Understanding How Relational Health Effects Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration among Low-Income, Black, Indigenous, Men of Color Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences: An Exploratory Study.

Amy E Korsch-Williams,Laura A Voith,Katie N Russell,Hyunjune Lee

doi:10.3390/ijerph18083890

Abstract

Relational health has emerged as a consistent factor that can mitigate the effects of trauma among children; however, less is known about relational health with adults, particularly related to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among racially and socioeconomically marginalized men. The Exploratory Sequential Design, Taxonomy Development Model was used. Semi-structured interviews (N = 11) and narrative analysis were conducted in Phase I. In Phase II, variables approximating the key themes that emerged in Phase I were selected from an existing dataset (N = 67), and relationships were examined using bivariate associations. The sample consisted of low-income Black, Indigenous, men of color (BIMOC) in a batterer intervention program (BIP). Adverse life experiences shaped participants’ world view via mistrust in others, stifling emotions and vulnerability, and a sense of personal guilt and shame. These orientations were then carried into adult relationships where men coped using social isolation to manage challenges, negatively affecting intimate relationships. For some men, mental health exacerbated these circumstances. Significant bivariate and multivariate associations supported this narrative. This study lays the foundation for future research to examine the potential effects of social support on IPV perpetration. BIPs should consider augmenting programming to enhance men’s social networks to support their use of nonviolence after program completion.

Highlights

Stemming from systemic racism and poverty, Black, Indigenous, and youth of color face an unequal burden of adversity and trauma in the United States [1,2]
Despite the robust body of research examining the link between childhood trauma and adulthood outcomes such as intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, less research examines factors that might mitigate that relationship especially among low-income, Black, Indigenous, Men of Color (BIMOC)
The current study explored the association between childhood trauma, social support, and IPV perpetration using mixed methods with a sample of low-income Black, Indigenous, Men of Color (BIMOC) in a batterer intervention program (BIP) as a requirement of probation

Summary

Introduction

Stemming from systemic racism and poverty, Black, Indigenous, and youth of color face an unequal burden of adversity and trauma in the United States [1,2]. Traumatic events (e.g., violent victimization or witnessing violence) during childhood have been linked to an array of negative outcomes (e.g., physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral) in later developmental stages, including adulthood (e.g., [3,4]). Within the scope of this research, numerous studies have linked childhood trauma with intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization in adulthood (see [5]). IPV includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological abuse between two current or former intimate partners [6]. Despite the robust body of research examining the link between childhood trauma and adulthood outcomes such as IPV perpetration, less research examines factors that might mitigate that relationship especially among low-income, Black, Indigenous, Men of Color (BIMOC)

Methods

Results

Conclusion