Spousal abuse

Spousal abuse is the term applied to the specific form of domestic violence, where physical or sexual abuse is perpetuated by one spouse upon another. The term was coined in the late 1970s when such crimes were given wider attention in society. There are separate legalities and punishments applied to such a crime as opposed to random assault or assaults of another nature.

References

• Note 1: Dina Vivian and Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling, "Are Bi-directionality Violent Couples Mutually Victimized? A Gender-sensitive Comparison", Violence and Victims 9 (1994): pp. 107-123
• Note 2: Angela Browne and Kirk R. Williams, "Exploring the Effect of Resource Availability and the Likelihood of Female-perpetrated Homicides", Law and Society Review 23 (1989): pp. 75-94
• Note 3: Neil S. Jacobson and John M. Gottman, "When Men Batter Women: New Insights into Ending Abusive Relationships", New York, Simon & Schuster (1998).