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Johnson’S Differentiation Theory: Is It Really Empirically Supported?, Joan S. Meier
Johnson’S Differentiation Theory: Is It Really Empirically Supported?, Joan S. Meier
GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works
Michael Johnson’s differentiation of ‘‘types’’ of domestic violence has had a significant impact on courts and providers, in part because of its claim to an empirical basis. Unfortunately, the label ‘‘situational couple violence’’ has already been used by judges and evaluators to minimize abuse claims in custody cases. Johnson’s repeated assertion that SCV is the most common form of domestic violence reinforces the marginalizing of domestic violence. But what do his data actually show? Here Professor Meier takes a close look at the research Johnson relies on and finds that it fails to prove his thesis. Rather, the data suggest …