Abstract

PIP: This study evaluates gender differences in self-reported motivations for use of violence. It was hypothesized that men would report motivations related to themes of domination and control, while women would report motivations related to self-defense or retaliation. Overall, the findings suggest more differences than similarities in the type of stated motivations of violence given by male and female perpetrators. Moreover, the hypothesis was generally supported. Female perpetrators were more likely than male perpetrators to report using violence to defend them from direct physical attack, escape from direct attack, or retaliate for prior physical and emotional abuse. In contrast, male perpetrators reported violence motivations related primarily to domination and control. These include domination and control, physical control, punishment for unwanted behavior, and imposing of coercive emotional control.