What is the 'Dominant Aggressor' in the context of domestic violence?

In the context of domestic violence, the concept of the "Dominant Aggressor" refers to the individual who is identified as the most significant aggressor in an incident of domestic violence. This determination goes beyond simply who struck first or who displayed aggression at a particular moment. Rather, it involves a comprehensive assessment of the overall circumstances surrounding the incident, including the history of violence, power dynamics within the relationship, and any ongoing patterns of coercive control.

The identification of the Dominant Aggressor is crucial in ensuring that law enforcement and support services respond effectively to domestic violence incidents. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of the context in which the violence occurred, helping to protect the true victim and address the behavior of the more dangerous party. Factors such as previous incidents of violence, the severity of the recent incident, and the relative fear felt by each individual can all contribute to identifying who holds this role in a domestic violence situation. This approach recognizes that domestic violence often involves complicated and interwoven dynamics rather than clear-cut roles of victim and aggressor.