Publication year
2016
Citation Title
Intimate partner maltreatment recidivism in U.S. Air Force families
Journal Name
Military Medicine
Journal Volume
181
Issue Number
8
Page Numbers
926-930
DOI
10.7205/MILMED-D-15-00333
Summary
This study examined whether perpetrator characteristics (i.e., gender and age) and characteristics of intimate partner maltreatment incident (i.e., intensity of event) were related to intimate partner maltreatment recidivism. Results indicated that overall, the majority of perpetrators did not reoffend. Of the 17% that did reoffend, males were more likely to reoffend and subsequent incidents were more likely to be severe to moderate if the initial incident was severe to moderate.
Key Findings
After one incident of intimate partner maltreatment, 83% participants identified as perpetrators did not reoffend.
Male perpetrators were 1.45 times more likely to reoffend than their female counterparts.
Participants identified as perpetrators were 21% more likely to reoffend if he or she had not used substances (i.e., illegal substances or alcohol).
Reoffending participants with initial incidents categorized as moderate to severe, were approximately three times more likely to perpetrate subsequent moderate to severe incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV).
Implications for Program Leaders
Enhance education, activities, and curriculum related to coping behaviors and dealing with anger-related symptoms associated with intimate partner maltreatment
Disseminate information regarding resources for support on possible symptoms of intimate partner violence for Service members and families
Engage Service members and their intimate partners in workshops that aim to increase communication and conflict-resolution
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue to support programs for identification and prevention of domestic violence in military families
Encourage collaboration among Department of Defense programs and community-based organizations to support a smooth transition for departing Service members and families
Promote programs that include attention to assisting Service members and their partners in increasing effective communication and conflict resolution skills
Methods
This study used the U.S. Air Force Family Advocacy Program’s (FAP) clinical database as a dataset to examining partner maltreatment incidents.
Dataset included perpetrator and incident characteristics of IPV involving Air Force families.
Data were analyzed to examine if perpetrator and incident characteristics (i.e., gender, age, and incident severity) were associated or related to perpetrators engaging in more repeated incidents of intimate partner violence.
Participants
Participants (n = 26,994) who were identified as IPV perpetrators were mostly male (62%), and were White (55.2%), Black (26.2%), Latino (11%), Asian-American (4%), and Other/Non-disclosed (4%).
Average age of IPV perpetrators was 26.77 years (SD = 6.56) and most (58%) were Active Duty Airmen, of which 56% were enlisted Service members and 2% were officers.
Participants who were identified as victims were mostly female (62%), had an average age of 26.4 years (SD = 6.41), were Active Duty Airmen (enlisted = 55%, officer = 2%), and were White (57%), Black (24%), Latino (10%), Asian-American (5%), or Other/Non-disclosed (4%).
Limitations
Recidivism may have been underrepresented in this sample because incidents examined were only those that met criteria by U.S. Air Force FAP and IPV is commonly underreported, which could influence results generalized to the larger population.
Data were from participants while they are in the U.S. Air force, therefore there isn’t any data on incidents that happen after participants leave the military, which could influence results.
Criteria used by U.S. Air Force FAP in identifying intimate partner maltreatment was not explicitly discussed.
Avenues for Future Research
Examine characteristics of perpetrators to learn how to minimize recidivism of IPV
Analyze other methods of measuring IPV and follow up with Service member when they leave or exit the military
Explore the impact of anger management and other therapeutic interventions on intimate partner recidivism
Focus
Air Force
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Military Component
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that perpetrator characteristics (gender, age, and military status) and incident characteristics (perpetrator substance use and initial incident severity) are associated with intimate partner maltreatment recidivism. This study assessed whether these variables were associated with intimate partner maltreatment recidivism in U.S. Air Force families during a 16-yr period (1997-2013). During the study period, 21% of the intimate partner maltreatment perpetrators in the U.S. Air Force committed more than one incident of maltreatment. In terms of perpetrator characteristics, male perpetrators reoffended more than female perpetrators, younger perpetrators reoffended more than older perpetrators, and active duty perpetrators reoffended more than civilians. Whether a perpetrator was enlisted or an officer was not associated with the likelihood of recidivism. In terms of incident characteristics, substance use (which was mainly alcohol use) during an initial maltreatment incident was associated with recidivism, but the severity of perpetrators’ initial maltreatment incident was not. However, for perpetrators who reoffended, the severity of their initial incident was associated with the severity of subsequent incidents. On the basis of these findings, the need for targeted interventions to reduce intimate partner maltreatment recidivism is discussed.
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