Adult intimate partner violence perpetrators are significantly more likely to have witnessed intimate partner violence as a child than nonperpetrators.
BACKGROUND
In a previous study, no association was found between intimate partner violence (IPV) victims and being an adult who witnessed IPV as a child (ACW).


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to determine whether perpetrators of IPV (Perps) could be identified in a busy emergency department (ED) and whether Perps were more likely than non-Perps to be ACWs. The hypothesis was that Perps differed significantly from non-Perps in being ACWs, in being victims of IPV, and in demographics.


METHODS
The design was a cross-sectional cohort of patients presenting to an academic ED during randomized 4-hour shifts. A choice of computer touch screen data vs paper format was offered. Data collected included demographics as well as scales to determine whether subjects were a Perp, victim, and/or ACW of IPV. Six validated scales were used to screen and confirm victims, Perps, and ACWs. Predictor variables were ACW, ongoing IPV, and demographics.


RESULTS
Two hundred thirty-six subjects were entered, 207 had complete data sets. Forty-four (19%) were Perps. By univariate analysis, there was a significant correlation of Perps and ACW (P = .001 by single question) and between Perp and being victims (P = .001). No other univariate variables were significantly correlated. By regression analysis, significant predictors of Perp included ACW and spouse drug abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
The Perps were identified in a busy ED setting. Perps were significantly more likely than non-Perps to be ACWs, but not more likely to be victims. Spouse drug abuse and ACW were the 2 significant predictors of Perp.
Ernst
Amy A
AA
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 95817, USA. aernst56@aol.com
Weiss
Steven J
SJ
Hall
Jennifer
J
Clark
Ross
R
Coffman
Brittany
B
Goldstein
Larry
L
Hobley
Kenlyn
K
Dettmer
Todd
T
Lehrman
Craig
C
Merhege
Melissa
M
Corum
Bernadette
B
Rihani
Tuhama
T
Valdez
Melissa
M
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis