Reasons for Returning to Abusive Relationships: Effects of Prior Victimization

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at increased risk of revictimization, but research has not yet examined whether a history of CSA may affect patterns of remaining in or returning to abusive relationships in adulthood. This study examines the impact of a CSA history on decisions to return to abusive relationships in a sample of 104 adult domestic violence survivors. Participants were interviewed about the number of times that they had previously separated from and returned to their abusive partner, the factors that influenced their decision to return (both psychological/internal and environmental/external factors), and their perceived likelihood of returning in the future. As predicted, CSA survivors (n = 34) reported a significantly greater number of past separations than non-CSA survivors (n = 70). CSA survivors were also significantly more likely to report that their decisions to return were influenced by emotional attachment to the batterer. CSA survivors did not perceive themselves to be at greater risk of returning in the future, suggesting that they may be more likely to underestimate their vulnerability to returning to the battering relationship. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Association between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual victimization in a representative sample in Hong Kong Chinese

“…A significant percentage of ASV is perpetrated by the victims' intimate partners (Campbell et al, 2008;Hattery, 2009). Whereas women who have not experienced CSA will usually leave their partner the first time they are struck, CSA survivors are significantly more likely to return to an abusive relationship (Griffing et al, 2005). Many risk factors contribute to the CSA victims' vulnerability to ASV.…”

Childhood Sexual Abuse Associated With Dating Partner Violence and Suicidal Ideation in a Representative Household Sample in Hong Kong

“…Victims of IPV frequently suffer from multiple forms of abuse by their partner-physical, sexual, psychological, and those with CSA histories are particularly more likely to suffer additionally from combinations of negative life factors such as substance abuse, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. IPV victims with a history of CSA are clinically different than those without (Griffing et al, 2005), with accumulated traumatization from typically multiple episodes of CSA, they possess a different mindset that makes it more difficult to leave their abusive partner. Therefore it is very important to screen for CSA victims and assess their CSA histories when treating IPV patients.…”

“…Both physical and sexual revictimization tend to occur in the form of IPV (Banyard, Arnold, & Smith, 2000;Campbell, Greeson, Bybee, & Raja, 2008;DiLillo, Giuffre, Tremblay, & Peterson, 2001;Hattery, 2009), and this is true for both men and women (Afifi et al, 2009). Women with a history of CSA have reported their intimate relationships to involve more severe forms of violence including hitting, kicking, and beating (DiLillo et al, 2001) and are more likely than non-CSA women to return to an abusive relationship (Hattery, 2009) for internal reasons such as affective and emotional connection to the batterer (Griffing et al, 2005). In fact, in addition to IPV as adults, many CSA victims experience dating violence in their adolescence.…”

The Role of Sexuality in Sadism: Object Relations and Drive Theory Perspectives

“…In treatment, patients typically re-play old agendas in as a means of dealing with present challenges. Normal living applications of transference are commonplace in the choice of a spouse who resembles a cathected adult caregiver, highlighted in children of abuse fi nding abusive adult partners ( Griffi ng et al , 2005 ), and children of alcoholics marrying alcoholics ( Olmsted et al , 2003 ).…”