Factors Associated with Repeat Incidents of Intimate Partner Violence: A Longitudinal Analysis

Marybeth J. Mattingly, University of Maryland
Laura Dugan, University of Maryland

We examine the factors associated with an intimate partner violence victim’s risk of subsequent assault. In addition to considering her victimization history, we consider a woman’s own responses to previous intimate violence, including whether or not she acted in self-defense or sought police or medical help. We also address how marital and employment changes following previous assault influence the likelihood of later assault by an intimate. Recognizing exposure reduction and retaliation effects as competing predictions, we assess whether women who attempt to reduce their exposure to violence are more or less likely than other victims of partner violence to be re-victimized. We use the 1996-1999 longitudinally linked files of the National Crime Victimization Survey. Our results suggest that self-defense increases the risk of repeat assault while exiting the labor force is protective against repeat assault.