Intimate Partner Relationships Research Articles

When Enough is Enough: Breaking Free from Intimate Partner Violence in YejideKilanko’s Chasing Butterflies

Gender-based violence has become a common feature in gender relations globally, with women as the main victims. However, despite the fact that violence against women has been recognized as a violation of their human rights, the African society, in particular, is still plagued by gendered violence particularly in families. Adopting postmodern feminism as a theoretical framework, this article examines Kilanko’s portrayal of the devastating impact of gender-based violence, particularly intimate partner violence, on the female protagonist in Chasing Butterflies. In so doing, it establishes that dominant gendered norms and unequal power relations between men and women in the African society are the root causes of violence against women in intimate partner relationships such as marriage. The article, therefore, explores avenues of awareness-raising in the novel, as well as options and resources through which women can be effectively empowered to confront and surmount their status as victims leading to the realization of their rights and freedom.

Educational Opportunities and Obstacles for Teenagers Living in Domestic Violence Refuges

The hidden nature of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is well established. Globally, its prevalence is difficult to ascertain, but international legal frameworks and existing studies recognise that DVA is experienced directly by children and young people in the home or within their own intimate partner relationships. In 2013, UK policy transformed teenagers into primary service users of DVA refuges. This study examines teenagers' educational experiences over the period of their refuge stay and whether refuges responded effectively to their educational needs. Twenty refuges in England assisted with the study. Individual interviews with 25 staff members explored their perceptions of teenagers' experiences. Repeat interviews with 20 teenagers were undertaken over the period of their refuge stay. The voices of teenagers are prioritised in this paper; four teenagers contributed to study design and three assisted with data analysis. A thematic approach was taken to analyse the data. Teenagers described various educational difficulties associated with adolescence and refuge life. Major themes included the disruption of education and a lack of resources to support educational achievement. Education can contribute to the resilience of teenagers who have experienced DVA. Refuges and schools should work collaboratively to build a co‐ordinated response.‘This study examines teenagers' educational experiences over the period of their refuge stay and whether refuges responded effectively to their educational needs’Key Practitioner Messages Refuge staff working with teenagers need to identify and prioritise their educational needs. Refuges and schools need to collaborate to improve access to educational support and resources for teenagers in refuges. Where schooling is interrupted, teenagers should be provided with appropriate alternative resources. The co‐ordinated educational support provided to looked‐after children should be considered as a model for teenagers in refuges.

Linking family and intimate partner relationships to chronic pain: An application of the biobehavioral family model.

Research is needed to determine mechanisms of effect linking family relationships and chronic pain for adults. Guided by the Biobehavioral Family Model (BBFM), the present study examined indirect effects between a negative family emotional climate and chronic pain disease activity, as mediated by biobehavioral reactivity. Data for this study are from the Midlife Development in the United States; specifically, a subsample of participants who reported experiencing chronic pain (n = 1,461, ages 32-84). Participants self-reported family strain, biobehavioral reactivity (i.e., anxiety, depression), and chronic pain disease activity (i.e., pain interference, global health). A subsample of participants (n = 1,070) completed an intimate partner strain measure, indicating they were married/in a committed relationship. Structural equation models were tested with maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping. Family strain was indirectly associated with chronic pain disease activity via biobehavioral reactivity-Model 1; χ²(10) = 40.75, p < .000, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .07, comparative fit index [CFI] = .96, standardized root-mean-square residual [SRMR] = .04; partial mediation occurred for partnered participants. This finding was replicated when modeling family strain simultaneously with intimate partner strain, though intimate partner strain was not associated with chronic pain disease activity-Model 2; χ²(5) = 8.29, p = .14, RMSEA = .03, CFI = .99, SRMR = .01. These findings add to the growing literature that emphasizes the role of family relationships in chronic pain. Future research is needed to replicate our use of the BBFM to specify pathways of effect, incorporating relational and observational data, with diverse samples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

PROBLEMATIKA DAN MOTIVASI MENIKAHI WANITA MANAPOUSE DEMI KEUTUHAN RUMAH TANGGA MENURUT PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT KABUPATEN MUARA JAMBI

Marriage is anyone's right as long as the marriage is in accordance with the Shari'a, women who are no longer menstruating are called menopause and in this phase women experience various changes, with this change the groom is expected to understand the problematics of marrying menopause women for the sake of continuing family integrity, to give an idea to a bride, especially a man who wants to marry a menopausal woman (who is no longer reproducible), this study aims to find out the problems and motivations of marrying a menopausal woman (not to be reproduced) and to know the review of Law No. 1 of 1974 and Islamic Law concerning marrying women manouse, this research is a qualitative research with an empirical normative sociological approach by using the interview method, with the technical writer asking the spouse directly as a respondent and from the results of the interview the writer is the data. The results of this study can be concluded First Problematics marrying menopausal women are: not getting offspring, changes in intimate partner relationships. and social impact in the community Second Motivation to marry menopausal women as follows: because they really want to get married, earn a living, undergo worship, have friends in old age and friends.

