Intimate Partner Violence

Mason researcher Denise Hines receives $1 million grant to study male victims of intimate partner violence

Mary Cunningham — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:44:35 +0000

Mason researcher Denise Hines receives $1 million grant to study male victims of intimate partner violence Mary Cunningham Tue, 04/02/2024 - 19:44

Denise Hines seeks to reduce stereotypes and bias of men from racial and ethnic minority communities who experience intimate partner violence

Denise HInes. Photo provided

Intimate partner violence (IPV) research and support are most often focused on abuse against women; however, men also experience this form of violence. The research that does exist on men’s victimization mostly focuses on White men despite men of all racial and ethnic backgrounds experiencing IPV.

A leading expert in under-recognized victims of violence, ��AV researcher Denise Hines, PhD, will lead a new project to study male victims of IPV, with a focus on men from racial and ethnic minority communities, specifically African American and Latino. She received an anonymous $1 million grant for the project after the donor read her tip sheet about men who experience IPV.

^{This research will dispel a lot of stereotypes and racial biases that Black and Latino men who experience domestic violence face above and beyond what White men face. We want to make sure they don’t feel lost or alone. We hope to learn how we can make Black and Latino men feel comfortable coming forward and knowing there are people who will help them get what they need,” said Hines, an associate professor of social work at Mason's College of Public Health.}

The four-phase study titled “Understanding male IPV in racial and ethnic minority communities,” will have 300 White males, 300 Black males, and 600 Latino males from both immigrant and non-immigrant communities within the U.S participate. As part of the study, participants will complete a survey with questions about their abuse experiences, barriers to seeking help, experiences when help was sought, and how things like trauma, mental health issues, and racism affected those experiences.

In phase II of the study, researchers will interview Black and Latino IPV victims to discuss their abuse experiences as they relate to their race/ethnicity/immigration status and how marginalization and stereotypes contribute to their struggles with identifying abuse and seeking and receiving help.

The team will also survey IPV support providers including mental health professionals, medical professionals, social service providers, lawyers, judges, and police officers regarding their attitudes towards male IPV victims versus female IPV victims. The final phase will be interviews with experts from a variety of professions on male IPV victims that along with survey results will form the basis of a best practices white paper.

Hines’ research team includes Emily Douglas, PhD, from Montclair State University, who has worked with Hines on most of her male IPV projects over the past 20 years; Chiara Sabina, PhD, from Rutgers University, who is an expert on IPV in the Latinx community; and Kerry Lee, PhD, from Bryn Mawr College, who is an expert on IPV in the African American/Black community. A doctoral student and a master’s student will assist with the project.

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

��AV Receives $4.85 Million Gift to Increase Intimate Partner Violence Detection and Reporting

mthomp7 — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:32:37 +0000

��AV Receives $4.85 Million Gift to Increase Intimate Partner Violence Detection and Reporting mthomp7 Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:32

In This Story

Katherine Scafide, PhD, RN, FAAN

Janusz Wojtusiak, PhD

David Lattanzi

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

"By prioritizing inclusivity and recognizing the unique challenges faced by survivors with darker skin tones, Scafide's research aligns seamlessly with our vision to end domestic violence in our lifetime."

Ruth Glenn

President of Survivor Justice Action

Dr. Katherine Scafide discusses Alternate Light Sources (ALS) on NBC Nightly News. Click here to view.

Learn More About the Study

��AV Receives $4.85 Million Gift to Increase Intimate Partner Violence Detection and Reporting

FAIRFAX, VA (March 5, 2024) – ��AV today announced an anonymous $4.85 million gift to advance groundbreaking research on bruise and injury detection for individuals who experience interpersonal violence. The funding will help develop new tools in imaging technology using a light source that is five times better than white light for identifying and visualizing bruising across all skin tones for use by forensic nurses, social service providers, and law enforcement.

