Child abuse and neglect and intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration: A prospective investigation

Abstract

This paper describes the extent to which abused and neglected children report intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration when followed up into middle adulthood. Using data from a prospective cohort design study, children (ages 0–11) with documented histories of physical and sexual abuse and/or neglect (n = 497) were matched with children without such histories (n = 395) and assessed in adulthood (Mage = 39.5). Prevalence, number, and variety of four types of IPV (psychological abuse, physical violence, sexual violence, and injury) were measured. Over 80% of both groups–childhood abuse and neglect (CAN) and controls–reported some form of IPV victimization during the past year (most commonly psychological abuse) and about 75% of both groups reported perpetration of IPV toward their partner. Controlling for age, sex, and race, overall CAN [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.60, 95% CI [1.03, 2.49], physical abuse (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.17, 5.40]), and neglect (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.04, 2.59]) predicted increased risk for being victimized by a partner via physical injury. CAN and neglect also predicted being victimized by a greater number and variety of IPV acts. CAN and control groups did not differ in reports of perpetration of IPV, although neglect predicted greater likelihood of perpetrating physical injury to a partner, compared to controls. Abused/neglected females were more likely to report being injured by their partner, whereas maltreated males did not. This study found that child maltreatment increases risk for the most serious form of IPV involving physical injury. Increased attention should be paid to IPV (victimization and perpetration) in individuals with histories of neglect.

History of sexual, emotional or physical abuse and psychiatric comorbidity in substance-dependent patients

“…It has also been described that people abused have higher risk of abuse in the future (Basile, 2008;Lake et al, 2014;Widom et al, 2014). Another limitation is regarding the abuse definition, because the Guide to Training and Administering of Europasi interview includes only a brief description of abuse, so in case of doubt the intention is to record the client's judgement (Bobes et al, 2007).…”

“…Among the consequences of abuses are injuries, impoverishing health, psychological and emotional harm, interpersonal and family difficulties, suicide risk and death in most severe cases (Smith and Thornberry, 1995;Hussey et al, 2006;Sarchiapone et al, 2009;Widom et al, 2014).…”

Longitudinal Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization in Latino Emerging Adults

“…Childhood physical abuse has been linked with bidirectional intimate partner violence for both men and women (Renner and Whitney 2012). Further, adults with histories of childhood neglect are at risk of intimate partner violence (Widom et al 2014). Similar results indicate experiencing abuse during childhood and adolescence is a predictor of intimate partner violence in emerging adulthood (Gómez 2011;Lohman et al 2013).…”

Avoidant and compulsive sexual behaviors in male and female survivors of childhood sexual abuse

“…For CSA survivors, the formation of a cohabiting or married relationship may represent such a critical period where romantic attachment, intimacy, and sexual issues coincide to create certain challenges during young and middle adulthood. The current scientific literature suggests that many adult CSA survivors have difficulty forming close relationships and report more instability in these relationships as well as poorer dyadic adjustment (DiLillo & Long, 1999;Larson, Newell, Holman, & Feinauer, 2007;Liang et al, 2006;Miller, Schaefer, Renshaw, & Blais, 2013;Whisman, 2006), more severe domestic violence (Whitfield, Anda, Dube, & Felitti, 2003;Widom, Czaja, & Dutton, 2014), and elevated rates of relationship dissolution (Colman & Widom, 2004;Watson & Halford, 2010;Whisman, 2006). When present, these long-term negative repercussions of CSA have been explained through chronic and dysfunctional self-and partner-schemas characterized by confusion, fear, shame, self-denigration, feelings of emptiness, deep mistrust, aggressiveness, etc.…”