consisted of 15 bidirectionally violent couples who were interviewed separately for about 1 hour. The couples’ violent relationships were categorized using the above patterns. The study found couples who fit three of the four categories described in the Johnson typology, namely common couple violence (CCV), mutual violent control (MVC), and violent resistance (VR). The results underscore the importance of viewing intimate partner violence (IPV) within a relationship context and distinguishing among different types of couples who engage in IPV. References