“This single largest gift to support research in the College of Public Health’s history underscores Mason faculty’s leadership in life-changing work affecting those who experience interpersonal violence,” said Melissa J. Perry, Dean of the College of Public Health. “A gift of this magnitude brings transformative resources to Mason’s cross-disciplinary research and collaborative approach that takes ground-breaking research to new heights with the potential for greater use and impact.”

Mason’s acclaimed interdisciplinary research in using Alternate Light Sources for bruise detection, as featured on NBC Nightly News, is led by Katherine Scafide, David Lattanzi, and Janusz Wojtusiak. The funding will expand the team’s bruise detection system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), imaging and light technologies, forensic reports, and clinical expertise to increase data collection and access to care for trauma victims. The technology can be used across all skin tones and responds to deficits in the identification of physical injuries particularly among people with darker skin tones.

Filmmaker and humanitarian Angelina Jolie examines bruising using alternate light.

"By improving documentation of physical trauma, we hope to address disparities in clinical care which can lead to improved healthcare for all as well as legal recourse for all survivors of violence," said Scafide, forensic nurse, research leader, and Associate Professor of Nursing in Mason’s College of Public Health. “This gift expands Mason’s leadership in developing new technologies to empower vulnerable communities.”

One in 3 women worldwide experience physical trauma at the hands of an intimate partner or stranger. In the United States, over 10 million women and men grapple with intimate partner violence each year. Among domestic violence survivors, bruises and soft tissue trauma are the most reported injuries. When injuries are accurately documented, survivors are more likely to participate in the criminal justice process, according to recent studies on interpersonal violence and reporting. In addition, family and partner violence and elder abuse can lead to a host of other public health issues such as infectious and noninfectious diseases, mental health trauma, and reproductive health problems.

"A vital piece to success is ensuring that any AI tool has access to in-depth data from all skin tones and skin characteristics alongside human expert analysis,” said Lattanzi, associate professor in the Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing.

Supporters working on ending domestic violence commended the announcement.

Ruth Glenn, President of Survivor Justice Action, applauds the groundbreaking work led by Dr. Katherine Scafide at ��AV, harnessing alternate light source (ALS) technology to support and uplift the needs of domestic violence survivors. “In a nation where domestic violence disproportionately impacts communities of color, this innovative research holds immense promise. By prioritizing inclusivity and recognizing the unique challenges faced by survivors with darker skin tones, Scafide's research aligns seamlessly with our vision to end domestic violence in our lifetime. Continued research on this technology not only has the potential to revolutionize the identification of bruising in diverse populations but also signifies a vital step toward justice and empowerment for those who have long been marginalized. Survivor Justice Action stands firmly in support of initiatives that demand systems change and establish resources for survivors and advocates.”

“The Scafide team’s research and findings are revolutionizing medical forensic examinations. The ability for medical professionals to visualize and identify previously ‘invisible’ injury substantively advances quality medical assessment and patient care. Visibility and documentation of trauma/ injury provide valuable forensic corroboration for law enforcement and the courts to hold offenders accountable,” said Ann Burdges, CEO of End Violence Against Women International.

This project is led by Mason’s College of Public Health in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Computing. More information on the study can be found at bruise.gmu.edu.

About ��AV

��AV is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

About the College of Public Health at ��AV

The College of Public Health at ��AV is the first College of Public Health in Virginia combining public health transdisciplinary research, education, and practice in the Commonwealth as a national exemplar. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally recognized programs, including six undergraduate degrees, eight master’s degrees, five doctoral degrees, and six professional certificate programs. The College is comprised of the School of Nursing and the Departments of Global and Community Health, Health Administration and Policy, Nutrition and Food Studies, and Social Work. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan, from the cell structures to the policy decisions. Areas of focus include environmental exposures, pregnancy outcomes, youth risk behavior, interpersonal violence, infectious disease, nutrition, mental and behavioral health, inequality and populations that are marginalized, health informatics, health policy, and novel methods for causal inference. With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community and engages our students through research, practice, and clinical care.

