Coming to Terms with Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global public health concern.
• Effective prevention strategies necessitate a comprehensive understanding of IPV risk factors.
• Existing literature often lacks a systematic classification of these risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply Kraemer et al.’s (2005) categorization system to classify risk factors for IPV perpetration.
• To identify and theme variables used to assess IPV perpetration risks.
• To examine non-correlates, correlates, fixed markers, variable markers, and causal risk factors in the literature.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 62 publications focusing on risk factors for IPV perpetration in married and cohabiting couples.
• Categorization of identified risk factors using Kraemer et al.’s (2005) system.
• Thematic classification of risk factors based on shared characteristics.

Main Results:

• Risk factors were classified into eight distinct themes, all fitting Kraemer et al.’s system.
• The majority of identified risk factors demonstrated correlational relationships.
• Fixed markers were identified in two themes, and variable markers in six, though research on the latter was limited. No causal risk factors were identified.

Conclusions:

• Kraemer et al.’s categorization system effectively enhances the understanding of IPV perpetration risk factors.
• Priority areas for IPV prevention include mitigating childhood violence exposure and promoting higher education access.
• Further longitudinal research is recommended to establish temporal relationships for remaining risk factor categories.