Intimacy Research Articles

Profiles of service-engaged intimate partner violence survivors: Considerations for service delivery and continuation.

Profiles of service-engaged intimate partner violence survivors: Considerations for service delivery and continuation.

“I just thought maybe this is [the] way of doing things”: Exploring lesbian-, gay-, and bisexual-specific intimate partner violence in Norway.

“I just thought maybe this is [the] way of doing things”: Exploring lesbian-, gay-, and bisexual-specific intimate partner violence in Norway.

Differences in intimate partner violence exposure across college, crowdsourced, and at-risk samples.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and common form of violence against women. IPV is multifaceted, with physical, sexual, and/or psychological means of perpetration, and has detrimental effects on women's mental health. IPV generally affects women; however, how IPV differentially affects different groups of women is less clear. Women who are socioeconomically vulnerable are often considered at risk for IPV, although women in college are also often the topic of IPV research due both to high rates of IPV and to ease of study recruitment. There is increasing research on the effects of IPV in a third group of women, those recruited through online platforms (i.e., crowdsourcing). How IPV differs across these three samples has yet to be examined. In this study, we examined differences in IPV exposure across three samples of women, at risk (n = 144), college (n = 654), and crowdsourced (n = 168), using a Bayesian approach to general linear modeling. Results indicated that the majority of women in each sample experienced some IPV. Results further suggested that women in the crowdsourced sample had the highest exposure to IPV in general and to physical IPV, sexual IPV, and IPV-related injury in particular, whereas women in the at-risk sample had the highest rates of psychological IPV. These findings highlight the importance of sampling in studies of IPV and thus have ramifications for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Examining whether the impact of different types of interpersonal violence and mental disorders on attempted suicide is greater for bisexual women.

This national study examined whether different types of interpersonal violence and mental disorders were associated with greater risk for attempted suicide among bisexual women than heterosexual women. Data were used from participants in Wave II of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions in the United States of America who identified as female and either heterosexual or bisexual (N = 19,261; 71% White). Logistic regression models tested the main and interactive effects of three types of interpersonal violence (i.e., childhood abuse, childhood neglect, or intimate partner violence [IPV]), four types of mental disorders (i.e., mood, anxiety, substance use, and posttraumatic stress) and sexual orientation (i.e., bisexual vs. heterosexual) on attempted suicide. A post hoc logistic regression also tested the main and interactive effects of four types of anxiety disorders (i.e., panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder [GAD]) and sexual orientation on attempted suicide. Sexual orientation moderated the impact of childhood neglect, IPV, and anxiety disorders on attempted suicide. Bisexual women who experienced childhood neglect, IPV, or an anxiety disorder had 3.75, 1.43, and 6.24 greater odds, respectively, of attempted suicide, compared to heterosexual women who reported these problems. Additionally, bisexual women who had GAD had 1.66 greater odds of attempting suicide compared to heterosexual women who had GAD. Findings elucidate factors that may increase suicide risk in vulnerable populations as called for by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's suicide prevention strategic plan. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Does past intimate partner violence moderate the link between daily stress and conflict during pregnancy? A dyadic daily diary investigation.

Does past intimate partner violence moderate the link between daily stress and conflict during pregnancy? A dyadic daily diary investigation.

The Impact of Mentoring Youth Placed At-Risk on the Socialization of Preservice Physical Educators

Purpose: Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mentoring underserved youth on the socialization of preservice teachers within a community-engaged after-school program. Methods: Data consisted of semistructured interviews, critical incident accounts, and field notes. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed inductively using elements of grounded theory and constant comparison. Findings: Four themes were developed. First, each participant entered teacher training to provide positive experiences for students. Second, the practical experience supported preservice teachers in feeling more comfortable in their roles as educators. Third, preservice teachers developed personal relationships with the students in the after-school program. Fourth, preservice teachers internalized the obligation to model healthy social–emotional behaviors. Conclusions: Findings indicate the benefits of mentoring in a community-engaged learning project. Interacting with a diverse population of students can positively impact teacher socialization and feelings toward students and teaching.

