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Current State of Psychological Research on Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Legal Proceedings
Michelle Drouin1,2, Jody M Ross1, Dennis E Reidy3
1Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA.
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV) research is crucial for legal proceedings. This review synthesizes IPV studies, focusing on findings relevant to court testimony and policy implications for victim credibility.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Public Health
- Legal Studies
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue with extensive research over 30 years.
- IPV is frequently encountered in criminal, civil, and family court proceedings.
- Legal professionals require synthesized knowledge of IPV literature, including conceptual models, memory, and trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive summary of foundational and empirical IPV studies.
- To highlight key findings relevant to legal proceedings and expert testimony.
- To discuss implications for law and policy regarding empirically-grounded courtroom testimony.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of foundational and empirical studies on intimate partner violence.
- Synthesis of research findings pertinent to legal contexts.
- Identification of potential areas for expert testimony in IPV cases.
Main Results:
- Foundational IPV studies and subsequent empirical research offer critical insights for legal applications.
- Key areas for expert testimony include victim behavior, coercive control, delayed reporting, and technology-facilitated abuse.
- Cultural and interpersonal factors significantly influence the manifestation and reporting of IPV.
Conclusions:
- Empirically-grounded expert testimony is essential for informed legal proceedings involving intimate partner violence.
- Understanding the complexities of IPV is vital for accurate victim assessment and legal adjudication.
- Continued research synthesis is necessary to bridge the gap between IPV science and legal practice.
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