The document outlines criteria for identifying the primary aggressor in abusive relationships, highlighting ineffective assessment methods like gender and injury visibility. It emphasizes the complexities surrounding both batterers and survivors, noting that perceptions of abuse can be manipulated and self-blame is common among survivors. Key criteria for determining the primary aggressor include context, intent of violent actions, and the emotional impact on the victim.

1. Determining the Primary Aggressor in Abusive Relationships
Facilitated by
Karen J. Wilson, Ed.D.
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Training Objectives
Examine the criteria that may not be effective in determining
the primary aggressorIdentify possible “red flags” that may help
in assessmentExplore the “key” criteria for determining the
primary aggressor
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Assessment Criteria That May Not Be Effective
Gender Visible Signs of Injury Counting Number of
Times Who Hit Whom

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Reasons Battered Women Use Force
Self-defenseAs a response to the batterer’s use of force (to stop
or dissuade the batterer from continuing the assault) Preemptive
Frustration (because NOT using force hasn’t worked)Retaliation
for a history of abuse
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Some Considerations About Batterers
Batterers are adept at manipulating, deceiving, lying, and
minimizing in regard to their own behavior and the inner
workings of their relationships.
Batterers fail to take responsibility for their behavior.
Batterers often portray themselves as victims.
Batterers may present a convincing case that they don’t have a
problem other than the “provocations” or alleged misbehavior of
their partners.
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3. Some Considerations About Survivors
Survivors do not exhibit a “standard” or “typical” response to
their partners’ abusive behavior.
Over time, survivors frequently internalize the abuser’s claims
that they are responsible for the abuse and begin to blame
themselves.
Survivors who fight back may be told by the batterer that they
are abusive and may begin to see themselves as such.
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Considerations When Determining
The Primary Aggressor
Survivors:
May leave visible injuries
May admit to using force
May defend the battering partner by emphasizing his/her good
qualities
Batterers:
May tailor their assault so as not to leave visible injuries or in
places that the survivor will not be comfortable showing to the
police
May either deny using force or couple the admission with some
form of justification or rationalization
May emphasize his/her partner’s “faults”

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Key Criteria for Determining
The Primary Aggressor
Determine the Context in Which the Behavior Occurred
Did the individual act violently after her/his partner behaved in
a violent or controlling manner? Example: Woman hits her
partner because he/she tries to push her out of a moving vehicle.
Determine the Intent of the Behavior
Did the individual act violently in order to: 1) establish control
over the partner; 2) regain personal control, or 3) defend his/her
self? Example: Woman hits her female partner with a table lamp
after being threatened with a knife.
Determine the Effect of the Behavior
As a result of the partner’s behavior, does the individual
express feelings of fear, loss of independence, or a sense of
self? Example: “After my husband bought that gun and started
threatening me, I really started to get scared. I think he really
means to kill me.”
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Questioning to Determine Control

5. What have you done to stop the violence?
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Determining the Primary Aggressor
Utilize what you know about batterers and victims
Question to determine context, intent and effect (look for
control)
Check previous reports for a history of violence
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