Affective relationships in victims of domestic violence linked to perpetrators with psychopathic traits
Keywords:
domestic violence, psychopathy, traumatic bonding, emotional dependence, forensic psychologyAbstract
Persistence in domestic violence situations constitutes a critical forensic challenge, often misinterpreted as testimonial inconsistency. This study analyzed the configuration of traumatic bonding in victims of aggressors exhibiting psychopathic traits and its procedural impact. A qualitative phenomenological-forensic design with a descriptive scope was implemented, using a sample of 30 women from the Yoyó Zevallos Foundation (Portoviejo, Ecuador). Data collection triangulated interviews, scales, and the hetero-evaluation of psychopathic traits (proxy report). Findings evidence a pathological interaction between emotional dependence (70% high level) and coercive control. The alternation between affection and abuse (intermittent reinforcement) was identified as the central mechanism consolidating the traumatic bond, nullifying autonomy. It is concluded that ambivalence or retraction do not denote a lack of credibility, but rather severe psychological damage mediated by affective instrumentalization. Guidelines to prevent revictimization through trauma-informed forensic assessment are discussed.
Keywords: domestic violence, psychopathy, traumatic bonding, emotional dependence, forensic psychology.
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