What is the main characteristic of violent resistance as discussed in gender communication studies?

In gender communication studies, violent resistance is primarily characterized as a response often associated with women who are subjected to violence in relationships. This type of violence is typically not proactive but rather a reaction to ongoing partner aggression, where women may resort to physical violence as a means of self-defense or to counteract the controlling or abusive behavior of their partners.

The focus on women's experiences and the context of their violence as a response to victimization is a key element in understanding this form of resistance. This perspective acknowledges the power dynamics and often the cyclical nature of abuse, highlighting that women's violent responses are not initiated without preceding aggression from their partners. This is why the selection that emphasizes violent resistance as commonly performed by women aligns with the established research and discussions in the field.