Expanding and Validating a Typology of Intimate Partner Violence: Intersections of Violence and Control Within Relationships

Abstract

This research explored an expanded typology of intimate partner violence (IPV), intersecting violent and controlling behaviors of partners. Secondary data were analyzed (n = 714). Cluster analyses indicated that elements of IPV (control perpetration, control victimization, violence victimization, and violence perpetration) all clustered in high/low patterns, which intersected to form 10 unique categories of IPV. Support for all of Johnson’s categories of IPV was found, but there was also evidence for the three control-related categories: Unidirectional Control, Bidirectional Control, and Control Resistance. This expanded typology can move research, practice, and policies beyond the gender symmetry debate.

Keywords

gender symmetry typology of IPV intimate partner violence

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