Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: A potentially promising strategy for preventing violence is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT; Linehan, 1993), which has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BDP), who share many of the qualities inherent in domestically violent men (Fruzetti & Levensky, 2000; Waltz, 2002). We have designed a study to examine the following research questions: To what extent does the Dialectical Educational Workshop (DEW) increase anger management skills; increase coping with feelings of anger; increase empathy; lessen the potential for risk of IPV, and lessen the potential for physical acts of IPV. We hypothesize that individuals who receive the DEW will have an increased ability to control feelings and expressions of anger, an increase in the ability to feel empathy toward an intimate partner, and an increase in the ability to cope with feelings of anger. In addition, we contend that individuals who receive the DEW will have a decreased potential for risk of physical violence toward an intimate partner, a decreased potential for acts of physical violence toward an intimate partner, and an increased propensity to seek and receive future treatment. To test our hypotheses, we have designed a randomized trial of an experimental intervention, the DEW, and a control condition, the UNDEW. The sample will consist of males between 18 and fifty of all race and ethnic groups who attend sporting events in Philadelphia. All analyses will be conducted on an intent-to-treat basis.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Although there are just a few researchers who focus on the intimate partner violence among the immigrant population, their studies have surprised the public with their finding that there is much higher occurrence of intimate partner violence among immigrant communities than usually expected, as well as higher underreporting rates (Ho, 1990; Rhee, 1997; Raj and Silverman, 2002). Intimate partner violence against immigrant women is becoming of one of the most serious problems in immigrants’ communities. However, the existing theories of explaining intimate partner violence are either insufficient or inaccurate to explain intimate partner violence among the immigrant communities (Bui and Mroash, 1999; Lee, 2002; Yoshihama, 1999). Generally speaking, most of them neglect the unique effects of immigration per se on immigrants’ living situation. In addition, most studies of the previous research are either based on sample samples of qualitative research and testimonies, or are limited to some homogenous groups. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for understanding the natures and reasons of intimate partner violence among the immigrant families in the United States by analyzing the data of Nature and Scope of Violence against Women 1996-1998.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Divorce mediation is premised on the idea that disputing parties can meaningfully participate in a confidential, collaborative dispute resolution process with a neutral third party, in a less adversarial forum than a courtroom. However, strong arguments have been made against mandating mediation when intimate partner violence (“IPV”) is present. This study used archival court documents to evaluate IPV screening in a large sample of mediated cases. We will present the frequencies and type of abuse reported by gender and the accommodations provided to IPV victims. We will also present the number of and types of cases screened out of mediation.

Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: Current research suggests that the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is similar in urban and rural areas; however, the structure and culture of rural environments may help conceal violence against women and hinder efforts to seek assistance. As part of a larger research project to examine the serious social, psychological, medical, legal and economic costs faced by victims of intimate partner violence and domestic violence, we analyze data provided by law enforcement agencies in 4 rural counties in southeastern North Carolina. With the assistance of tract-level data, we assess the nature and extent of rural IPV. Results of descriptive analyses and directions for future research will also be presented.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: We argue that intimate partner violence (IPV) is better understood by contextualizing why men and women date (motivations) and how these motivations are associated with IPV. Furthermore, by examining gender differences in motivations and their association with IPV, we seek to clarify the gender symmetry debates. We administered a new measure of dating motivation to 205 male and female undergraduates. Factor analysis revealed three factors for dating: personal security or emotional/material gain (security/gain), to explore one’s options (explore), or to find a soul mate/marriage partner (love).
Results indicated no mean difference between genders on the subscales, with the exception of security/gain, where women reported significantly higher means. However, patterns of association among dating motivations and IPV varied between the genders. Men but not women with higher scores on the explore factor were more likely to perpetrate violence suggesting that men who are less committed are more likely to perpetrate violence. In contrast, women but not men with higher scores on the security/gain factor were less likely to perpetrate and receive violence suggesting that women who seek security are more likely to invest in non-violent relationships. These findings do not support the notion of gender symmetry.