Categorizing Intimate Partner Violence
Categorizing Intimate Partner Violence
2:36Understanding Different Types of IPV
Categorizing Intimate Partner Violence
For decades, researchers have asked whether men use violence in relationships more often than women, or whether men and women use violence in relationships at equal rates. There are many studies that support each of these claims, but researcher Michael P. Johnson found that the discrepancies in these studies mainly came from the different definitions being used for intimate partner violence.
The Problem:
Some researchers were using intimate partner violence to describe a relationship where one partner had coercive control over the other partner, while other researchers described intimate partner violence as a partner using an abusive behavior at any point in their relationship.
Johnson's Typology
In 2008, Michael P. Johnson introduced what he called "A Typology of Domestic Violence." This typology is widely used to categorize different types of intimate partner violence to better provide resources and support to survivors.
According to Johnson, there are three main types of Intimate Partner Violence:
Note: A fourth type has been identified ("Mutual Violent Resistance") but has not yet been fully researched. For our purposes, and for work in the field, we focus on the original three types that Johnson defined in his work.
The Importance of Context
Why Categorization Matters
Without relationship context from both partners, distinguishing between intimate terrorism and situational couple violence is impossible!
This is a critical insight for professionals like Dr. Patel conducting screenings or Aisha observing workplace dynamics. A single incident doesn't tell the full story—you need to understand the broader pattern.
Gender and Violence
Any individual can choose to abuse their partner. Still, women's violence in a relationship usually takes the form of responsive violence. In contrast, only a small group of women use violence in their relationships to gain coercive control over their partner.
Social Context:
Social norms and institutions also make it more difficult for women to exert coercive control over a male partner. Understanding these dynamics helps us provide appropriate, trauma-informed support.
Why Accurate Terminology Matters
The Importance of Shared Language
People can mean different things when talking about intimate partner violence and domestic violence. It can depend on whether you are talking to:
- A counselor specializing in intimate partner violence
- An emergency shelter volunteer
- A law enforcement officer
- A survivor of abuse
- A person who causes harm
There is no "one size fits all" model or definition of intimate partner violence. The tools developed over decades to describe what is happening in an abusive relationship have been created to share a common language about a complex, changing problem.
Abusive Behavior vs. Abusive Relationship
For example, it is important to be able to differentiate between abusive behavior and abusive relationships.
- Any person may use an isolated abusive behavior. In fact, most of us have when we aren't at our best.
- It is the pattern of behaviors and the power imbalance that makes it an abusive relationship.
Supporting Diverse Experiences
As complex as the topic is, it is made more complex when you factor in the diverse experiences of survivors. Accuracy in terminology matters to each of these groups and can have long-lasting ramifications. Having these tools prepares you to better communicate with survivors and even the advocates with whom you may need to connect them.
Quiz
Question 1 of 3
Johnson's Categories
According to Dr. Michael P. Johnson's typology, which type of IPV involves a pattern of violence combined with a broader pattern of control where one partner dominates the other?