Intimate Partner Relationships and Gender Norms in Mali: The Scope of Cash Transfers Targeted to Men to Reduce Intimate Partner Violence.

Mali has implemented the Filets Sociaux (Jigisémèjiri) program that aims to reduce poverty through cash transfers (CTs) to predominantly male heads of household with accompanying measures. This paper reports on a qualitative study of the effects of the program on intimate partner relationships. In-depth interviews were conducted with men and women in monogamous and polygamous households. Findings revealed that the positive aspects of intimate partner relationships were communication and shared values. However, discussions around decision-making revealed male authority with limited influence by women. Physical violence was reported to be caused by tensions and disputes. Whereas sexual violence was contested, some women described sexual force as violence but men and women asserted that compliance in sexual matters by women was expected. Men also asserted control through preventing women from working outside the home. The CTs were managed by the husband, with some involvement of wives in decision-making about the use of CTs. CTs were reported to reduce household poverty and improve wellbeing, especially for men. There were reports of the effects of the program on IPV, especially in the reduction of physical violence, its effects on sexual violence and controlling behaviour were reported to be limited. Since women are not the primary recipients of the CT, there is limited effect on women's agency to challenge male authority and control around sexual and financial matters. CTs may be more effective if targeted to women, alongside skill and knowledge strengthening to utilize cash transfers to assert their rights to equality and prevent violence.

Feminist Perspectives on Disaster, Pandemics, and Intimate Partner Violence

The COVID-19 pandemic brought international awareness to the likelihood of increased abuse of those in abusive intimate partner relationships because of the forced confinement with their abusers (Bettinger-Lopez and Bro, A double pandemic: domestic violence in the age of COVID 19, Council on Foreign Relations, 2020). While this awareness was much discussed, assistance to survivors of abuse was limited because survivors often could not reach out for help, nor could advocates wishing to offer assistance safely reach in to advise them (Taub, A new Covid-19 crisis: domestic abuse rises worldwide, 2020). The ever-present influence of the abuser prevented or limited the delivery of effective aid in many cases (Taub, A new Covid-19 crisis: domestic abuse rises worldwide, 2020). But this was not the first disaster to place those experiencing intimate partner abuse at greater risk. Other disasters have in various ways increased women’s safety risks both during and after crisis. Other crises routinely resulted in increased abuse of survivors in intimate partner relationships including sexual and other assault by intimate partners (Rao 2020; Sohrabizadeh Prehosp Disaster Med, 31(4):407–412, 2016). This chapter briefly identifies some forms of abuse experienced by women outside of the home during times of crisis and their connection to intimate partner abuse. Then, the impact of COVID-19 on intimate partner survivors will be explored and some of their experiences described.Gaps and flaws in nations’ approaches to gender violence are often highlighted during and after disasters. Lack of planning to protect survivors of intimate partner violence and other highly vulnerable populations during crises was exacerbated by the additional dangers brought by COVID-19. Primarily, the heightened dangers resulted from stay-at-home orders, which made services for abused partners more difficult to obtain and highlighted the possibility of unintended consequences resulting from policies designed to protect the public as a whole (Godin 2020).This chapter concludes by considering what has been lacking in strategic disaster planning, including what lessons have been learned thus far through the COVID-19 experience. Recommendations for effective disaster planning to protect survivors of intimate partner abuse, while also protecting other vulnerable populations, are suggested. This information is presented with the caution that as of this writing the global pandemic continues to limit access to hard data. Long-term analysis of the implications of the pandemic on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) survivors awaits the passage of time.