About the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC)

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC enrolled a record high of 10,933 students in fall 2023. The college has 34 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $65 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $119 million in current and anticipated awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Artifical Intelligence

Machine Learning

Press Release

Press Releases

Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)

TTIP

Tech Talent Investment Program

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:42:53 +0000

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence Mary Cunningham Thu, 01/25/2024 - 18:42

In This Story

Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW

Twenty-six percent of women and 15% of men who were victims of intimate partner violence reported that their first experience was before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

��AV researcher Daphne King, EdD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to continue bringing awareness to intimate partner violence in young people.

“As with adult intimate partner violence, many teenagers who experience violence in their dating relationships do not tell anyone,” said King. “It is important to look out for warning signs and check in with anyone you know experiencing any of the signs.”

One in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking and can take place in person or electronically.

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
Isolation from friends and family
Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises

“Even just one of these warning signs indicates a risk of teen dating violence and that you or the person experiencing this needs help. While some of these signs can be associated with issues other than teen dating violence, it’s important to act on red flags like these,” said King.

Parent involvement is a protective factor to safeguard teens against engaging in risky behaviors. Here are a few tips especially for parents:

Talk honestly and openly with your teen about what healthy relationships look like and that violence (verbal, physical, or sexual) has no place in a healthy relationship.
Know and recognize the signs of abuse, as well as the facts of dating violence.
Look for changes in your teen's mood, appearance, or activities; which could be an indication that something is wrong or abuse is happening. This could be things, such as a drop in grades, unexplained bruises, or a change in friends or peer group.

Teen dating violence has a lifelong impact on a person’s health and can be detrimental to a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Violence can lead to antisocial behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and future unhealthy relationships.

There are many resources available if you or someone you know is being abused. Talk to a trusted adult or visit loveisrespect.org or www.thatsnotcool.com for support and help. Additional resource: National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

Dr. Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of ��AV’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African-American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.

To speak to Dr. King, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.

About George Mason
��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more on our homepage.

About the College of Public Health
The College of Public Health at ��AV is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The College offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Areas of focus include prevention and treatment of infectious and chronic diseases, inequalities and marginalized communities, environmental health and climate change, nutrition, violence, mental and behavioral health, informatics, and health technologies. With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community through research, practice, and clinical care with a focus on the social determinants of health and health equity.

The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally-recognized programs, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 8 master’s degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees, and 6 certificate programs. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Awareness of the many forms of intimate partner violence enables action

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 20:26:01 +0000

Awareness of the many forms of intimate partner violence enables action Mary Cunningham Mon, 09/26/2022 - 16:26

In This Story

Karen Trister Grace

Assistant Professor Karen Trister Grace shares eight forms intimate partner violence, sometimes called domestic violence, can take. Some are commonly known and others are less visible.

Nearly 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetimes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). IPV, sometimes called domestic violence, involves romantic partners who may or may not live together, and this violence can take a variety of forms.

Karen Trister Grace, assistant professor in ��AV’s School of Nursing and a Certified Nurse-Midwife

Karen Trister Grace, assistant professor in ��AV’s School of Nursing and a Certified Nurse-Midwife, is an expert on reproductive coercion, a lesser-known form of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Grace wants to increase awareness of different types of IPV.

“There are forms of IPV that may not be perceived as abusive or coercive at first glance. The first step in getting help is identifying behavior as abusive,” said Grace.

The CDC identifies four types of IPV—physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. Physical violence is the most commonly known type of IPV; however, there are lesser known and less visible types of IPV, and IPV can happen in person as well as online.