Intimate Partner Violence Effects on Children’s Academic Achievement: Results from a Nationally Representative Sample

Intimate Partner Violence Effects on Children’s Academic Achievement: Results from a Nationally Representative Sample

Gender differences in homicides. A comparative analysis of 106 fatalities in forensic autopsy data.

While most homicides worldwide are committed against men, women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and its fatal consequences. The Istanbul Convention mandates the prevention of gender-based violence, particularly against women. This study analyzes the characteristics of male and female victims of homicides to provide a comprehensive understanding of the different situations and ways in which men and women are killed. Files of 106 forensic autopsies of homicide victims aged 14 years and older (51.9% males, 48.1% females) from 2012 to 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, previous history with a focus on the perpetrator-victim relationship, substance influence, type of violence and law enforcement data were recorded. A gender-separated statistical analysis was carried out. Male victims were killed most often outside their own home (63.6%) by acquaintances or friends (54.5%). They were frequently under the influence of substances (56.4%). The perpetrators suffered from addictive diseases in 49.1%, and 52.7% had prior convictions. In both groups, stab/cut injuries were the most common causes of death, but stab/cut and gunshot injuries occurred more frequently in male victims. Female victims were killed most often in their own homes (76.5%) by intimate partners (62.7%). Compared to male victims, violent asphyxiation and blunt force trauma were more common causes of death. Furthermore, there was a higher frequency of multiple injuries (33.3%). The prevalence of a guilty verdict of the perpetrators was nearly equal in both groups. Gender-specific aspects should be considered when investigating homicides and establishing prevention and intervention strategies for interpersonal violence. Protective concepts are easier to establish in the public sphere than in private homes, which is why homicides against women require special attention in society, law enforcement, and legislation. Significant gender differences were found in the circumstances and the perpetrator-victim relationships of homicides. Gender-specific aspects should be taken into account when investigating homicides and developing prevention and intervention strategies. Homicides against women require special attention in society, law enforcement and legislation.

Characterizing Intimate Partner Violence-Caused Brain Injury in a Sample of Survivors in the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning Community.

Research in the field of intimate partner violence-caused brain injury (IPV-BI) has predominantly focused on heterosexual women, ignoring the unique needs of the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (2S/LGBTQ) community. The purpose of this exploratory research was to better understand the prevalence of IPV and IPV-BI in 2S/LGBTQ relationships where IPV was defined as physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and/or identity-based abuse from a current of former intimate partner. This study used a cross sectional internet-based survey that ran from September to December of 2022. In addition to descriptive statistics, prevalence rates and their corresponding Wilson Score confidence intervals are reported to estimate the proportion of individuals who experienced IPV and IPV-BI. Finally, for both gender identity and sexual orientation, we tested whether participants with each identity had differing levels of brain injury severity compared to participants who did not hold that identity using Mann-Whitney U tests. In total, 170 2S/LGBTQ+ adults responded to the survey. Among the respondents, 54% identified as Two-Spirit, 24% identified as gay, 17% identified as queer, 14% identified as bisexual, and 8% identified as lesbian or pansexual, respectively. Respondents were predominantly multiracial, post-secondary educated, full-time employed, cisgender women (35%) or cisgender men (19%). The overwhelming majority reported lifetime prevalence of IPV at 98% (n = 166, 95% CI [94.11, 99.08]). Additionally, 68% (n = 115, 95% CI [60.29, 74.22]) of participants reported symptoms consistent with an IPV-BI. These results are consistent with the findings that the 2S/LGBTQ community are at heightened risk of experiencing physical IPV. These findings are the first to our knowledge to report a high rate of symptoms consistent with an IPV-BI in the 2S/LGBTQ population.

