Abstract
Typological approaches in research of intimate partner violence against
women (IPVAW) have been discussed on the basis of their validity and
applicability in professional practice; yet, most of the published
studies on offender typologies have informed as limitations the use of
relatively small, non-representative samples. The current study explored
typologies of IPVAW perpetrators in a large-scale representative Spanish
sample (N = 9,731 cases extracted from the Comprehensive
Monitoring System of Gender-Based Violence Cases; VioGén System),
according to classic batterer typologies proposed by Holtzworth-Munroe
and Stuart (1994). To this end, the risk factors measured by the most
extended Spanish police recidivism risk assessment tool
(Valoración Policial del Riesgo; VPR) were used as clustering
variables. Multiple correspondence analyses revealed the appropriateness
of a bi-dimensional model to conceptualize IPVAW offender typologies.
Our four-group solution (i.e., LiLa, HiLa, HiHa, and LiHa) may be
described based on the levels of instability and antisociality of IPVAW
offenders, as objectively measured by VPR5.0 risk
indicators. Statistically significant differences between IPVAW
suggested typologies were found in all indicators, except for the
presence of perpetrators younger than 24 years old and the presence of
bidirectional intimate partner violence, which were equally distributed
across the four groups. HiLa and HiHa individuals shared most risk
indicators related to the aggressor’s psychological instability. On the
other hand, HiHa and LiHa endorsed more antisociality indicators than
statistically expected. Although the four subtypes identified in our
study resembled classic typologies, we propose a new subtype, with high
levels of instability and antisociality (i.e., HiHa), as a more
representative IPVAW offender subtype than the classic LLA subgroup.
This work contributes to existing knowledge of the heterogeneity of
these men, by providing useful typologies that can help inform
prevention and treatment.