Methamphetamine use and violence: Findings from a longitudinal birth cohort

AimsEvidence linking illicit methamphetamine use to violence perpetration and victimisation comes primarily from cross-sectional studies. These associations have not previously been studied in a longitudinal general population sample. DesignLongitudinal birth cohort. Setting and participantsGeneral population sample (n = 1265) born in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1977. MeasurementsParticipants were asked at age 21, 25, 30 and 35 about their frequency of methamphetamine use, and violence perpetration or victimization since the last interview. Violence was measured both in general, and within intimate partner relationships in particular. Logistic generalised estimating equations modelled the association between methamphetamine exposure and violence outcomes within each age period, adjusting for confounding factors and time-dynamic covariate factors. The dose-response profiles were explored via associations between heaviest methamphetamine use frequency from age 18–35 and violence outcomes in that period. Findings28 % of participants reported using methamphetamine at least once between age 18 and 35. Compared to no use, a history of any methamphetamine use in each age period was associated with an increased adjusted risk of violence perpetration (OR 1.60; 1.01–2.54), intimate partner violence perpetration (OR 1.55, 95 % CI 1.04–2.30), and violence victimization (OR 1.57, 1.00–2.47). Evidence for an association with intimate partner violence victimization was inconclusive (OR 1.09, 0.80–1.49). There was a dose response relationship whereby those who had used methamphetamine at least weekly at any time from age 18-35 had substantially elevated adjusted odds of violence involvement compared to people who used but less often, or had never used. ConclusionsMethamphetamine use is an independent risk factor for violence perpetration and victimisation in the general population.

Who gets custody of the friends? Online narratives of changes in friendship networks following relationship breakdown

This article explores online narratives of the loss or change of friendships following an intimate partner relationship breakdown. Drawing on internet forum discussions, we explore individuals’ transitions from coupled to single, and the multiple ways in which this affects their friendship ties. Forum users struggled to reconcile friends’ abandonment or distance with cultural representations of friendship as providing intense emotional support during critical life transitions. Users also reflect on the impact of their recent singlehood on friendships established and maintained while coupled, with relationship breakdown illuminating previously unacknowledged couple privilege. We argue that the loss of friendships exacerbated and became part of the break-up experience, illustrating the embedded nature of relationships (Smart, 2007). Relationship breakdown is perceived as acting as an ‘ordeal’ for friendship, revealing the depth and quality of existing ties, as users reflect on their own neglect of friendships while they were coupled.

Intimate Partner Violence: The Lived Experiences of Economic and Financial Violence of Rural Women in Ghana

Economic violence (EV) or financial violence (FV) is one form of intimate partner violence (IPV), which has received less attention from scholars, policymakers, and social work practitioners. This study explores and describes the lived experiences of 24 rural Ghanaian women with economic violence within intimate partner relationships as wives, mothers, co-wives, and girlfriends. A qualitative methodology utilized a purposeful sample of 24 self-identified female victims as participants aged 20–50 years from three different rural communities in the southeastern region of Ghana. Data collected through individual semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews and data analysis utilized a qualitative thematic content analysis approach using Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014)'s thematic process. Data analysis identifies four main themes namely: (1) Exploitation of family resources; (2) Refusal of spouse/partner to support economic activities; (3) Not benefiting from commonly acquired marital properties; and 4) Inadequate reward for contributions. The article discusses policy implications, mental health interventions and suggestions for the provision of professional services and programs to increase the socioeconomic development of rural communities in Ghana.

Conceptual Factors That Support Safety Behaviors Among Abuse Survivors: A Literature Review

Debate continues on the appropriate theoretical framework for understanding behavior change in abusive intimate partner relationships. The purpose of this review was to identify theories applied to relationship abuse experiences of survivors, to uncover conceptual factors that support safety behaviors, and to discuss how results can be used to inform the development of a conceptual framework for evaluation of interventions for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). A rapid review of peer-reviewed published articles on IPV, safety behavior, and theory through two online databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus) identified 1,604 citations; 143 articles underwent full-text data extraction, and 32 meet criteria for inclusion. Outcomes focused on safety behaviors but also included decision-making, coping strategies, stages of change, ending abuse, and leaving the relationship. The Transtheoretical Model was used most frequently. Despite variation in specification of outcomes of interest, elements that contributed to safety behaviors were similar across articles and included intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors. More work to identify the scope and relationship of conceptual factors that facilitate safety behaviors is needed. The limited published literature provides valuable insights into the range of factors, but homogeneity of samples across articles limited our ability to draw concrete conclusions regarding factors facilitating safety among diverse populations and settings.

Developing a Financial Literacy Program with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: The Voices of Survivors.