Types of Intimate Partner Violence

Physical violence – Hurting or trying to hurt a partner with physical force, such as hitting, punching, beating, choking, or kicking.
Sexual violence – Forcing a partner or attempting to force a partner to participate in any sexual act, including non-physical acts such as sexting, without consent.
Stalking – Repeated, unwanted attention and/or contact by a partner that causes concern for one’s safety. This may be via phone, text, mail, or in person.
Psychological (mental/emotional) violence – Verbal or non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another mentally or emotionally to exert control over the other person. This may include intimidation, threats, harassment, gaslighting, criticism, monitoring activities, or preventing a partner from doing things they enjoy or seeing friends or family.
Reproductive coercion – Pressure to become pregnant, sabotaging or blocking access to birth control methods, or controlling the outcome of a pregnancy.
Economic/financial abuse – Controlling a partner’s access to or use of money or economic resources, such as tracking their spending, preventing them from becoming financially independent, disrupting employment or education, and stealing or disposal of assets.
Isolation – Restricting a partner’s movements/activities or whom they socialize with and their ability to access resources.
Technology abuse – Using technology to harass, monitor, or control a partner, such as by text message or on social media, non-consensual image-sharing, or recording a person without their knowledge or consent.

These are not the only forms of IPV. If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone and help is available. Visit thehotline.org or call the National Domestic Violence Support Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text “Start” to 88788 to speak to a trained advocate. Reaching out is the first step to improving your situation.

Dr. Karen Trister Grace is an assistant professor at ��AV in the School of Nursing. Her research interests are in reproductive coercion, pregnancy intention, and health disparities. She is lead editor of the forthcoming third edition of the “Prenatal & Postnatal Care: A Person-Centered Approach” textbook and has published numerous papers on reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence. She has been a practicing midwife for 22 years and has taught in nursing and midwifery education for 15 years.

For media inquiries about Mason’s faculty experts in intimate partner violence, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.

About Mason

��AV, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.

About the College of Health and Human Services

The College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and to shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence, community outreach, and interprofessional clinical practice. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 6 certificate programs. The college is transitioning to a college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Washington Post: Dr. Jhumka Gupta discusses the need for universities to consider how their violence protection programs help or fail to help their international students

eander6 — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:44:01 +0000

Washington Post: Dr. Jhumka Gupta discusses the need for universities to consider how their violence protection programs help or fail to help their international students eander6 Wed, 07/27/2022 - 08:44

In This Story

Jhumka Gupta, ScD

How a university failed a student allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend.

Topics

Intimate Partner Violence

Public Health

public health faculty

CHHS in the Media

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Department of Global and Community Health

College of Health and Human Services Faculty Discuss Public Health Implications of Supreme Court Ruling Limiting Women’s Reproductive Freedom

mthomp7 — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:49:06 +0000

College of Health and Human Services Faculty Discuss Public Health Implications of Supreme Court Ruling Limiting Women’s Reproductive Freedom mthomp7 Fri, 06/24/2022 - 14:49

In This Story

Jhumka Gupta, ScD

Karen Trister Grace

Michelle D. Hand, PhD, MSW, LSW

Anna Pollack, PhD, MPH

Faculty in the College of Health and Human Services share their perspectives on the public health implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24, 2022, decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision protecting a woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion. The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization upheld a Mississippi law that makes abortion illegal after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

To speak with CHHS faculty experts on matters related to public health, please contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

Karen Trister Grace, PhD, MSN, CNM, FACNM, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing

For survivors of intimate partner violence, abortion is a critical strategy for achieving safety and separation from a violent or coercive partner. Abortion is also an essential medical procedure and a key component of public health. Autonomy in reproductive decision-making is a core human right that I will continue to fight to provide for my patients.

Jhumka Gupta, ScD, Associate Professor, Department of Global and Community Health

This decision severely threatens the health of women and all those who can become pregnant. Not everyone will be able to travel out of state for an abortion – and the egregious health impacts will disproportionately impact those who already face the brunt of societal and health injustices, including those with less income, those who are disabled, Black communities and other communities of color, survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault, and immigrant communities. This is essentially violence through policy. Access to safe abortion is a basic public health and human right.

