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Differences in Female and Male Victims and Perpetrators of Partner Violence With Respect to WEB Scores

NCJ Number
237078
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 1041-1055
Author(s)
Debra Houry; Karin V. Rhodes; Robin S. Kemball; Lorie Click; Catherine Cerulli; Louise Anne McNutt; Nadine J. Kaslow
Date Published
August 2008
Length
15 pages
Annotation
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).
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 this 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 five 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. (Published Abstract)