Relationships at risk: insights into impulsivity and aggression in victim-informed domestic abuse

Research consistently reveals links between aggression and impulsivity in domestic abuse (DA) perpetration. This study examines how these constructs can inform victim-perception risk assessments. Using informant-adapted versions of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), participants from a community and student sample (n = 113) rated both themselves and their most recent partners. Findings showed that those identifying as survivors of DA from their most recent partner rated their abusers significantly higher on aggression and impulsivity across all subscales, with large effect sizes for partner ratings. Survivors’ self-reports also indicated higher aggression and cognitive impulsivity than non-victims. These results suggest that victims possess valuable insight into perpetrators’ traits, supporting the use of victim perceptions when perpetrator self-report is not feasible. Incorporating such perspectives may enhance police and practitioner risk assessments and improve safeguarding responses.