Is there an intimate partner violence victim´s profile?

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant worldwide problem. Because risk factors vary across different settings and cultures, it is a priority to improve their knowledge so as to formulate better evidence-based policy responses.The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of abused women from a medico-legal and criminological perspective in order to define a victim’s profile. A retrospective analysis of IPV court proceedings with a final judgment was accomplished. Most IPV victims were young adult women, either married or single, with children, living in an urban environment and with a low family income level. The majority had a long-term relationship with their abuser and lived with him at the time of assault and, in many cases, also shared the family home with children or other family members. Taking into account the outcome of the court rulings, five age-dependent profiles of abused women could be highlighted.