Power in intimate relationships and domestic violence

Power is defined as the ability to affect and control, both consciously and unconsciously, the emotions, attitudes, cognitions, or behavior of someone else, in order to carry out his or her own will, even in the face of resistance by others.

Theorists have claimed that resources and authority are the bases of power in intimate relationships. In an intimate relationship, the reciprocal interactions and perceptions mutually and simultaneously influence the power balance. The degree of each of the domains can vary in terms of different areas of a relationship. Due to the variation, imbalance of power may emerge and further cause conflict and violence. In power-discrepant relationships, aggression is more likely to be initiated by men than women, especially for men who feel that they should command dyadic power and feel frustrated by their inability to command such power. They may regain some power through the use of physical dominance to compensate for their lack of the sense of control.

Theoretically, some research studies have identified a correlation between a high need of power and domestic violence. In the present presentation, different theoretical rationales, concepts and models associate with power and control will be employed and integrated to demonstrate how power is emerged, processed and exercised in intimate relationships and domestic violence. Only can we comprehend the influence of power in relationships, then we could be able to further develop proper and efficient interventions to prevent domestic violence and promote women's well-being and family health.