Exploring Therapists' Perspectives on Acute Dynamic Risk Factors in Intimate Partner Violence by Family-Only Perpetrators: A Qualitative Study

Purpose Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common problem with severe consequences for perpetrators, their families, and society. IPV perpetrators are a heterogeneous group of which family-only (FO) perpetrators constitute the largest subgroup. Previous research suggests that FO perpetrators have a different risk profile than other subgroups, implying that they may require different treatment programs. Most studies have focused on static and stable risk factors; however, acute dynamic risk factors (ADRFs) - i.e., factors that constitute an immediate risk for offending behavior and can rapidly change over hours, days, or weeks - help to explain offending behavior. This study explored ADRFs for FO perpetration according to therapists to improve our understanding of FO perpetration, which could help in intervention planning for this group. Methods Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with therapists in a community setting. Each interview included one FO case. Data were analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results ADRFs were categorized into personal and situational factors. Six ADRFs for FO perpetration were identified: mental exhaustion, perceived cheating/abandonment, psychological hurt, uncertainty, feelings of inadequacy, and intoxication. According to therapists, the dyadic relationship between the perpetrator and their partner plays an important role. Additionally, ADRFs were found to be often interconnected with each other and with static and stable risk factors. Conclusions This exploratory study revealed which types of ADRFs might play a role in FO perpetration. Future research should focus on the interrelationships between ADRFs and their relation to static and stable dynamic risk factors.