Psychometric Properties of National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Measures

• In Event: Results from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)

Abstract

This presentation examines the psychometric properties of the measures included in NISVS. The NISVS includes measures of psychological aggression by intimate partners, physical violence by intimate partners, stalking, and sexual violence. Survey questions are behaviorally specific – they ask respondents about the behaviors that others have done to them. Questions avoid the use of legal terms such as sexual assault or rape. They do not require respondents to identify themselves as victims or survivors. Finally, these questions put the blame on the perpetrators rather than the respondents. Because of these characteristics, the NISVS questions are hypothesized to produce better data. However, little is known about the psychometric properties of the NISVS questions. This presentation examines the psychometric properties of the NISVS questions using both conventional and advanced methods (including item response analysis). Differences across racial and ethnic groups are examined. This research provides crucial information on the reliability and validity of the NISVS measures. This information is important for both researchers and practitioners to correctly screen and identify victims of crime.

Author

• André B. Rosay, University of Alaska Anchorage