University of Tasmania
Browse

The role of the socialisation of women in recognising and responding to the earliest warning signs of intimate partner abuse

journal contribution
posted on 2025-01-23, 05:00 authored by Leanne M Nunn, Romy Winter, Ronald Frey, Nicole AsquithNicole Asquith
Rates of reported intimate partner abuse (IPA) have not reduced over the last ten years, despite increased research, policy attention and funding. To inform the development of effective prevention strategies, this study investigated the earliest warning signs of IPA. Interviews were conducted with 13 female victim-survivors of IPA in heterosexual relationships. The participants revealed negative internal reactions to some of their partner’s early behaviours, but did not recognise them as signs of abuse. The most salient themes arising from this research were: 1) participants compromised their own reactions to the abusive behaviours; 2) the early stages of the relationship involved controlling behaviours that placed limits on the participants that were dismissive of their beliefs and decisions; and 3) their male partners consistently demonstrated exceptional charm and intense pursuit of the participants. Gender inequity has been identified as the main driver of IPA through men’s socialisation. The socialisation of women creates a context that increases the effectiveness of the strategies used by men to control. Primary prevention programmes need to include the narratives of lived experience of IPA and to enhance the ability of women to listen and respond to their own values and needs over those of their partner’s.

History

Sub-type

  • Article

Publication title

JOURNAL OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Volume

8

Issue

1

Pagination

50-68:19

eISSN

2398-6816

ISSN

2398-6808

Department/School

Policing and Emergency Management, Sociology and Criminology

Publisher

BRISTOL UNIV PRESS & POLICY PRESS

Publication status

  • Published

Rights statement

Copyright 2024 Bristol University Press Digital

UN Sustainable Development Goals

5 Gender Equality