"It definitely changed me": Exploring sexual and gender diverse people's experiences with intimate partner violence in Ontario, Canada.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) involves an individual committing acts intended to harm or intimidate a current or former romantic partner. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders often trapped victims with perpetrators and intensified IPV. Although sexual and gender diverse people disproportionately experience IPV compared to cisgender, heterosexual people, their experiences are not well documented in the Canadian context. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender diverse (2S/LGBTQIA+) people with IPV in Ontario and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their IPV experiences. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with self-identified 2S/LGBTQIA+ people who experienced IPV on/after March 15, 2020. We audio-recorded and transcribed all interviews and coded the transcripts for content and themes using inductive and deductive techniques. Our 20 participants experienced physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. Technology-facilitated violence extended abuse geographically and temporally. IPV experiences were associated with negative mental health outcomes that were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants struggled to see themselves as legitimate victims of IPV. Although participants regretted being victims of violence, many saw their abusive relationship(s) as a learning experience to inform future relationships. Our findings suggest that 2S/LGBTQIA+ people may experience unique forms of identity abuse and may have difficulty recognizing their IPV experiences as abuse. Ensuring that comprehensive sexual health education is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and includes information about healthy relationship dynamics, 2S/LGBTQIA+ relationships, and IPV is critical.

Misperception of Norms About Intimate Partner Violence as a Driver of Personal IPV Attitudes and Perpetration: A Population-Based Study of Men in Rural Uganda.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global public health problem. Conceptual frameworks suggest misperceived norms around IPV might drive perpetration of violence against women in southern and eastern Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey of all men residing in a rural parish in southwest Uganda, eliciting their endorsement of IPV in five hypothetical scenarios and their reported frequency of perpetration of violence against their wife/main partner. They also reported their perceptions about the extent to which most other men in their villages endorsed and/or perpetrated IPV, which we compared against the population data to measure the primary explanatory variable of interest: whether individuals misperceived norms around IPV. We fitted multivariable Poisson regression models specifying personal IPV endorsement and IPV perpetration as the outcomes. Overall, 765 men participated in the study (90% response rate): 182 (24%) personally endorsed IPV, and 78 of 456 partnered men (17%) reported perpetrating one or more acts of IPV at least once per month. Although most men neither endorsed nor reported perpetrating IPV, 342 (45%) men mistakenly thought that most other men in their villages endorsed IPV and 365 (48%) men mistakenly thought that most other men perpetrate IPV at least monthly. In multivariable regression models, men who misperceived most men to endorse IPV were more likely to endorse IPV themselves (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.44; 95% CI [1.66, 3.59]; p < .001). Among partnered men, those who misperceived IPV perpetration to be normative were more likely to perpetrate IPV themselves (aRR = 4.38; [2.53, 7.59]; p < .001). Interventions to correct misperceived norms about IPV may be a promising method for reducing violence against women in rural Uganda.

Feasibility and Acceptability of the Novel Tu'Washindi Intervention to Increase PrEP Use among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Siaya County, Kenya.

The Tu'Washindi intervention addressed intimate partner violence (IPV) and relationship dynamics to increase PrEP use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Siaya County, Kenya. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability in a cluster-randomized trial in six DREAMS Safe Spaces. The multilevel intervention, delivered over 6 months, included three components delivered by DREAMS staff with support from the study team: an 8-session structured support club; community sensitization of male partners; and a couples PrEP education and health fair ("Buddy Day"). Feasibility and acceptability assessments included implementation process measures, questionnaires, and focus group discussions with AGYWs and post-intervention questionnaires with intervention providers. The study included 103 AGYWs aged 17 to 24 (N = 49 intervention), with 97% retention. Median age was 22, 54% were married, and 84% were mothers. At enrollment, 45% used PrEP and 61% reported lifetime IPV. All intervention participants attended at least one support club session (mean = 5.2 of 8) and 90% attended Buddy Day. At 6 months, most participants perceived Tu'Washindi to be effective: all agreed (with 54% reporting "strongly agree") that the intervention improved partner communication and 60% agreed they were better able to gain partner support for their PrEP use. Providers believed the intervention resonated with community values. Tu'Washindi was highly acceptable and feasible and it was perceived by AGYW participants and providers as being effective in improving partner relationships and supporting PrEP use.

The cost of inaction on preconception health in Nigeria: An economic impact analysis

ABSTRACT A growing body of evidence has shown the effects of poor preconception health on adverse pregnancy outcomes and, subsequently, maternal and child morbidity and mortality. However, the cost of poor preconception health remains relatively unexplored. Using the case of Nigeria, this study provides the first estimate of the disease and economic burden of poor preconception health at a country level. Using data from international databases and the scientific literature, the study used a cost-of-illness approach to quantify the foregone productivity and direct healthcare costs resulting from six preconception risk factors (adolescent pregnancy, short birth interval, overweight and obesity, intimate partner violence, female genital mutilation, folate deficiency). The results indicate that 6.7% of maternal deaths, 10.9% of perinatal deaths, and 10.5% of late neonatal deaths were attributable to the selected preconception risk factors in 2020. The economic burden of poor preconception health in Nigeria was estimated at US$ 3.3 billion in 2020, of which over 90% was generated by premature mortality. If prevalence rates remain constant, total economic losses could amount to US$ 46.2 billion by 2035. This analysis paves the way for further studies investigating the economic costs and benefits of preconception interventions and policies in low and middle-income countries.

Intimate partner femicide (IPF): Medico-legal investigation at the Institutes of Legal Medicine of Freiburg (Germany) and Padova (Italy)

Violence against women is a significant public health concern, with femicide as its most extreme manifestation. This crime is often perpetrated by current or former intimate partners, thus taking the name of intimate partner femicide (IPF). Although international comparisons are essential for prevention policies, cross-country comparative studies are scarce in this context. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical, epidemiological and medico-legal characteristics of IPF autopsy cases investigated at the Institutes of Legal Medicine of two Western European cities, in order to identify a potential medico-legal pattern of IPF. Autopsy and police reports of IPF cases occurred in the judicial district of Freiburg (Germany) and Padova (Italy) from 2000 to 2022 were analyzed. Data relating to victims, perpetrators, relationship context, and circumstantial and pathological-forensic characteristics of the homicide were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to explore potential relationships between the data collected. Additionally, a review of the literature dealing with autopsy-based studies on IPF was performed. Overall, 82 cases of IPF were analyzed, 39 from Freiburg and 43 from Padova. A total of 6 papers fulfilled the review inclusion criteria. Our study identified a medico-legal pattern of IPF and demonstrated that it did not vary substantially between the two European Countries considered, suggesting that certain IPF characteristics are shared at the European level. However, a significant finding emerged regarding the higher prevalence of firearm-related IPFs in Italy compared to Germany. Forensic pathology research might contribute to developing targeted prevention policies to protect women from this lethal form of violence.

Analyzing Lived Experiences of Athlete and Coach Relationships in Sports

Objectives. The two main stressors affecting athletes’ wellbeing are relationships between coaches and athletes and social support. This study aims to investigate the connections between athletes’ psychological health, social support, and coach-athlete interactions. Relationships between coaches and athletes have a favorable impact on future coaching techniques and support systems, which in turn improves athlete wellbeing. Materials and methods. This study employed a quantitative approach using survey methods. The study involved 323 respondents consisting of 231 males (71.52%) and 92 females (28.48%). The instrument used in this study was the Instructor–Student Rapport Scale, comprising 2 dimensions (pleasant interactions and personal relationships). The study results were analyzed using the t-test to determine the significance of differences in athletes’ life experiences based on their relationship with the coach. The findings of the study explain that the experiences of athletes’ gender have differences regarding the relationship with the coach. Results. This result has also been proven by the results of the t test calculation of &lt;0.001. Meanwhile, the results of t test calculations related to the type of sport (individual and group) obtained results &gt; 0.001, which states that there is no difference in life experience between athletes and coaches. Conclusions. These findings lead to the conclusion that the most crucial factor in facilitating and enabling meaningful life experiences between coaches and athletes is the coach’s proximity to the athletes.

Just a head knock? Emergency physicians need to get serious about concussion.

Attention and awareness regarding concussion injury in Australia have significantly increased in the last decade. Although most of this increase is because of discussion regarding concussions from sporting endeavours, the majority of concussions are from non-sport environments including motor vehicle crashes, workplace incidents, falls, accidents, assault and intimate partner violence. In all cases, hospital EDs are the first point of contact, yet as argued in our Opinion here, there are concerns regarding the consistency of care protocols, because of a number of reasons, as well as management and follow-up clinical practices. Our Opinion is to provide a constructive discussion as well as calling for ACEM to support research to provide evidence-based data. Finally, we provide some recommendations that could be implemented immediately to improve clinical practice for presentations of concussion injuries in EDs.

