In the typology of intimate partner violence, what term is used to describe the person who perpetrates abuse?

• A. Batterer
• B. Battered
• C. Survivor
• D. Victim

Answer: (A)

In intimate partner violence typology, the person who carries out the abuse is described as the batterer. This term focuses on the active harm—the pattern of physical violence and controlling behavior—directed at a partner and conveys responsibility for the abuse. It’s widely used in clinical and research settings, including batterer intervention programs, to distinguish the actor from the person who experiences harm. The person who is harmed is referred to as battered, or more commonly today as a survivor or victim, while “perpetrator” is a neutral label but doesn’t emphasize the specific pattern of violent behavior as clearly. So, batterer is the best choice for naming the aggressor in this context.