Michelle D. Hand, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work

My concern is that women will remain in domestically violent relationships for an even longer period of time, which would

place both themselves and their children at an increased risk for violence and early death. This decision, surrounding the autonomy of women’s bodies, will likely impact survivors of sexual violence as well, exacerbating pre-existing reasonable responses to trauma. Several women will likely feel that their voices are silenced within our healthcare system, which is already in need of a more trauma-informed, patient-centered approach. As such, we, as healthcare professionals and scholars, will need to explore more trauma-responsive resources, interventions and approaches to healthcare delivery along with further domestic violence prevention and intervention strategies, while advocating for policy change.

Anna Z. Pollack, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health

Abortion is health care. Today's decision will disproportionately impact birthing people of color. The maternal mortality rate is 2-3 times higher for Black birthing people compared to White birthing people. Wealthy people will continue to be able to travel to obtain a safe abortion but poor individuals who lack the means to travel to obtain an abortion will experience adverse birth outcomes, which disproportionately impact communities of color. This decision will lead to increased childhood poverty, in a country that already leads the western world in that metric. Public health depends upon safe and equitable access to abortion.

Topics

Reproductive Health

Intimate Partner Violence

Public Health

CHHS News

Depp-Heard Trial Shines Light on Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence

Mary Cunningham — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:08:40 +0000

Depp-Heard Trial Shines Light on Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence Mary Cunningham Thu, 06/02/2022 - 13:08

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Intimate partner violence expert Denise Hines discusses the prevalence of bidirectional violence and other lesser known facts about intimate partner violence (IPV) in wake of a high-profile defamation trial.

Denise Hines, PhD, is one of the world’s leading experts on intimate partner violence and false allegations of abuse in under-recognized survivor groups, particularly male victims.

With the conclusion of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial in Fairfax, VA, an expert on male victims of domestic violence seeks to further educate the public about intimate partner violence (IPV), especially bidirectional violence. Bidirectional violence is when both partners in a relationship exhibit violent behaviors, though the behaviors may not be equal for both partners.

Denise Hines, associate professor of Social Work at ��AV, located just down the street from where the trial was held, is one of the world’s leading experts on intimate partner violence and false allegations of abuse in under-recognized survivor groups, particularly male victims.

Though Hines is not directly involved in the case nor does she have direct insight into either party’s allegations or their culpability, Hines seeks to increase public understanding of the prevalence of bidirectional violence and other lesser-known facts about IPV.

What information about IPV are people less likely to know or fully understand?

Hines: First, men can be victims. When men are victims, it is harder for them to seek help and receive it when they do ask. This is not to diminish the perspective of female survivors; I want to educate about male survivors, who are much less likely to come forward or seek help.

(Read Dr. Hines previous tip sheet, “Expert Addresses Common Misconceptions About Men Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence,” for more information about this topic.)

Second, there’s a lot more bidirectional abuse than people acknowledge. Bidirectional abuse is when both people in a relationship engage in violence. When this happens, it can take one of two forms: (1) both partners can be equally aggressive; and (2) one partner can be more aggressive than the other, but the other partner is violent, too, primarily in self-defense or retaliation. We do not know the relative prevalence of these two manifestations of bidirectional abuse.

Why is it important to understand bidirectional violence?

In the majority of violent relationships, the violence is bidirectional. That means both partners are engaging in some level of violence or abuse. Most people want to think black-and-white, victim-vs.-perpetrator, without any gray areas. However, in many cases, the relationship is very complex, with bidirectionality of violence being the norm, rather than the exception.

When both partners are violent, the abuse may or may not be equal. In some relationships, you have both partners being equally abusive, and it is difficult to pinpoint the perpetrator and the victim. Each partner is both.

