Citation

Dutton DG. J. Child Custod. 2006; 2(4): 53-63.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J190v02n04_04

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

M. Johnson's rebuttal is an example of the paradigm I described to readers in my original article. Johnson develops a taxonomy of intimate violence where female initiated violence does not exist. He does this despite extensive evidence to the contrary. A recent national survey included questions about both severity and instrumentality of violence given to both genders. Intimate terrorism (as defined by a combination of instrumentality and repletion of severe violence) is perpetrated by both genders (2.6% of women and 4.2% of men). The notion that women do not initiate domestic violence is misleading to custody assessors who must consider risk to children as part of the child's best interest.