Expanding and Validating a Typology of Intimate Partner Violence: Intersections of Violence and Control Within Relationships

Abstract

This research explored an expanded typology of intimate partner violence (IPV), intersecting violent and controlling behaviors of partners. Secondary data were analyzed ( n = 714). Cluster analyses indicated that elements of IPV (control perpetration, control victimization, violence victimization, and violence perpetration) all clustered in high/low patterns, which intersected to form 10 unique categories of IPV. Support for all of Johnson’s categories of IPV was found, but there was also evidence for the three control-related categories: Unidirectional Control, Bidirectional Control, and Control Resistance. This expanded typology can move research, practice, and policies beyond the gender symmetry debate.