Rise of the female ‘relationship terrorists’: Study finds women are more controlling and aggressive towards their partners than men
Quote: Study leader Dr Elizabeth Bates said: ‘The stereotypical popular view is still one of dominant control by men. That does occur but research over the last ten to 15 years has highlighted the fact that women are controlling and aggressive in relationships too.’ She said scientists may have to think again about the reasons for male violence against women, which previous studies said arose from ‘patriarchal values’ in which men are motivated to seek to control women’s behaviour, using violence if necessary. She said other research also looked at men in prisons and women in refuges, rather than typical members of the public.