Citation

Cunha OS, GonÇalves RA. Violence Vict. 2016; 31(2): 235-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Springer Publishing)

DOI

10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-14-00033

PMID

26822376

Abstract

Intimate partner homicide/attempted homicide are the most serious outcome of intimate partner violence. Thus, in this study, conducted in Portugal, we sought to compare perpetrators of severe violence with those who perpetrate less severe acts of violence as well as to identify predictors for severe violence. Sample was constituted by 50 men convicted for marital homicide or attempted homicide and 137 men convicted for domestic violence.

RESULTS show that although both perpetrators of severe and less severe violence share some characteristics, significant differences were found among them. The use of weapons, separation/break-up, and high socioeconomic status (SES) significantly increased the likelihood of a man to commit severe violence. Prior violence, aggression, and medium SES decreased significantly the probability of an individual to perpetrate severe violence. These findings reinforce the assumption that severe and less severe forms of violence can be discrete phenomena and underscore the importance of conducting accurate risk assessments.

Language: en