(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Fernández-Montalvo, Javier; López-Goñi, José Javier; Arteaga Olleta, Alfonso; Haro Escribano, Begoña; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Few studies have analyzed the specific characteristics related to uni/bidirectional
intimate partner violence (IPV) in patients with addiction problems. Knowing the specific profiles
of these patients would allow the development of effective tailored interventions.
Objective: This study assessed gender differences in unidirectional and bidirectional IPV among
patients undergoing drug addiction treatment.
Method: We sampled 122 patients (91 male and 31 female) who sought treatment in an addiction
treatment center, and collected cross-sectional self-reported data on violent behaviors (physical,
sexual and psychological violence), sociodemographic factors, distorted thoughts about women
and violence, impulsiveness, and anger.
Results: Ninety-one percent of participants reported experience of IPV (any type and any direction).
Sixty-three percent of participants reported bidirectional violence, which was more common
among women (83.9%) than men (56.1%). Unidirectional (perpetration only) IPV was reported in
28.7% of participants, and it was more common among men (34.1%) than women (12.9%). No one
reported unidirectional (victimization-only) IPV. When only physical and/or sexual violence was
considered, bidirectional violence affected 32.0% of the sample; 23.8% were only victims, and
3.3% were only perpetrators (all of them men). Participants who reported bidirectional violence
had higher scores for impulsiveness, anger, and distorted thoughts.
Conclusions: Bidirectional IPV is commonly reported among patients seeking treatment for
addiction, particularly among women, and should be considered in future research and clinical
practice.
