The present study compared the communication behavior of individuals with and without histories of intimate partner violence (IPV). Specifically, the authors examined participants’ use of and accommodation toward facilitative and nonfacilitative language features as a function of their abuse histories. The findings revealed that perpetrators and victims of IPV used fewer facilitative and polite language features. Additionally, men with histories of IPV were more likely to use nonfacilitative language features. The examination of accommodation behavior revealed that perpetrators of psychological abuse were more likely to accommodate toward nonfacilitative language features and were less likely to accommodate toward facilitative language features. In all other instances, participants modified their speech toward the manipulated styles. In light of these findings, recommendations are made for IPV treatment initiatives.
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