(Special Issue on Criminal Investigative Psychology)<p>Few studies have examined characteristics and correlates of females who display assaultive behaviours towards their intimate partners. Personality disorders, anger responses, type of violence perpetrated, and post-traumatic stress reactions in female perpetrated intimate violence are important factors in diagnosis, management, and treatment considerations. The present study examined the incidence of cluster B personality disorder traits in a non-clinical sample of self-identified females who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV). Results suggest differences in anger responses, nature and severity of violence perpetrated, and post-traumatic stress reactions across personality disorder categories. The numerous important applied implications and future research directions are discussed.
Origin Information
Default image for the object Female perpetrators of intimate partner violence: within-group heterogeneity, related psychopathology, and a review of current treatment with recommendations for the future, object is lacking a thumbnail image
Female perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) are now beginning to receive some scholarly attention both in Canada and the United States, particularly with zero tolerance policies and the increasing number of female arrestees. This article reviews research on the relative prevalence of IPV (comparing males and females) and the context and motivation for perpetration and female perpetrators' general psychopathology (e.g., their attachment issues, trauma experiences, and personality organization). We not only examine intergroup comparisons between women and men, but also highlight some of the intragroup heterogeneity within female perpetrators of the IPV population. The aim of this review is also to describe some of current treatment approaches and provide recommendations for the future.