Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex Relationships and The Role of Sexual Minority Stressors: A Systematic Review of the Past 10 Years

Abstract

To clarify the role of sexual minority stressors on intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships, the authors undertook a systematic review of literature on this topic from 2005 to 2015. Our results indicate different forms of intimate partner violence (physical, psychological, sexual) tend to co-occur in same-sex relationships, bidirectional violence might be a common pattern; and internalized homophobia, degree of “outness,” stigma consciousness, and experiences of discrimination based on sexual orientation are all related to intimate partner violence. However, these associations are not fully supported by all studies. Our findings emphasize the importance of integrating risk factors typical of sexual minorities with the risk factors predictive of intimate partner violence in heterosexual couples. Therefore, intervention and prevention programs must be designed so as to address and reduce the stress typical of sexual minorities.