Intimate Terrorism and Common Couple Violence

This study sought to both replicate and considerably extend the findings of Johnson (1999) that there are two distinct subgroups of physical aggression within relationships: intimate terrorism and common couple violence. The present sample consisted of women residing at Women's Aid shelters and their partners (N=86), male and female students (N=208), men attending male treatment programs for domestic violence and their partners (N=8), and male prisoners and their partners (N=192). Respondents completed measures on physical aggression, injuries sustained, escalation of physical aggression, and controlling behaviors. Cluster analysis was employed to categorize relationships as either intimate terrorism or common couple violence. Frequency analysis showed broad support for Johnson's findings.