Abused, repressed, and exploited: Exploring typologies of female victims of intimate partner violence, and associations with psychological symptoms, history of violence, and contextual factors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue with pervasive and long-lasting consequences. The diverse manifestations and complex dynamics of IPV can make it challenging for social workers to tailor their care to the individual needs of victims. This study provides insights into how characteristics of violence and contextual factors interrelate in predicting psychological problems in female victims of IPV. The sample consisted of 278 ethnically diverse female victims in a Dutch shelter facility. Intake reports were systematically coded, and victims had filled out the Brief Symptom Inventory during their intake. Latent class analysis revealed three data-driven groups: universally exploited (15.5%), emotionally repressed (39.2%), and reactively physically abused (46.5%). Universally exploited women reported more psychological symptoms than the reactive physical abuse group, especially when they did not have an income. The reactively physically abused group more often reported financial debts. Our results expand existing knowledge on differences in dynamics for shelter-seeking victims of IPV. Additionally, our findings may provide some direction to help social workers to identify victims most in need of psychological support and to provide more individually tailored care for them.Intimate partner violence is a prevalent societal problem with far-reaching consequences for its victims. In this study, we looked at the characteristics of women living in shelters because of intimate partner violence. Based on the violence they had experienced, we could identify three main groups: 1. universally exploited, 2. emotionally repressed, and 3. reactively physically abused women. Women who were universally exploited experienced the most serious psychological problems-especially when they had no income. Women who were reactively physically abused more often had financial debts. Understanding these differences can help social workers provide more tailored support and resources to the specific needs of these vulnerable women.