In other relationships, one partner may be the primary aggressor while the other is using violence in self-defense, resistance, or retaliation. Based on misconceptions about IPV, we aren’t always accustomed to thinking about that. If someone is hitting or trying to control them, victims can find it difficult not to retaliate. Someone who is violent as a response to their victimization might not be violent or abusive in another relationship; the violence might be a product of the circumstances they find themselves in. Yet, it is also often the case that the primary aggressor is being and feeling victimized because they, too, are experiencing abuse, just not as much as they are perpetrating.

How prevalent is bidirectional abuse?

Most studies, including recent national IPV studies (i.e., National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey and National Crime Victimization Survey), ask about only victimization and do not assess perpetration of IPV, so we do not have strong current nationally representative data on bidirectionality. The National Family Violence Surveys in 1975 and 1985 did ask about victimization and perpetration, and they found high rates of both partners using violence. Unfortunately, that national study has not been conducted in more than 30 years.

Nonetheless, studies that assess both victimization and perpetration consistently show that in at least half of violent relationships, the abuse is bidirectional. This includes the National Family Violence Surveys, other similar surveys, and smaller sample surveys, of which there are dozens.

A 2012 review study of about 50 studies published since 1990 found that in 57.9% of violent relationships, both partners behave violently.

Is one gender more likely to be the primary aggressor?

There are no gender differences when it comes to bidirectional violence. Men and women are equally likely to be the primary aggressor, if there is one, in a relationship. What we do see is women, much more than men, report the violence against them and seek help.

Why is it important to recognize the prevalence of bidirectional violence?

The Depp-Heard case shows the issue of why it’s important to recognize bidirectional violence. We can’t know whether either party is innocent, and it's possible both engaged in behavior that was aggressive and possibly violent.

It’s important to recognize when both parties are violent so we can have a honest discussion about what these relationships look like and so that people can receive the proper help and/or recovery resources.

If both are violent and you send one to a perpetrator program and one to a victim program, it will not solve the problem. In this situation, the person who goes to a victim program is also abusive and continues to engage in violent behaviors. Even if the person in the perpetrator program benefits from that program, their partner is still being violent, and the strongest predictor of one partner’s violent behavior is the other partner’s violent behavior. Thus, the couple is likely to fall back into the same pattern again. If you’re going to prevent the problem in the future, you have to look at both people’s behavior, what the underlying causes and issues are, and work to help them have healthier ways of behaving, interacting, and resolving conflicts in their intimate relationships.

Again, this does not diminish victims who do not engage in any violence. The intent is to raise awareness that bidirectional violence occurs in more relationships than people realize. In order to fully support people in any IPV situation, we need to understand the whole situation.

How might a high-profile trial focused on IPV be helpful to survivors?

While an unfortunate case on many levels, I hope that this high-profile trial can help bring awareness to intimate partner violence of all kinds and help people realize that abusive relationships are complicated and there is no single profile of a victim or perpetrator.

Denise Hines, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services, at ��AV. She is one of the world’s leading experts on male victims of domestic violence and false allegations against them. Hines’ expertise includes the causes, consequences, and prevention of family violence and sexual assault, with a particular focus on under-recognized victims of violence. As the former director of the Massachusetts Family Impact Seminars, she also has a specialization in translating university-based research for policymakers.

Dr. Hines is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles and two books on issues of family violence, one of which – Family Violence in the United States – was recently released by Sage in its third edition. She and her colleagues are currently working on an international handbook entitled, Handbook of Men’s Victimisation in Intimate Relationships, currently under contract with Taylor and Francis. She has spoken about her work in front of various audiences, including state coalitions against domestic violence, the Massachusetts State legislature, the White House domestic policy staff, staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Canadian Parliament.

About the College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and to shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence, community outreach, and interprofessional clinical practice. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 6 certificate programs. The college is transitioning to a college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit chhs.gmu.edu.

Topics

CHHS

CHHS News

Intimate Partner Violence

Mother Jones: Dr. Denise Hines discusses intimate partner violence in relation to the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial

eander6 — Tue, 31 May 2022 14:22:43 +0000

Mother Jones: Dr. Denise Hines discusses intimate partner violence in relation to the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial eander6 Tue, 05/31/2022 - 10:22

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

And the Winner of the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard Trial Is…Men.