Could Savings-Group Interventions Be Interesting and Acceptable for Young Women Intimate Partner Violence Survivors Formerly in Foster Care?

Could Savings-Group Interventions Be Interesting and Acceptable for Young Women Intimate Partner Violence Survivors Formerly in Foster Care?

Invisible Victims: Exploring Gendered Trends in Youth Intimate Partner Homicide

AbstractIntimate partner homicide (IPH) constitutes the most extreme form of intimate partner violence. While this violent crime affects many of women all around the world, little is known about this phenomenon when perpetrated against young victims. To date, no study has investigated trends of IPHs involving young victims. This study therefore aimed to investigate trends of IPHs in Sweden between 1990 and 2017, disaggregated by age-group and gender. Using register data, this study compared opposite-sex relationship IPH committed against young (≤ 25 years) and against adult (≥ 26 years) individuals, disaggregated by gender. Using poisson regression modelling, our study demonstrates that while rates of IPH against adult women has declined, the rate involving adolescent and young adult women has not. Our study also indicated a decreasing trend of IPH against adult men, albeit not significant. In conclusion, while IPH committed against adult women demonstrated a decrease over time, our findings suggest that IPH against young female victims has remained stable the past 27 years. As youth IPH has been a neglected subject of research, these findings suggest that the policies to combat IPV and IPH may not be adapted and tailored for the younger population.

Intimate partner violence and Bowen family systems theory: promoting safety and expanding capacity of families

AbstractFamily violence is becoming increasingly visible in Australia, with many state and federal governments taking on more responsibility to address family violence and its impacts on those affected. Current efforts are focused on practice frameworks, identifying and responding to risk factors, and social justice frameworks including legislating against family violence in a range of jurisdictions and addressing more broadly the structural and cultural forces that perpetuate violence and further oppress those victimised. Family violence is not unique to Australia, with prevalence rates internationally suggesting family violence occurs irrespective of country, race, age, culture, effectiveness of social policies or socioeconomic status. This paper explores relevant foundational concepts of Bowen family systems theory (BFST) as it relates to family violence and explores opportunities to evolve practice in this area. BFST offers a unique contribution towards addressing family violence, particularly in relation to the public health challenge of addressing family polyvictimisation. The paper also explores how BFST conceptualises family violence and the role of the professional in working with the family as a single emotional unit. The unique focus of BFST on observing and defining self within the emotional family unit through observation of the underlying multigenerational emotional patterns of functioning provides unique opportunities to evolve and develop both the capacity of clinicians and responses to families who are navigating the serious and challenging impacts of family violence.

Investigating the Effect of Institution Reputation on Student Loyalty’s Dimensions in the Framework of Relationship Marketing in Higher Education

The intensifying competition among higher education institutions has prompted the adoption of relationship marketing as a strategy to attract and retain students. In this approach, students are viewed as customers, and their satisfaction and loyalty are key factors in a university’s success and profitability. Therefore, creating value for students is essential in this competitive environment. Relationship marketing emphasizes building long-term relationships and interactions with students through effective communication. To identify the essential factors of creating value for students and their loyalty, a questionnaire was distributed among 230 students of Kharazmi and Shahid Beheshti Universities. Further, the antecedents of loyalty were estimated further by using structural equation modeling and AMOS software. This study offers a novel approach by examining two dimensions of student loyalty-recommended and patronage-to provide a more comprehensive understanding of loyalty toward higher education institutions. According to hypotheses, results indicate that the students’ perception of the reputation of the higher education institution has a positive and meaningful relationship with dimensions of loyalty, and students’ perception of the reputation were only affected by the facility variable, and there is no significant relationship with service quality and social activities. The findings provide insights into effective relationship-marketing strategies that higher education institutions can adopt to enhance their reputation and foster greater student loyalty, encouraging both dimensions of loyalty. Universities can promote positive perceptions of institutional reputation and cultivate loyal attitudinal and behavioral tendencies among students by following this approach.