Military/Civilian Risk Markers for Physical Intimate Partner Violence: A Meta-Analysis

Violence Vict. 2016;31(5):787-818. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-15-00032. Epub 2016 Aug 12.

Abstract

This meta-analysis compared risk markers for perpetration of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) among military and civilian males. We also examined strength of risk markers among male and female service members. In total, 36 military studies and 334 civilian studies, which reported 883 effect sizes, were included in the analyses. Results revealed more similarities than differences in risk markers for IPV among military and civilian males and among military males and females. Of the risk markers examined, relationship satisfaction and alcohol problems were significantly stronger risk markers for IPV among civilian males compared to military males. Perpetrating emotional abuse was a significantly stronger risk marker for IPV perpetration among military females compared to military males. Recommendations for IPV prevention and intervention are discussed.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Military Personnel / psychology
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Report*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States