Topics

Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Violence

Social Work

Social Work Faculty

CHHS in the Media

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Department of Social Work

Medical Xpress: Dr. Denise Hines comments on men as victims of domestic abuse

eander6 — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 17:33:04 +0000

Medical Xpress: Dr. Denise Hines comments on men as victims of domestic abuse eander6 Wed, 04/27/2022 - 13:33

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Expert addresses common misconceptions about men who experience intimate partner violence.

Topics

Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Violence

Social Work

Social Work Faculty

CHHS in the Media

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services Department of Social Work

Expert Addresses Common Misconceptions About Men Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence

Mary Cunningham — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 18:12:11 +0000

Expert Addresses Common Misconceptions About Men Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence Mary Cunningham Tue, 04/19/2022 - 14:12

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

With the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial underway in Fairfax, VA, an expert on male victims of domestic violence seeks to address misconceptions about male victims of abuse and the role that false accusations can play in intimate partner violence (IPV). Denise Hines, associate professor of Social Work at ��AV, located just down the street from the trial, is one of the world’s leading experts on intimate partner violence and false allegations of abuse in under-recognized survivor groups.

Though Hines is not directly involved in the case nor does she have direct insight into either party’s allegations or their culpability, Hines sees this as an important opportunity to discuss misconceptions about males as victims of abuse and false allegations of IPV.

How common are false allegations of domestic violence?
Our research shows that threats to make false accusations are common in situations where women perpetrate violence against men. 73% of men who experienced female-perpetrated violence reported that their partner threatened to make false accusations versus less than 3% of males in the general population. Among men who experience female-perpetrated violence, 56% said their female partners actually did make false accusations that he physically or sexually abused her, compared to less than one percent in the general population.

Why would people falsely accuse their partner of domestic violence?
False accusations are a form of domestic violence, another tool in an abuser’s “toolbox.” They are a way for abusers to further manipulate, control, and maintain power over their partners.

Our studies show that women are significantly more likely to use false accusations of domestic violence against their male partners than the other way around. It is likely that a female perpetrator is able to engage in these behaviors because of existing widespread misconceptions in both the public and legal sector that domestic violence is exclusively something that men do to women.

Why is it important to address stereotypes about female-perpetrated domestic violence and false accusations?
There are many accounts in the scholarly literature from men who spent much money, time, and other resources to prove their innocence in a court of law because of restraining orders being filed against them under false accusations of abuse; men who said the police assumed the men were at fault; and men whose wives used domestic violence service agencies to further manipulate the men (e.g., by telling the services they were the victims and then using that against him in further legal battles). Employees of relevant non‐governmental (e.g., domestic violence agencies) and governmental (e.g., family courts) agencies often hold stereotypes that men are always the perpetrators of domestic violence and that women are always the victims, making it difficult for men to seek services.

How do false accusations impact the victim?
Our studies suggest that false accusations can have severe consequences for the victim’s physical and mental health, potentially leading to depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and poor physical health.

They can have other severe consequences as well, such as the victim being arrested for domestic violence, losing custody of their children, losing their job and reputation, and losing time and money as they fight these legal battles for years on end.

(This information is from three separate studies about male victims and criminal justice response, legal and administrative aggression, and the health of male victims.)

Is it possible that both people in a relationship are abusing each other?
Yes, that is certainly possible. One of the strongest predictors of domestic violence by one partner is domestic violence by the other partner, and over half of all violent relationships are characterized by bi-directional violence.

This bi-directional violence can take a few forms. One member of the couple can be the one most responsible for the abuse, but the other partner is also abusive sometimes; both parties can be equally abusive to each other; or one person may just be fighting back or defending themselves. It’s difficult to know in any given situation what is going on because each party may feel abused and victimized, and each party may not recognize or may try to justify their own abusive behavior.

