Key Risk Factors for IPV, Essay Example

Key risk factors for IPV offending would appear to include, first of all, greater power on the part of one party in a relationship: when one party has much more power than the other, then any abuse that occurs is likely to go unchecked. As Buzawa, Buzawa, and Stark (2012) noted, many male batterers selectively cite the Christian scriptures to legitimate their abuse (p. 67). Although this is not to suggest that conservative adherence to a religious creed is a risk factor per se, the combination of ‘patriarchal’ conservative religious views with other risk factors—such as a disposition or at least proclivity for violence—seems to be very key (p. 67).

Other risk factors seem to include low self-esteem on the part of the IPV offender, as well as a feeling that their power in the relationship is being compromised or threatened in some way. This may result from the victim working outside the home, challenging traditional gender roles (in the case of heterosexual couples where the male is the abuser), and/or from fears of sexual infidelity. Together with the anger issues, poor conflict resolution skills and immature personalities that offenders display, all of this suggests the need to prioritize the safety of the victims and their children. The victims of IPV are especially vulnerable after leaving, and often have very good reason to fear for their children. Accordingly, professional responses should focus on securing their safety