As the social work field increasingly recognizes economic abuse within intimate partner relationships, the field has developed financial empowerment programs to empower survivors for their financial future. Although research has demonstrated the effectiveness of financial literacy programs, there are barriers to their implementation in the field. Studies have explored, from the perspective of advocates, best practices in incorporating financial literacy into services; however, no studies have explored implementation approaches from the perspective of survivors. This study explores, from the perspective of 34 survivors, approaches for implementing financial literacy programming. Participants described their understanding of financial empowerment as being in charge of finances, having financial power, and not having to endure the struggle. To counter financial disempowerment, participants identified the need for financial confidence, knowledge, and tools. Participants shared their strategies for saving money, though many participants reported barriers to using banks as savings tools. Almost all participants stressed the importance of financial literacy services for survivors, especially around banking, credit, and debt. Finally, participants shared recommendations for job readiness and training programming. Findings have implications for domestic violence and broader social work organizations implementing financial empowerment services. Social workers can support financial empowerment efforts through program development and research efforts.

Family communication following a diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy: To tell or not to tell?

Family communication about genetic information enables informed medical and reproductive decision-making. The literature suggests that a significant proportion of genetically at-risk family members remain uninformed about genetic risk information as a result of non-disclosure. This study explored the experiences of New Zealand families communicating about a diagnosis of type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1). Eligible individuals were identified and recruited from the New Zealand (NZ) MD Prev study, a nationwide study which aimed to determine the prevalence, impact, and costs of genetic muscle disorders across the lifespan. Twelve qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants. The findings demonstrate diversity among and within families, with several distinct family narratives described. Most participants reported a motivation to tell relatives about their diagnosis to promote autonomy. Women were pivotal throughout communication processes and this was often tied to the concept of maternal responsibility and a desire to promote relatives' reproductive autonomy. The diagnosis of DM1 and the subsequent family communication decisions altered relationships for many, with both positive and negative impacts described. The findings demonstrate that individuals require time to explore the impact of a diagnosis of DM1 on self, family and intimate partner relationships to anticipate unique communication challenges. Genetic counselors can use these findings to inform their approach to counseling families with DM1. Longitudinal genetic counseling may be beneficial as a way to provide individuals with life stage specific support as they communicate with their relatives about a diagnosis of DM1.

The Relationship between Intimate Partner Relationship Quality and Health Outcomes for Filial Caregivers

This study examines the associations between the quality of adult filial caregivers’ intimate partner relationships and health behaviors, mental health, and physical health using structural equation modeling. Secondary data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States were used to examine the health outcomes of adults (n = 224) who reported caregiving for a parent or parent-in-law in the past 12 months. Results indicated a significant mediation effect of close intimate partner relationship quality and physical health, through mental health; health behaviors did not produce a significant mediation effect.

Dangerous Abusive Relationships and Sources of Resilience for South Asian Immigrant Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

This study explored South Asian immigrant women survivors' perspectives on intimate partner relationships that could lead to severe violence or a homicide and sources of resilience for South Asian immigrant survivors in the United States. The study recruited 16 South Asian immigrant survivors for in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Survivors shared some characteristics of dangerous partner such as controlling behavior, anger issues, infidelity, alcohol and drug problems, and history of childhood abuse. Incidents of severe physical abuse, threats to kill, possession of a weapon, and suspicious behavior led survivors to feel fearful for their lives. Sources of resilience in the community (e.g., support from formal sources of help) and at the individual level (e.g., education) were discussed. The needs for culturally informed services and to generate awareness of services among South Asian immigrants were highlighted.

The Conundrums of Counselling Women in Violent Intimate Partner Relationships in South Africa: Implications for Practice.

Little research focuses on how counsellors experience counselling encounters concerning intimate partner violence. This study reports on narrative research conducted with eight South African non-governmental organisation counsellors. Participants spoke of creating productive and caring counselling dynamics, and providing non-directive counselling. However, they also indicated providing moral guidance, particularly in cases where pregnancy or children were involved. Success was viewed rather narrowly as the women leaving the relationship, setting up ‘all-or-nothing’ outcomes. Such ‘success’ led to counsellor happiness, whilst failure in this regard led to counsellors experiencing anger and burn-out. We conclude that the conundrums evident in these data are grounded in patriarchal systems, limiting the efficacy of counselling based on a bondage and deliverance narrative. Implications for practice and training are also outlined.

Relationship Type and Use of the Vaginal Ring for HIV-1 Prevention in the MTN 020/ASPIRE Trial.

