The role of the socialisation of women in recognising and responding to the earliest warning signs of intimate partner abuse

Rates of reported intimate partner abuse (IPA) have not reduced over the last ten years, despite increased research, policy attention and funding. To inform the development of effective prevention strategies, this study investigated the earliest warning signs of IPA. Interviews were conducted with 13 female victim-survivors of IPA in heterosexual relationships. The participants revealed negative internal reactions to some of their partner’s early behaviours, but did not recognise them as signs of abuse. The most salient themes arising from this research were: 1) participants compromised their own reactions to the abusive behaviours; 2) the early stages of the relationship involved controlling behaviours that placed limits on the participants that were dismissive of their beliefs and decisions; and 3) their male partners consistently demonstrated exceptional charm and intense pursuit of the participants. Gender inequity has been identified as the main driver of IPA through men’s socialisation. The socialisation of women creates a context that increases the effectiveness of the strategies used by men to control. Primary prevention programmes need to include the narratives of lived experience of IPA and to enhance the ability of women to listen and respond to their own values and needs over those of their partner’s.