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Behavioral Sciences
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Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
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Intimate Partner Violence Against Women

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 8944

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Enrique Bonilla Algovia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Departament of Economic (Sociology), Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
2. Departament of health and education science, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid, 28400 Collado Villalba, Spain
Interests: violence against women; gender-based violence; sexism and romantic love
Dr. Concepción Carrasco Carpio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departament of Economic (Sociology), Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
Interests: violence against women; gender-based violence; sexism and migration

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Violence against women (VAW) is a public health problem that violates the human rights of women, girls, and adolescents, regardless of their origin, social class, religion, level of education, etc. Eradicating VAW remains a global challenge. This challenge has been placed on the public agenda of most countries and has become one of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). The most common form of VAW is violence perpetrated by intimate partners, known as intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). This Special Issue focuses on this type of violence, which affects one in three women worldwide, according to the WHO. What can you contribute from your scientific field to the study and prevention of IPVAW? This Special Issue collects theoretical and/or empirical papers on the following topics: state of the art of IPVAW, IPVAW acceptance beliefs, intimate partner abuse, vicarious violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and cyberviolence.

Prof. Dr. Enrique Bonilla Algovia
Dr. Concepción Carrasco Carpio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • violence against women
  • intimate partner violence against women
  • acceptance beliefs
  • intimate partner sexual violence
  • cyberviolence

