Abstract for Session – Sunbelt 2025 Paris

Family violence in network research

Tatjana Fabricius, Noreen Naranjos Velazquez, Matilde Heredia

Family violence is frequently conceptualised and theoretically situated within systemic or socio-ecological paradigms, reflecting the frameworks associated with its analysis (Dutton 2006). Various disciplines explore and examine domestic violence using diverse network-analytical designs (Wassermann/Faust 1994). A multitude of dimensions emerge in this context, including intimate partner violence, intergenerational violence scenarios, or specific manifestations such as sexual, psychological, and physical abuse (Johnson 2008).

Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective generates diverse research questions, which this session aims to explore through exemplary network-analytical studies at global, societal, institutional, individual, or methodological levels. Key focal points include:

• How can family violence be addressed preventively?

• What dynamics underlie individual or co-occurring forms of domestic violence?

• To what extent is the institution of the family embedded in contexts that facilitate violence?

• What role do formal and/or informal support networks play?

• Which network perspectives can effectively inform prevention, intervention, therapy, and prosecution efforts?

• What long-term consequences can be identified for society and the state?

This session, with its open and inclusive nature, specifically invites scholars from various disciplines to submit their research findings on this topic, which is of critical importance across the entire lifespan. Consequently, the session is methodologically and thematically broad in scope, fostering a holistic exploration of family violence.

Keywords: abuse, domestic violence, network analysis

Literatur

Dutton, D. G. (2006). Rethinking Domestic Violence. UBC Press.

Johnson, M. P. (2008). A typology of domestic violence: intimate terrorism, violent resistance, and situational couple violence. Boston, Mass. [u.a.] : Northeastern Univ. Press.

Wassermann, S./Faust, K. (1994). Social Network Analysis. Methods and Applications. Cambridge University Press.