IntroductionDomestic violence has been a significant problem for centuries in all countries. “Since 1974, nearly 2,600 spousal homicides have been recorded in Canada” (Bunge, 2002). Of these murders, more than three-quarters occurred against women. Although there has been a slight improvement in the incidence of violence against women through feminism and the women's liberation movement, there has also been a drastic change in society's perception of the problem. After reviewing the most recent literature on violence against women and victimization through partners, it has become prevalent that two crucial positions are now taken. The first position is that of women victims of violence as the main problem, including prevention, causes and incidences. The second position is that women become more “aggressive” and the issue of violence against both men and women. “Wife abuse – the original feminist issue of the 1970s – morphed into 'domestic violence' and then 'husband abuse'” (Minaker, 2006). This literature review will examine background information on intimate partner violence, including different topics and perspectives, theories, and methodologies, as well as discuss key findings and future research directions. Basic Findings and Key Concepts The most notable finding or key concept behind intimate partner violence with women as victims, would be that the overall rates have seen an overall decrease. As reported in the National Trends in Intimate Partner Homicide report, “marital homicide rates for both women and men declined between 1974 and 2000” (Bunge, 2002). Many of the authors discussed present different perspectives...... half of the article ...... and incidence of such violence, there still appear to be gaps in research that makes connections with other aspects of IPV. By providing further analysis of how women transition from being victims to offenders, it could create a more realistic understanding of why recent rates of homicide/intimate partner violence for female offenders have increased. Maybe society doesn't need to see women as having become "aggressors" and "bad girls", but rather as women finally fighting back. By relating social learning theory, self-defense theory, and male ownership theory to intimate partner violence, a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of this form of violence is created. Presumably, future directions of intimate partner violence research should investigate the reasoning behind this new phenomenon of “husband abuse”.