Abstract

Objective: This study estimates the prevalence of male abusive behavior reported by men and their female partners and identifies characteristics of abusive men.

Design: Baseline survey from a population based cohort study of general health.

Setting: A rural county in Iowa, USA.

Subjects: 572 men and their cohabitating female partners.

Main outcome measures: Male-to-female physical, emotional, and sexual abuse reported by either partner.

Results: In this cohort, 13.6% of men had performed at least one act of physical abuse and 34.9% emotional abuse. More than 45% of abusive men reported their own behaviors. Alcohol problems, antisocial personality characteristics, depressive symptoms, and financial stress were all positively associated with both physical and emotional abuse, but suicidal thoughts were less likely among abusers.

Conclusion: Identification of common characteristics of abusive men may predict proclivity towards partner violence and barriers to behavior modification.