How common is domestic violence victimization?
The most recent domestic violence prevalence data from the U.S. comes from the 2015 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), a national study of 5,758 women and 4,323 men that provides information on victimization from sexual violence, partner physical violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. According to the NISVS:

About 1 in 3 men and women (34% of men, 36% of women) reported lifetime IPV that encompassed any contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking.

In addition, 14.9% of men and 21.4% of women reported lifetime severe physical IPV victimization (e.g., hair-pulling, hit with fists, beating, burning, choking).

When considering the percent of IPV victims by sex, NISVS reports that a substantial portion are men:

For lifetime rates, the NISVS showed that approximately 46% of all IPV victims, which includes any contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking victimization by an intimate partner, were men, while 54% were women (calculated from Smith et al. 2018).
Similarly, approximately 47% of all IPV victims in the past year were men, while 53% were women (calculated from Smith et al. 2018).

What are the key differences in what female vs male victims of domestic violence experience?
Men’s experiences with domestic violence are not that different from women who experience it in terms of mental health, physical, and even sexual abuse. The key difference is around seeking help. Men are less likely to seek help on a broad range of mental and physical health issues. Coupled with society viewing domestic violence as a women’s issue, it is hard for men to identify what’s happening to them as domestic violence. They often think “my partner is mentally ill,” not “I need help.”

Resources for male victims of domestic violence are available here.

Dr. Hines is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles and two books on issues of family violence, one of which – Family Violence in the United States – was recently released by Sage in its third edition. She and her colleagues are currently working on an international handbook entitled, Handbook of Men’s Victimisation in Intimate Relationships, currently under contract with Taylor and Francis. She has spoken about her work in front of various audiences, including state coalitions against domestic violence, the Massachusetts State legislature, the White House domestic policy staff, staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Canadian Parliament.

Media/press may contact Michelle Thompson (mthomp7@gmu.edu).

Topics

CHHS

CHHS Research

Tip Sheet

Intimate Partner Violence

Social Work

Social Work Faculty

Intimate Partner Violence

Mason researcher Denise Hines receives $1 million grant to study male victims of intimate partner violence

Denise Hines seeks to reduce stereotypes and bias of men from racial and ethnic minority communities who experience intimate partner violence

In This Story

Related Stories

Topics

����AV Receives $4.85 Million Gift to Increase Intimate Partner Violence Detection and Reporting

In This Story

Learn More About the Study

Topics

10 Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence

In This Story

Topics

Awareness of the many forms of intimate partner violence enables action

In This Story

Assistant Professor Karen Trister Grace shares eight forms intimate partner violence, sometimes called domestic violence, can take. Some are commonly known and others are less visible.

Topics

Washington Post: Dr. Jhumka Gupta discusses the need for universities to consider how their violence protection programs help or fail to help their international students

In This Story

Topics

College of Health and Human Services Faculty Discuss Public Health Implications of Supreme Court Ruling Limiting Women’s Reproductive Freedom

In This Story

Karen Trister Grace, PhD, MSN, CNM, FACNM, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing

Jhumka Gupta, ScD, Associate Professor, Department of Global and Community Health

Michelle D. Hand, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work

Anna Z. Pollack, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health

Topics

Depp-Heard Trial Shines Light on Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence

In This Story

Intimate partner violence expert Denise Hines discusses the prevalence of bidirectional violence and other lesser known facts about intimate partner violence (IPV) in wake of a high-profile defamation trial.

Topics

Mother Jones: Dr. Denise Hines discusses intimate partner violence in relation to the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial

In This Story

Topics

Medical Xpress: Dr. Denise Hines comments on men as victims of domestic abuse

In This Story

Topics

Expert Addresses Common Misconceptions About Men Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence

In This Story

Topics

��AV Receives $4.85 Million Gift to Increase Intimate Partner Violence Detection and Reporting