Sexual perpetuation of violence in women refers to cycles where female victims of sexual violence become perpetrators, often in intimate relationships or through intergenerational transmission. Research highlights bidirectional violence in partnerships and the role of trauma in sustaining these patterns. This topic aligns with forensic psychology interests in behavioral threat assessment and victimology.

Key Research Findings

Empirical reviews of over 60 studies show women perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) at rates comparable to or exceeding men in some populations, with emotional abuse most common, followed by physical and sexual acts. Adolescent females often initiate more physical violence in dating relationships, while adult perpetration links to prior victimization experiences. Prevalence varies by methodology, but bidirectional violence—where women both experience and enact IPV—is prevalent.[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih]

Psychological Mechanisms

Trauma from sexual violence, including PTSD, dissociation, and hypervigilance, can lead women to replicate abusive dynamics as coping or control mechanisms. Childhood sexual abuse survivors face heightened risks of later perpetrating or tolerating violence due to intimacy deficits and normalized aggression. Gender norms reinforcing male entitlement exacerbate cycles, as women internalize submissive roles that evolve into retaliatory violence.[oxfam +2]

Societal and Cultural Factors

Harmful beliefs, like women owing sex to partners or needing discipline, perpetuate violence across generations, with 52% of men in some regions endorsing spousal rape myths. Underreporting due to victim-blaming sustains cycles, as unaddressed trauma hinders breaking patterns. Longitudinal data gaps limit understanding developmental trajectories from victim to perpetrator.[thesurvivorstrust +2]

Implications for Thesis Work

Frame a thesis around intergenerational models, using US Secret Service-inspired threat assessment to analyze motives like retaliation or trauma reenactment. Incorporate datasets on female-perpetrated sexual violence predictors, such as those from recent cross-sectional studies. Recommend mixed-methods: quantitative prevalence analysis paired with qualitative victim-perpetrator interviews for criminology depth.[pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih]