Domestic abuse perpetration and mental health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of psychiatric disorders and perpetration of partner violence - Oram et al., 2013

The systematic review and meta-analysis analysed 17 studies encompassing 72,585 participants to investigates the association between psychiatric disorders and the perpetration of partner violence. The study found that individuals with certain psychiatric disorders, such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, are at increased risk of engaging in physical violence towards a partner. These results underscore the importance of integrating mental health assessments and interventions into strategies aimed at preventing partner violence.

​​​Published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. Read the full report click here.

Mental disorders and intimate partner violence perpetrated by men towards women: A Swedish population-based longitudinal study - Yu et al., 2019

This study analysed data from a large Swedish cohort to investigate the association between various mental disorders and the perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. The findings indicate that most of the studied mental disorders are associated with an increased risk of perpetrating IPV towards women, with substance use disorders, as principal or comorbid diagnoses, having the highest absolute and relative risks. The study emphasises the importance of integrating IPV risk assessment and prevention strategies into the treatment plans for men diagnosed with mental disorders, particularly those with substance use disorders.

​​​Published in PLoS Med. Read the full report click here.

The interplay between substance use and intimate partner violence perpetration: A meta-ethnography - ​Gilchrist et al., 2018

This study explores the complex relationship between substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) through a qualitative synthesis of 26 studies. Analysing the perspectives of 363 female survivors and 219 male perpetrators, the research identifies six key themes: the role of intoxication, withdrawal, addiction, relationship dynamics, power and control, and psychological vulnerabilities in IPV perpetration. While perpetrators often attribute their actions to intoxication or withdrawal, survivors emphasise a broader pattern of coercion and control. The findings suggest that interventions addressing IPV should integrate substance use treatment, trauma-informed approaches, and a deeper understanding of the divergent narratives of survivors and perpetrators.

​​​​Published in International Journal of Drug Policy. Read the full report click here.

Intimate partner violence perpetration and mental health service use in England: analysis of nationally representative survey data - Bhavsar et al., 2023

The study examined the association between self-reported lifetime intimate partner violence perpetration (IPVP) and mental health service utilisation. Analysing data from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, the researchers found that approximately 8% of both men and women reported life time IPVP. These individuals were nearly three times more likely to have engaged with mental health services in the past year compared to non-perpetrators. This association persisted even after adjusting for factors such as intimate partner violence victimisation and other life adversities. The findings highlight the importance of integrating IPVP identification and assessment within mental health services to enhance population health outcomes.

​​​​​Published in BJPsych Open. Read the full report click here.

Mental ill health and factors associated with men's use of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe - Machisa & Shamu, 2018

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among 2,838 men in heterosexual relationships. Findings revealed that 41% of participants reported lifetime IPV perpetration, with 8.8% reporting incidents in the past 12 months. Factors associated with lifetime IPV perpetration included a history of child abuse, binge drinking, depressive symptoms, and inequitable gender attitudes. Recent IPV perpetration was linked to binge drinking, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and lower sexual relationship power. The study underscores the need for interventions targeting gender inequality, mental health issues, and alcohol consumption to effectively reduce IPV in Zimbabwe. 

​​​​​​Published in BMC Public Health. Read the full report click here.

Sructural pathways between child abuse, poor mental health outcomes and male-perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV) - Machisa, Christofides, & Jewkes, 2016

This study explores how childhood trauma influences IPV perpetration among men in South Africa. Using data from 416 adult men in Gauteng Province, the study found that childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect) was strongly associated with PTSD, depression, and alcohol misuse, which in turn increased the likelihood of IPV perpetration. Structural equation modeling revealed both direct and indirect pathways linking child abuse to IPV, with PTSD and trauma exposure acting as key mediators. The study underscore the need for mental health-informed IPV prevention strategies, emphasising the role of trauma treatment and gender-equitable attitudes in breaking the cycle of violence.

​​​​​​Published in PLoS One. Read the full report click here.