Risk factors for intimate partner violence among native and immigrant male partners in Sweden

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the importance of differentiating between partner violent men in terms of immigrant or native Swedish background, when assessing risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) recidivism. A quantitative design was used with a sample of 1263 alleged male perpetrators reported for IPV-related crimes to the Swedish police. Data consisted of police officers’ risk assessments using the Swedish version of the Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk (B-SAFER). Results showed that risk factors such as 'Violent threats or thoughts', and 'Violent attitudes', were more common for perpetrators with an immigrant background. In contrast, risk factors such as 'General criminality' and 'Substance use problems' were more common among native perpetrators. Furthermore, in relation to the importance of specific risk factors for an elevated risk of IPV recidivism, such risk was elevated for perpetrators with a native background when ‘Violent threats or thoughts’, ‘General criminality’ and ‘Relationship problems’ were present. Corresponding factors for immigrant perpetrators consisted of ‘Escalation’ and ‘General criminality’. These results are essential for the police to recognize and understand since only victims in IPV cases with an elevated assessed risk will be eligible for risk management and protective actions.