Early‐life risk for domestic violence perpetration: Implications for practice and policy

Abstract

Research on risks and causes of domestic violence is hampered by a policy framework that not only does not fund but in some cases suppresses inquiry into those causes. This discussion, then, will be placed in the context of those policy frameworks that hamper and distort inquiry. This includes an overview of ideological, political, and historical issues that have shaped those frameworks. Related explanatory theories and theories of practice are summarized. The article will examine known early‐life risk factors for those disorders and behaviors associated with domestic violence perpetration. Particular emphasis will be placed on maltreatment and attachment/bonding processes. Framed in broad perspectives of psychosocial theory, risk factors from related literature sources (e.g. general violence and criminality) will be included where risk profiles are substantially similar.

The early biopsychosocial development of boys and the origins of violence in males

“…A third suggestion is that to better prevent domestic violence, the early‐in‐life origins of the behavior need to be the aim of interventions, both preventatively, before and after birth, and also as adults in a clinical context. In other words, efforts of an evidence‐based psychosocial nature are proposed (Corvo, this issue). Two themes that call out for more attention in many of the articles of this issue are the need to take sex differences more seriously in research on violence and concomitantly, the importance of an early‐life focus for this costly social issue.…”

Intergenerational Continuity of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: An Investigation of Possible Mechanisms

“…Intimate partner violence (IPV) is closely associated with the more commonly used term “domestic violence” but is often considered to include a wider range of contexts and behaviors specifically with regard to partners in dating, cohabiting, and marital relationships (refer to Corvo, 2019 ). IPV can be conceptualized as a continuum of abuse, including homicide, minor and severe physical assault, sexual assault, psychological abuse, including threats, harassment, coercion, and intimidation ( World Health Organization, 2013 ).…”

Gender and exposure to childhood violence are important determinants of domestic violence among academics

“…Male children who learn that women are not respected equally as men are in their society, are more likely to abuse women in adulthood [ 5 ]. Early maltreatment, exposure to violence, and attachment problems interacting with genetic risk factors may lead to primary developmental susceptibility to lifelong risk of DV at a later stage [ 6 ]. Children who are victims of violence are likely to be perpetrators or victims of DV in future because of learned helplessness in this vicious circle [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ].…”