UK: Study: Women ‘more aggressive to partners’.

Women are more likely than men to be controlling and aggressive towards their partners, a study has found. The idea that they are the gentler sex is a myth – at least as far as partners are concerned, according to psychologists. Far from the popular notion of women tending to be victims of “intimate partner violence” (IPV), they were more verbally and physically aggressive to their other halves than men, the findings showed. . . .

Dr Bates, who presented her findings at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology annual meeting in Glasgow, said: “It wasn’t just pushing and shoving. Some people were circling the boxes for things like beating up, kicking, and threatening to use a weapon.

“In terms of high levels of control and aggression, there was no difference between men and women.”

She added: “The stereotypical popular view is still one of dominant control by men. That does occur but research over the last 10 to 15 years has highlighted the fact that women are controlling and aggressive in relationships too.

“A contributing factor could be that in the past women have talked about it more. The feminist movement made violence towards women something we talk about. Now there is more support for men and more of them are feeling comfortable coming forward.”

Earlier: US National Survey: more men than women victims of intimate partner violence.

Related: Unprecedented Domestic Violence Study Affirms Need to Recognize Male Victims.