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Description
Feminist frameworks propose the intimate partner violence (IPV) is gender asymmetric issue - where primarily male perpetrators use violence against female victims in the context of patriarchal structures. Researchers utilizing the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) argue IPV is a gender symmetric issue due to evidence demonstrating female and male IPV perpetration occurs at equal rates. Studies on female IPV perpetration motivations found self- defense is common, indicating female perpetrators may be victims. The purpose of the study was to (1) assess the relationship of adolescent females IPV perpetration to health factors including substance use, mental health, previous IPV victimization and socioeconomic factors, and (2) understand adolescent females’ motivation related to IPV perpetration. This study utilized secondary survey data collected in a 2015 cross-sectional study based in an urban clinic in Southern California. Key variables for analysis were female adolescent IPV perpetration, previous IPV victimization, drug use, alcohol use and binge drinking, and mental health (depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation). In an unadjusted Odds Ratio, female adolescents who reported IPV perpetration had significantly greater odds of previous victimization, drug use, binge drinking, and suicide ideation. When adjusted for the significant demographic variable, all health factors remained significant. In a final multivariate regression model, when the significant health factors were adjusted for previous victimization and current school enrollment, drug use (OR=1.48, 95% CI=0.50-4.40), binge drinking (OR=1.76, 95% CI=0.61-5.08), and suicide ideation (OR=2.04, 95% CI=0.57-7.32) were no longer significantly related to female adolescent IPV perpetration. The findings for primary motivations for female adolescent IPV perpetration were self defense (45.8%), joking around (37.5%) and due to anger because their partner said something they didn’t like (29.2%). The findings establish a connection between previous victimization, self defense, and female perpetration of IPV, which adds to feminist framework, which states that IPV must be considered in the context of societal constructs of patriarchy. Further investigation into the validity of CTS with female populations is warranted. The implications of this research can inform public health and social work IPV prevention and interventions.
