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Trigger Mechanisms in Lethal Counter-Violence by Battered Women  


Author:  Jodi  Kateiva, M.A..; Lee H.  Bowker, Ph.D..


Source: Volume 03, Number 02, Fall 2010 , pp.175-180(6)




Family & Intimate Partner Violence Quarterly

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Abstract: 

Counter-violence is when women fight back against their abusers—and sometimes these encounters become lethal. This article describes the precipitants of lethal counter-violence, including the acceleration of perpetrator attacks that lead to fighting back. Research has not shown significant differences between women who kill their violent partners and those who do not. But the men who are killed are often more severely violent, and have beaten and raped their partners more often. Incidents of lethal violence are often precipitated by a trigger. This article describes some potential triggers to lethal counter-violence, and how they might be used in women’s self-defense claims.

Keywords: 

Affiliations:  1: Humboldt State University; 2: Humboldt State University.

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