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 979 KiB  
Article
The Dark Side of Boys’ Compliments to Girls: Exploring Their Relationship with Sexism and Cyberviolence Towards Intimate Partners
by Yolanda Rodríguez-Castro, Rosana Martínez-Román and María Lameiras-Fernández
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050572 - 24 Apr 2025
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency with which boys “compliment” girls, know their perceptions about whether girls like compliments, and discen whether they believe that society expects them to make such comments. The relationship of such compliments with the [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency with which boys “compliment” girls, know their perceptions about whether girls like compliments, and discen whether they believe that society expects them to make such comments. The relationship of such compliments with the level of ambivalent sexism and cyberviolence towards the partner was also evaluated. A total of 498 adolescent boys participated in this study, with a mean age of 16.01 years (SD = 1.02), recruited with the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) system. The main results obtained show that younger boys more frequently emit objectifying messages about women’s bodies than older boys. They believe these comments positively impact girls, thinking they are appreciated. These boys, especially younger boys, show higher levels of hostile and benevolent sexism and perform more cyberviolence towards their partners. Boys’ level of partner cybercontrol predicts the emission of comments about women’s bodies, especially in boys with a high level of hostile sexism. Therefore, to prevent sexual harassment, gender-based cyberviolence, and sexism, it is crucial for the educational system to promote comprehensive sex education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
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14 pages, 1663 KiB  
Article
Adaptation of an Emotional Stroop Test for Screening of PTSD Related to Intimate Partner Violence in Spanish-Speaking Women
by Sarai Mata-Gil, Luz M. Fernández-Mateos, Antonio Sánchez-Cabaco, Jerónimo Del Moral-Martínez and Eduardo Castillo-Riedel
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030343 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
Cognitive assessment instruments with emotional components may be useful to address the limitations of the self-report scales commonly used to assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women victims of domestic violence (IPV). The aim of this study was to develop an Emotional Stroop [...] Read more.
Cognitive assessment instruments with emotional components may be useful to address the limitations of the self-report scales commonly used to assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women victims of domestic violence (IPV). The aim of this study was to develop an Emotional Stroop task designed to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Spanish-speaking women. The validation of this test involved a comparative analysis between two groups: a clinical group (n = 50) and a non-clinical group (n = 50) of women with an average age of 38.38 (SD = 12.31; 100% female participants). The study indicates that the clinical group scored significantly higher on the PTSD Symptom Severity Scale (EGS) and lower on the three Stroop tasks compared to the non-clinical group. Notably, there was a significant negative correlation between the results of the modified Stroop tasks and the EGS test. The results show that our adapted Stroop task serves as an efficacious tool for detecting PTSD related to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Spanish-speaking women. Moreover, it has the potential to alleviate the constraints of presently available tools designed for this specific purpose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
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11 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Design and Validation of the Gender-Based Violence Stereotypical Beliefs Scale
by Enrique Bonilla-Algovia, Andreea Gabriela Pana and Concepción Carrasco Carpio
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111093 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1230
Abstract
Gender-based violence is a public health issue influenced by culture and social values, which is why its comprehensive prevention requires addressing distorted beliefs and legitimising myths present in society. The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to design and validate [...] Read more.
Gender-based violence is a public health issue influenced by culture and social values, which is why its comprehensive prevention requires addressing distorted beliefs and legitimising myths present in society. The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to design and validate the Gender-Based Violence Stereotypical Beliefs Scale (GBVSBS), and, on the other, to analyse the differences between men and women regarding these beliefs. The sample consisted of 404 university students from the Community of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), aged between 18 and 53 years. This study is based on a quantitative methodology and a cross-sectional design. The judgement of four specialists in the field supported the content validity of the items. Factorial analyses provided evidence for a two-factor model: myths about male perpetrators and myths about gender-based violence and female victims. The fit indices and reliability coefficients were adequate. Stereotypical beliefs about gender-based violence correlated with victim-blaming attitudes, and different levels of acceptance were found depending on gender. In conclusion, this study offers a valid and reliable instrument with which to analyse the sociocultural beliefs surrounding gender-based violence today, promoting the implementation of socio-educational interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
15 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Do Boys Empathize Less than Girls? Exploring the Links Among Empathy, Gender and Sexist Attitudes in Adolescents
by Magaly Luisina García-Senlle, Manuel Martín-Fernández, Raquel Conchell, Sara Arrojo and Marisol Lila
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111065 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1337
Abstract
(1) Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive issue, particularly among adolescents. Its prevalence is still high despite intervention efforts, especially for younger generations. Empathy and sexism are factors linked with IPV that have shown gender differences. This study focuses on how [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive issue, particularly among adolescents. Its prevalence is still high despite intervention efforts, especially for younger generations. Empathy and sexism are factors linked with IPV that have shown gender differences. This study focuses on how gender moderates the association of empathy and sexist attitudes among adolescents in Spain; (2) Methods: A two-stage stratified cluster sampling method for collecting data from 516 adolescents (219 boys, 297 girls) aged 12–18 years was used. Participants completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Hierarchical multiple regression analyzed the moderating role of gender in the relation between empathy and ambivalent sexism; (3) Results: Boys exhibited higher sexism levels than girls. Perspective taking negatively predicted hostile sexism. Empathic concern positively predicted hostile and benevolent sexism. Significant gender-specific patterns emerged: more empathic concern was linked with increased hostile sexism in boys; higher perspective taking was linked with increased benevolent sexism in boys, but was lower in girls; (4) Conclusions: There is a complex interplay among empathy, gender, and sexism, suggesting that IPV prevention programs should be tailored differently for boys and girls by considering broader socio-political contexts, addressing traditional gender norms, and promoting gender equality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
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18 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Association Between Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Women’s Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018
by Ashim Kumar Nandi, Bijoya Sarkar, Md. Nazmul Huda, Navira Chandio, Kh. Shafiur Rahaman and Amit Arora
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111012 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478
Abstract
Many women justify intimate partner violence (IPV), resulting in adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between household ownership of information and communication technologies (ICTs), along with the frequency of listening to the radio and watching television with women’s attitudes towards IPV [...] Read more.
Many women justify intimate partner violence (IPV), resulting in adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between household ownership of information and communication technologies (ICTs), along with the frequency of listening to the radio and watching television with women’s attitudes towards IPV in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional study analyzed a weighted sample of 20,032 women and used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association between predictor variables and outcome variables. The results showed that 19.47% of women justified wife beating for at least one reason. We found that household ownership of computers (AOR = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.57, 0.95]), women in households with three ICTs (AOR = 0.67 [95% CI = 0.47, 0.96]), and women who watched television at least once a week (AOR = 0.85 [95% CI = 0.74, 0.97]) were associated with decreased odds of justifying wife beating for at least one reason after adjustment for the frequency of reading newspaper or magazine, age, wealth, education, religion, and type of place of residence. The study suggests that not all ICTs affect women’s attitudes toward IPV equally. Computers and television were more influential than other ICTs. This finding suggests that awareness-building and educational programs targeted towards women via computer and television may deliver better outcomes about gender norms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
15 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Distress, Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Life Satisfaction in Colombian Women
by Janneth E. Molina and M. Pilar Matud
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14100940 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1411
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a major global public health and human rights issue, with significant consequences for women’s health and well-being. This study aimed to determine the relevance of IPV on women’s mental distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and life satisfaction, [...] Read more.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a major global public health and human rights issue, with significant consequences for women’s health and well-being. This study aimed to determine the relevance of IPV on women’s mental distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and life satisfaction, and to examine whether age, education, socioeconomic status, social support and self-esteem are associated with mental health and well-being. The sample consisted of 255 women aged 18 to 71 living in Colombia who were assessed using six self-reported questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that more IPV was associated with women’s increased mental distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and decreased life satisfaction. Although self-esteem and, to a lesser extent, social support were important predictors of women’s mental distress and well-being, psychological IPV was the main predictor of women’s post-traumatic stress symptoms, followed by lower self-esteem and younger age. The most important predictor of women’s mental distress was lower self-esteem, followed by more psychological IPV and lower social support. The main predictor of women’s life satisfaction was high self-esteem, followed by high social support, less psychological IPV and higher age and education. It is concluded that IPV, especially psychological IPV, is a serious threat to women’s mental health and well-being, while high self-esteem and, to a lesser extent, high social support are associated with better mental health and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
14 pages, 793 KiB  
Article
Do Attitudes towards Gender Equality Influence the Internalization of Ambivalent Sexism in Adolescence?
by Enrique Bonilla-Algovia, Concepción Carrasco Carpio and Rafael García-Pérez
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090805 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1820
Abstract
Sexism during adolescence may hinder the attainment of gender equality and the eradication of violence against women. The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between an individual’s view on gender equality and the internalization of ambivalent sexism, as well as [...] Read more.
Sexism during adolescence may hinder the attainment of gender equality and the eradication of violence against women. The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between an individual’s view on gender equality and the internalization of ambivalent sexism, as well as to study the impact of different types of egalitarian attitudes (sociocultural, relational, and personal) on the levels of hostile and benevolent sexism among the adolescent population. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed in this research. The sample group consisted of 1840 students (50.1% female and 49.9% male) in Compulsory Secondary Education in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. The results show that adolescents who endorse pro-gender-inequality attitudes exhibit greater levels of hostile and benevolent sexism than their counterparts. Conversely, adolescents adopting pro-equality attitudes leads to lower levels of ambivalent sexism. In both male and female adolescents, egalitarian attitudes at the sociocultural, relational, and individual levels have a negative impact on the internalization of sexism. It is therefore crucial for both schools and families to prioritize the instruction of egalitarian values from early childhood, as this will aid in advancing a fairer and more equal society whilst eradicating sexist biases and violence against women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence Against Women)
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