Developmental Characteristics and Intimate Partner Violence Profiles of Sexually Aggressive Male Post-Secondary Students

• In Event: Stalking and Aggression Among Couples

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore developmental antecedents and patterns of intimate partner dating violence among non-criminal sexually aggressive males. The data were based on the International Dating Violence Study (2001-2005). In total, 198 male post-secondary students who reported perpetrating sexual aggression in the intimate partner context responded to questions about their developmental histories and the nature and extent of their violence perpetration in their relationships. The results uncovered differential patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) among sexually aggressive post-secondary males. The profiles varied in terms of the nature and extent of psychological and physical abuse and injury perpetrated by male sexual aggressors. Differences in developmental histories involving child abuse were associated with individual perpetrator differences including antisocial attitudes, hostility towards women, dominance in relationships, and substance abuse, that also varied by IPV profiles. These results are discussed in the context of the identification and prevention of sexual abuse in the intimate partner context.

Authors

• Jesse Cale, University of New South Wales

• Jan Breckenridge, University of New South Wales

• Stacy Tzoumakis, University of New South Wales

• Benoit Leclerc, Griffith University