Aggressive acts and assaults in intimate relationships: Towards an understanding of the literature

Far more people in relationships are subjected to violent acts than those w ho receive injuries. The degree of damage sustained may not reflect the per petrator's intent to deliberately harm a partner. Data documenting aggressi ve acts determines the population at risk and their prevention and early tr eatment requirements; whereas data focusing on harm and injury helps determ ine emergency medical and refuge services. Data from national crime surveys , police records, or clinical populations should not be generalized to the population at large. Even if men perpetrate the majority of serious partner attacks, addressing the issue of female violence will significantly reduce the overall level of domestic violence. Judicial, medical, and social serv ices should take note that while male violence may be more problematic, vio lence is a relationship issue, not a male issue. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wi ley & Sons, Ltd.