Exploring the link between intimate partner violence and child maltreatment

Robinson, Laura (2014). Exploring the link between intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis aims to further psychological understanding about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Child Maltreatment (CM) and the overlap in risk factors for both forms of family violence. In order to explore this, a systematic literature review, psychometric critique and empirical study are presented.

Chapter One provides the context for this thesis while Chapter Two provides a systematic review of the current literature regarding risk profiles of perpetrators of concurrent IPV and CM. This review found that perpetrators of concurrent abuse had a higher prevalence of substance abuse, mental health difficulties, convictions for violence outside the family home, childhood victimisation and lower levels of education. Chapter Three provides a critique of the Danger Assessment Revised (Campbell, Webster & Glass, 2009), an IPV risk assessment tool used to assess the risk of Intimate Partner Homicide and IPV in Chapter Four. The empirical research project in Chapter Four investigated how effective, reliable and valid the Multi-agency Joint Screening process and the Barnardo's Multiagency Domestic Violence Risk Identification Threshold Scales (MDVRITS) are in identifying the risk and needs of children who reside in a family where an incident of IPV has been reported to the police. This study found that the Multi-agency Joint Screening process was effective, particularly in relation to the intervention and management of higher risk cases. Recommendations were made regarding the management of lower risk cases as well as more consistent adherence to the MDVRITS scale guidelines. Chapter Five draws the thesis together and outlines research and practice implications of the thesis.

Recommendations are made regarding the adoption of a holistic approach to family violence that views IPV and CM as interactive and dynamic family issues rather than isolated issues.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):