Gender roles and imbalances in sexual power contribute to the heightened HIV-1 risk faced by women in Sub-Saharan Africa. This has led prevention research to focus on the development of female controlled methods. Despite the design of products such as vaginal rings to be used autonomously by women, male partners and women's perceptions of relationships influence HIV prevention choices. To understand the influences that male partners and dyadic dynamics had on the use of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in the ASPIRE trial, this analysis of qualitative data explored the types of intimate partner relationships that women engaged in. This paper describes how partners facilitated or challenged women's ring use and how women dealt with these challenges within six different types of relationships characterized by power dynamics and commitment levels. We offer insights into how future use of female-initiated HIV prevention products can be promoted through recognition of different relationship types.

The Broken Rainbow: Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence

This paper focuses on same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV), the effects on the victim within a same-sex relationship, the services available locally for LGB victims, and the barriers encountered by the victims within the services. It explores whether the services offering aid to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) victims of same-sex intimate partner relationships are effective, since locally there is not a service that offers specific SSIPV support yet. It inquires if the services are gay-affirmative by implementing gay-affirmative strategies, policies, and procedures. It aims to create awareness that same-sex intimate partner violence takes place so as to break the silence in relation to this matter locally. The paper also outlines the importance of having both LGBTIQ services and DV services for the victims to turn to, services they feel comfortable with and can disclose to.

Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Pair Bond Maintenance and Potential Neural Substrates in Female Prairie Voles.

Discordant heavy alcohol use is a risk factor for disruption of intimate partner relationships. Modeling these relationships in prairie voles indicates that biological effects of alcohol can contribute to this risk. In particular, alcohol consumption disrupted an established preference for a female partner in male prairie voles if the partner was drinking water, but not if the partner was drinking alcohol. The current study investigated the effects of alcohol consumption on pair bonds in female prairie voles. Female and male prairie voles established pair bonds during 1 week of cohabitation. Following cohabitation, females and their partners were put into mesh-divided cages where they were given access to 10% ethanol and water or only water for 1 week. Pair bonds in female prairie voles were tested using the partner preference test (PPT). Following the PPT, we examined oxytocin, vasopressin and FosB immunoreactivity across several brain regions. Female prairie voles consumed more alcohol if their male partner was also drinking alcohol, but not if their partner was drinking water. During PPT, females preferred their partner over a stranger, regardless of their partner's drinking status. Alcohol consumption decreased oxytocin immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and increased FosB immunoreactivity in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Established partner preference in female prairie voles is resistant to alcohol consumption. This finding suggests that the risk for disruption of intimate partner relationships in females is not mediated by a decreased motivation to be with their partners.

Intergenerational Continuity of Psychological Violence: Intimate Partner Relationships and Harsh Parenting.

This prospective, longitudinal investigation examined psychological violence across generations. We examined how parent psychological violence experienced during adolescence influenced the stability of one's own intimate partner psychological violence perpetration across time and how psychological violence is related to harsh parenting in adulthood. Data came from 193 parents and their adolescent who participated from adolescence through adulthood. Parental psychological violence was assessed in early adolescence. Partner violence was assessed in late adolescence, emerging adulthood, and adulthood. Harsh parenting to their offspring was assessed in adulthood. Parent psychological violence in early adolescence was associated with one's own intimate partner psychological violence in late adolescence. Partner psychological violence was stable from emerging adulthood to adulthood. Moreover, parental violence was also related to their own harsh parenting in adulthood. Findings suggest that children exposed to parental psychological violence during adolescence may have greater difficulty developing acceptable behaviors in their own romantic relationships over time, as well as parenting their own child in adulthood. Findings highlight the importance for clinicians and policy makers to develop and utilize effective educational and preventive interventions designed toward not only adolescent behaviors, but also that of the parent. Understanding how the family environment impacts current and long-term functioning is important in helping stop the cycle of violence across generations.

Circumstances preceding suicide in U.S. soldiers: A qualitative analysis of narrative data.

To gain a better understanding of military suicide, we examined suicide narratives for 135 Soldiers extracted from two large-scale surveillance systems: the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Using coroner/medical examiner and law enforcement narratives captured in the NVDRS and mental health provider narrative data collected across multiple domains from the DoDSER, we examined circumstances surrounding military suicides using a qualitative content analysis approach. We identified five common proximal circumstances: (1) intimate partner relationship problems (63.0%); (2) mental health/substance abuse (51.9%); (3) military job-related (46.7%); (4) financial (17.8%); and (5) criminal/legal activity (16.3%). Evidence of premeditation was present in 37.0% of suicides. Decedents frequently struggled with multiple, high-stress problems and exhibited symptoms of coping and emotion regulation difficulties. Findings demonstrate potential points of intervention for suicide prevention strategies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).