A conceptual framework: Towards an understanding of women's use of intimate partner violence prevention strategies

Background:  Numerous theoretical frameworks, including feminist and social learning theory, have been used to explain intimate partner violence (IPV).  Theory testing has resulted in either the lack of or in contradictory empirical evidence, thus restricting the explanatory power and usefulness of these theories in addressing IPV.  Research indicates IPV is multifaceted in nature, requiring a comprehensive, integrative approach to conceptualization.  Few comprehensive, integrative, and contextual theoretical or conceptual frameworks address the understudied area of women’s use of IPV prevention strategies.  The purpose of this presentation is to describe an analytical literature review and theoretical and evidence-based conceptual framework that addresses women’s use of IPV prevention strategies.

Methods:  The conceptual framework was developed based on extant studies (including the author’s IPV research), analytic literature, and existing IPV related theories.  Core concepts of the framework are:  coercive power (most frequently encountered type of IPV), relationship power (ability to effectively initiate a particular action even against a partner’s wishes), self-efficacy (ability to effectively initiate a particular action with corresponding belief the action will lead to the desired goal), women’s strategies for IPV prevention (resistance, placating, legal, safety planning, informal networks, formal networks), and ecological theory (human behavior shaped by multi-levels of influence).

 Results: As this conceptualization requires theoretical testing, pilot testing is currently in progress.

Conclusions:   The proposed framework has the potential to enhance IPV prevention and treatment programs.  IPV prevention programs could assist women in decreasing their risk of IPV victimization and treatment programs could tailor interventions to target specific skill deficits.