Who’s Home? The Impact of Guardians on Risk of Intimate Partner Abuse

• In Event: Individual and Social Factors Associated with Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Routine activities theory proposes that the presence or absence of a capable guardian will influence opportunities for criminal behavior and victimization. While routine activities theory has been applied to a wide variety of crimes (e.g. burglary, sexual assault), intimate partner violence researchers have been hesitant to apply the theory because of the patriarchal underpinnings of abuse. Setting aside patriarchal beliefs, the presence of guardians should limit the opportunity for abuse (just like any other crime), as the abuser may be more likely to be held accountable for his behavior when guardians are present. Using data from the Chicago Women Health Risk Survey, the study analyzes if the presence of an adult individual in the household, who is not part of the couple dyad, influences risk of both physical and psychological abuse. It is hypothesized that the presence of an adult individual will limit risk of physical abuse but not psychological abuse, which may be harder for guardians to detect and may be influenced by individual belief systems. The relationship between levels of guardianship and utilization of formal social support services are also assessed.

Author

• Brittany E. Hayes, Sam Houston State University