7 Warning signs for potential DV
Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Here’s some breaking research about how a couple might acquire a penchant for domestic violence.
In this post, I’ll discuss 7 specific warning signs.
In other words, the more likely you are to experience these 7 signs, the more likely domestic violence becomes.
One caveat: your mileage may vary. However, this data is interesting…
The first things the researchers emphasized is when a human is behaving in an arrogant and entitled fashion is one of the flapping red flags for intimate partner violence.
Other warning signs include the resistance to hearing the word ‘no’ to something ardently desired, as well as the habit of creating uncomfortable circumstances in public.
The more often warning signs like these are seen, the more likely intimate partner violence becomes.
However, the researchers were keen to mention that the occasional flash of a few of these warnings isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.
Dr Nicolyn Charlot, the study’s first author, described the significance of these 7 red flags:
“Although future research is required to fully understand the associations between warning signs and abuse, these red flags could eventually be used in interventions to help people learn how to avoid abusive relationships or support loved ones who may be at risk for abuse.”
How the study was conducted
The researchers surveyed around 500 people in total and found that seven warning signs predicted intimate partner violence:
The 7 signs:
My partner acted arrogant or entitled.
My partner and I disagreed about something sexual.
My partner and I had sex, even though I was not in the mood.
My partner created an uncomfortable situation in public.
My partner disregarded my reasoning or logic because it did not agree with theirs.
My partner reacted negatively when I said no to something they wanted.
My partner resented being questioned about how they treated me.
Although these warning signs were deemed predictive, it does not necessarily mean that they reliably signal violence that will commence.
A lack of these 7 signs does not preclude violence either.
Dr. Charlot discussed the utility of her research:
“While this research is meant to help educate potential victims of abuse and those around them, that does not in any way mean that people who experience violence are responsible for their abuse.
Similarly, if a person notices warning signs in someone else’s relationship, that does not mean they are responsible for any abuse that may occur.”
The researchers hope that these 7 specific warning signs will be further tested in future research and discover the best interventions for our community of practice for dealing with these troubled humans.
Dr. Charlot invited follow-up on her findings:
“We hope that other researchers will seek to replicate our findings in different populations and eventually integrate robust warning signs into violence prevention programming.”
Domestic violence hotlines:
For my readers in the United States, here are 2 suggested helplines:
National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN). Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Wikipedia also has a list of some domestic violence hotlines around the world.
Be well, stay kind and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Charlot, N., Joel, S., & Campbell, L. (2023). The Predictive Validity of Intimate Partner Violence Warning Signs. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506231209076
