Gender Differences in Intimate Partner Violence Victimization, Help-Seeking, And Outcomes Among College Students

Hyunkag Cho,Ilan Kwon,Ga-Young Choi,Jisuk Seon,Seunghye Hong,Esther Son,Soonok An,Yoon Joon Choi,Sung Hyun Yun,Jungeun Olivia Lee

doi:10.18060/23675

Abstract

Many college students experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Although receiving help from formal and informal sources may ameliorate possible negative impacts of IPV victimization, the outcomes of help-seeking are not always positive. This study used survey data collected at six universities across the United States (U.S.) to examine gender differences in IPV, help-seeking, and its outcomes (n=3,070). Major variables included IPV victimization, IPV consequences, help-seeking, and outcomes. Descriptive and bivariate analyses revealed higher rates of victimization among females as well as poorer health status, higher levels of depression, and more daily routine problems. Females also used more formal help, and reported it as being useful more often than males. Inversely, more males than females reported that informal supports were helpful. Recommendations include social workers providing tailored services both for male and female survivors, service providers developing educational programs that target informal help sources, and social work education providing relevant trainings.

Highlights

Many college students experience intimate partner violence (IPV)
Regardless of gender, the respondents reporting at least one type of IPV were engaged in risky substance use, and reported health concerns, more than those reporting no IPV victimization
Many gender differences were found among IPV survivors

Summary

Introduction

Many college students experience intimate partner violence (IPV). receiving help from formal and informal sources may ameliorate possible negative impacts of IPV victimization, the outcomes of help-seeking are not always positive. Many college students encounter intimate partner violence (IPV) and suffer a wide range of behavioral, mental, and physical health outcomes. The outcomes of Hyunkag Cho, Ph.D, Associate Professor, School of Social Work (SWK), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Ga-Young Choi, PhD, Associate Professor, School of SWK, California State University, Los Angeles, CA. 22% of college students suffered physical violence, while 52% reported psychological victimization in the past year (Gover et al, 2008). Another study reported that about 30% of female college students had experienced sexual or physical violence, and that 83% had been victimized by psychological violence during their college years (Fass et al, 2008). Psychological violence seems to be the type of IPV college students face most frequently, followed by physical and/or sexual violence (Cho & Huang, 2017; Fass et al, 2008; Gover et al, 2008)

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Conclusion