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Processes Explaining the Concealment and Distortion of Evidence on Gender Symmetry in Partner Violence

NCJ Number
220817
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 13 Issue: 3-4 Dated: 2007 Pages: 227-232
Author(s)
Murray A. Straus
Date Published
2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies and describes seven methods used to conceal and distort evidence on the balance or symmetry in partner violence.
Abstract
Method one is the suppression of evidence. Researchers who have an ideological commitment to the idea that men are almost always the sole perpetrator often conceal evidence that contradicts this belief. Method two is to avoid obtaining data inconsistent with the Patriarchal Dominance Theory. This method asks female participants about attacks by their male partners and avoids asking them if they had hit their male partner. Method three cites only studies that show male perpetration. This method of concealment is institutionalized in publications of governments, the United Nations, and the World Health Organization. Method four is to conclude that results support feminist beliefs when they do not. Method five is to create “evidence” by citation; where ideology can be converted into “evidence by citation.” Method six is to obstruct publication of articles and obstruct funding research that might contradict the idea that male dominance is the cause of partner violence. Lastly, method seven is to harass, threaten, and penalize researchers who produce evidence that contradicts feminist beliefs. The seven methods described above have created a climate of fear that has inhibited research and publication on gender symmetry in partner violence and largely explain why an ideology and treatment modality has persisted for 30 years, despite hundreds of studies which provide evidence on the multiplicity of risk factors for partner violence, of which patriarchy is only one. The exclusive focus on male perpetrators and the exclusive focus on just one of the many causes have hindered this extension of the rule of law and the effort to end domestic violence. References