Is the presence of control related to help-seeking behavior? A test of Johnson’s assumptions regarding sex-differences and the role of control in intimate partner violence

The aim of the current study was to test two of Johnson’s (1995) assumptions regarding intimate partner violence (IPV); namely that there are sex differences in the type of physical aggression men and women use; and that controlling aggression is more problematic and requires more outside intervention than non-controlling aggression. These assumptions were tested using survey data from the 13th cycle of the General Social Survey in Canada, which was a telephone survey that asked crime victimization questions in a number of areas. There were no sex-differences in the use of controlling behavior or physical aggression. Controlling aggression did not have an effect on problem presentation when compared with relationships low in controlling behaviors. There was mixed support for Johnson’s work and the utility of his typology is questioned.