A Longitudinal Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence: Risk of Victimization and Reactions to Violence

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

In this paper, we use the 1996-1999 longitudinally linked National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) to explore factors associated with intimate partner victimization and compare victims of intimate partner violence to other violent crime victims considering the odds of self-defensive actions, the likelihood of injury, and chances of seeking help through the police or medical establishments. We pay particular attention to racial and class (education and income) differences. Preliminary findings suggest that intimate partner violence is most heavily concentrated among women age 16-49, women more likely partnered with men than those younger or older. Analyses focus on this age group. Findings reveal that minority women are less likely to report an assault by an intimate than are White women. Lower household income is associated with higher risk of assault. Victims of intimate partner violence are more likely than other victims to sustain an injury and to contact the police following assault.