Document Type
Presentation
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Abstract
Despite increased acknowledgement that males as well as females can be victims of intimate partner violence, compared to the extensive literature on male perpetrators of intimate partner abuse, the literature on female perpetrated violence towards male partners is exceptionally scarce (Dutton, Nicholls & Spidel, 2005). What is evident from the research that does exist, is that there is a lack of discussion and consensus in regards to the causal explanations specific to this type of female violence. The present study aimed to address this by exploring the ways in which local experts in the field of family and domestic violence conceptualise female perpetrated violence towards intimate male partners. Participants (N = 10) were drawn from a variety of sectors within the field of family and domestic violence including women’s refuges, police, policy, community-based services and the legal system. A two round interview and analysis process was adopted, with the initial interview identifying the participant’s positions in relation to the research questions, and the second encouraging the experts to revise their opinions in light of the other participant’s responses, in order to bring them closer to consensus. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and suggests current theories of domestic violence do not comprehensively explain female perpetrated violence towards intimate male partners. Further research establishing frameworks that can better explain female perpetrated intimate partner violence is necessary if effective services for both male victims and female perpetrators of domestic violence are to be constructed.
Sarah Moate - 3 minute audio file
Comments
Supervisors: Dr Greg Dear