Victimization and Resistance Strategies Among Female Offenders

Research reveals that most women resist violence against them. We know less, however, about the situational processes and context that shape the nature and outcome of attacks. In addition, limited research has examined the use of resistance strategies among female offenders. This article draws from a qualitative study of violence in the lives of female offenders to examine the situational context of assault outcomes and its relationship to their resistance strategies. Specifically, this study investigates how women's accounts of resistance to both physical and sexual assaults by an intimate partner, acquaintance, or stranger unfold across time. Results highlight the importance of examining the situational context of violence and resistance to further enrich our understanding of these phenomena.