Towards evidence-based treatment of female perpetrated intimate partner violence and abuse

Abstract

This chapter discusses what is known about the nature and prevalence of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) perpetrated by women and then explore the evidence of the associated risk and need factors. The implications for potential treatments are then presented. IPVA may be perpetrated by women in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Women engage in a range of violent behaviour not dissimilar to men, although there is some dispute about the comparable seriousness of the injuries caused, with evidence that women are more likely to be more seriously injured. The Risk-Need-Responsivity model is an influential model in the development of offending behaviour interventions. Based on the three principles of risk, need, and responsivity, the model states that matching the right offender with the right intervention is likely to produce the most effective means of reducing reoffending. The empirical evidence shows that IPVA is perpetrated and experienced by women at rates similar to, or higher than, those reported by men. © 2019 selection and editorial matter, Elizabeth A. Bates and Julie C. Taylor; individual chapters, the contributors.