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This study uses data from the Police Stress and Domestic Violence in Police Families in Baltimore, Maryland 1997-1999 to examine the offender-victim overlap among police officers in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). Specifically, the study examines the role of parental violence, child maltreatment, and job-related stress on perpetrating violence and victimization. Results from two logistic regression models indicate that one element of job-related stress (negative emotions) was positive and significant in predicting IPV perpetration, whereas parental violence, child maltreatment, and negative emotions were found to be positive and significant in predicting victimization. The study's limita- tions and future research are discussed.
Keywords: offender-victim overlap; child maltreatment; witnessing parental violence; job-related stress; police officers; intimate partner violence
Numerous studies have provided empirical evidence of a correlation between criminal offenders and violent victimization (see Jennings, Piquero, & Reingle, 2012). Adults and youths who engage in criminal behavior increase their risk of becoming a vic- tim (Fagan & Mazerolle, 2011; Gottfredson, 1981; Jennings, Higgins, Tewksbury, Gover, & Piquero, 2010; Lauritsen, Sampson, & Laub, 1991; Pizarro, Zgoba, & Jennings, 2011; Sampson & Lauritsen, 1990; Schreck, Stewart, & Osgood, 2008; Singer, 1981; Stewart, Elifson, & Sterk, 2004). These studies suggest that victims and offenders are usually the same person (Mustaine & Tewksbury, 2000), and the offender-victim overlap has been observed in several criminal activities, including consumer fraud (Holtfreter, Reisig, Piquero, & Piquero, 2010; Holtfreter, Reisig, & Pratt, 2008), vandalism (Tewksbury & Mustaine, 2000), cybercrime (Bossler & Holt, 2010; Marcum, Higgins, & Ricketts, 2010; Reyns, Henson, & Fisher, 2012), and gang activity (Gover, Jennings, & Tewksbury, 2009; Katz, Webb, Fox, & Shaffer, 2011; Peterson, Taylor, & Esbensen, 2004; Taylor, 2008; Taylor, Freng, Esbensen, & Peterson, 2008; Taylor, Peterson, Esbensen, & Freng, 2007). The offender-victim overlap has also been observed in individuals who live a deviant lifestyle (Maxfield, 1987; Wittebrood & Nieuwbeerta, 1999; Zhang, Welte, & Wieczorek, 2001) and that have intimate partner vio- lence (IPV; Boivin, Lavoie, Hebert, & Helene Gagne, 2012; Franklin & Kercher, 2012; Gover, Jennings, Tomsich, Park, & Rennison, 2011; Gover, Kaukinen, & Fox, 2008; Gover, Park, Tomsich, & Jennings, 2011; Jennings, Park, Tomsich, Gover, & Akers, 2011).
Although these studies provide a clear relationship between offending and victimiza- tion, there are still several venues...