Gender differences in self-reports of intimate partner violence: A review

Past studies on intimate partner violence (IPV) have revealed mixed findings about its prevalence across gender. Some support gender symmetry in IPV, such that men and women are equally likely to perpetrate IPV; others show evidence of gender asymmetry, such that men are far more likely to be perpetrators in a violent intimate relationship. This paper reviews the literature on gender symmetry in IPV. Explanations have been suggested for the discrepancy in past findings, including gender differences in reporting styles. Most studies have pointed to a possibility of under-reporting in both men's and women's self-reports of IPV, although the patterns of under-reporting vary. Factors affecting the reporting patterns across gender, the limitations of existing studies and suggestions for future research on gender differences in IPV reporting are also discussed.

Research highlights
► There have been mixed findings on the gender issue of the prevalence of IPV.
► Past findings may be affected by the difference in reporting styles across gender.
► Both men and women tend to underreport IPV.
► Interspousal agreement studies with matched-couple data are recommended.