The role of the socialisation of women in recognising and responding to the earliest warning signs of intimate partner abuse

Rates of reported intimate partner abuse (IPA) have not reduced over the last ten years, despite increased research, policy attention and funding. To inform the development of effective prevention strategies, this study investigated the earliest warning signs of IPA. Interviews were conducted with 13 female victim-survivors of IPA in heterosexual relationships. The participants revealed negative internal reactions to some of their partner's early behaviours, but did not recognise them as signs of abuse. The most salient themes arising from this research were: 1) participants compromised their own reactions to the abusive behaviours; 2) the early stages of the relationship involved controlling behaviours that placed limits on the participants that were dismissive of their beliefs and decisions; and 3) their male partners consistently demonstrated exceptional charm and intense pursuit of the participants. Gender inequity has been identified as the main driver of IPA through men's socialisation. The socialisation of women creates a context that increases the effectiveness of the strategies used by men to control. Primary prevention programmes need to include the narratives of lived experience of IPA and to enhance the ability of women to listen and respond to their own values and needs over those of their partner's.

Automated summary

Despite increased research, policy attention, and funding, reported rates of intimate partner abuse (IPA) have not decreased in the last decade. This study explored the earliest warning signs of IPA to inform the development of effective prevention strategies. Interviews with 13 female victim-survivors in heterosexual relationships revealed negative reactions to their partner's early behaviors but did not recognize them as signs of abuse. The main themes that emerged from the research were: 1) compromised reactions to abusive behaviors, 2) controlling behaviors in the early stages of the relationship that dismissed the participants' beliefs and decisions, and 3) male partners demonstrating exceptional charm and intense pursuit. Gender inequity was identified as the main driver of IPA, and women's socialization created a context that increased the effectiveness of men's control strategies. Primary prevention programs need to include narratives of lived experience of IPA and enhance women's ability to prioritize their own values and needs over their partner's.