Sexual Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Research Articles

The relationship between intimate partner violence and parenting styles with mediated attachment styles in Iranian women

PurposeThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of attachment styles as intermediaries in the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and parenting styles among Iranian women.MethodsData for this study was collected between September and December 2020. The participants consisted of 102 women who had been referred to Social Emergency Centers in Isfahan due to their experiences with domestic violence. Participants filled out the Haj-Yahia Violence Questionnaire, Baumrind Parenting Styles Questionnaire (BPSQ), and the Attachment Styles Questionnaire (AAQ). To examine the hypothesized relationships, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used.ResultsEconomic IPV victimization was negatively related to secure attachment (β = − 0.309, p = 0.019) and positively related with authoritative parenting (β = 0.422, p = 0.019) and avoidant attachment style (β = 0.563, p = 0.000). There was a significant, positive relationship between sexual IPV victimization with secure and avoidant attachment styles (β = 0.351, p = 0.011; β = 0.407, p = 0.000). Authoritative parenting style was related to avoidant attachment (β = − 0.524, p = 0.015) and secure attachment (β = 0.371, p = 0.000).ConclusionsIranian IPV victims with secure attachment style were more likely to utilize authoritative parenting and those who have avoidant attachment were less likely to use authoritative parenting. Attachment styles may influence the relationship between IPV and parenting styles in Iranian women who have experienced IPV.

The Proximal Association Between Cyber and In-Person IPV Among College Students.

Although some evidence suggests that cyber intimate partner violence (IPV) may increase the risk of in-person IPV, some have suggested that cyber IPV may circumvent in-person IPV. To address these mixed hypotheses, the present study tested the hypothesis that cyber IPV perpetration and victimization would associate with greater odds of same and next-day psychological, physical, and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization among college students. College students (N = 236; 73.73% cisgender women) in dating relationships completed a baseline questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics and past-year cyber, psychological, physical, and sexual IPV. Following baseline assessments, participants completed 60 consecutive days of surveys on cyber, psychological, physical, and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization (71.67% compliance). Hypotheses were partially supported. Cyber IPV perpetration positively associated with odds of same-day psychological IPV perpetration (aOR = 2.46, p = .02) and next-day sexual IPV perpetration (aOR = 3.32, p < .001). Cyber IPV victimization positively associated with odds of same-day psychological IPV victimization (aOR = 5.20, p = .00). Results demonstrate that college students experience IPV both online and in-person within a single day. Cyber IPV may be a targetable antecedent to in-person sexual and psychological IPV. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of same- and next-day polyvictimization, bidirectional cyber and in-person IPV, and the effectiveness of targeting cyber IPV prevention programming among college students.

Alcohol use and intimate partner violence victimization among young adults with a history of perpetration: An ecological momentary assessment study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern among young adults and has shown a consistent association with alcohol use. However, previous research has used cross-sectional and daily diary designs that may fail to pinpoint the effects of alcohol use within several hours of IPV occurring. The present study used novel ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods to investigate the bidirectional effect of alcohol use and IPV victimization among young adults with a history of IPV perpetration. One hundred and sixty-eight young adults (age 18-25 years) in a dating relationship who reported IPV perpetration in the past year completed 28 days of randomly prompted EMA surveys (four surveys daily). The effect of alcohol use on IPV victimization and the effect of IPV victimization on alcohol use were examined. The results indicated that alcohol use co-occurs with psychological and physical IPV victimization. Further, alcohol use significantly increased the odds of physical (OR = 4.94; 95% CI = 2.24-10.87) and sexual (OR = 4.66; 95% CI = 1.64-13.22) IPV victimization, but not psychological IPV victimization, in the subsequent EMA survey. Finally, IPV victimization did not significantly increase the odds of reporting alcohol use in the subsequent EMA survey. Using alcohol is proximally related to IPV victimization among those with a history of IPV perpetration. Intervention efforts would benefit from adapting EMA methods to provide resources the moment they are needed.

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration among Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health concern that profoundly affects not only heterosexual but also lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations. Although studies conducted outside Norway have reported similar prevalence rates of IPV in heterosexual and LGB relationships, no published studies from Norway, whether academic or from nongovernmental organizations, have focused specifically on IPV prevalence rates in the LGB population. One reason might be the absence of a standardized tool to measure IPV. In this study, as researchers with backgrounds in social psychology, violence and minority studies, we firstly aim to evaluate the validity of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-R) in understanding the intimate partner violence experiences of LGB individuals. Secondly, we investigate how common various forms of perpetration and victimization are within the LGB community, specifically looking at psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion. We are also interested in whether there are any differences in the experiences of these forms of violence based on sexual orientation. To conduct this research, we studied 285 LGB individuals in Norway, aged between 18 and 64 (mean age = 31.80 years). The results of a correlation analysis revealed that all types of victimization from and perpetration of violence are positively and strongly associated. Chi-square tests indicated that there was no significant difference among LGB individuals in psychological and physical victimization or perpetration. However, gay individuals reported significantly higher sexual IPV victimization and perpetration than lesbian and bisexual individuals. Overall, we suggest that the CTS-R has satisfactory construct validity and effectively helps gauge psychological, physical, and sexual IPV in the LGB population. Moreover, we conclude that psychological, physical, and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization are prevalent in LGB relationships in Norway, and thus, that LGB IPV warrants further investigation into its antecedents and consequences.

A Comparison of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Mental Health Among Men in Same-Gender and Different-Gender Relationships

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social and public health problem in the United States. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor mental health are associated with IPV. Sexual minority men (SMM) experience each of these disproportionately; however, limited studies have examined the interrelationships of these variables among SMM. Cross-sectional data from the first wave (September 1, 2020–April 25, 2021) of the National Couples’ Health and Time Study were used to assess the prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV victimization and perpetration and the association with ACEs and depression, anxiety, and stress among cisgender men in same-gender and different-gender relationships. Log-binomial regression was used to evaluate relationships, stratified by couples’ gender identity. In a sample of 1,681 men, including 689 sexual minority men, 40.6% reported IPV victimization and 33.1% reported IPV perpetration. Stratified by couples’ gender identity, victimization and perpetration were reported more frequently among men in different-gender relationships compared to men in same-gender relationships (40.7% vs. 33.9%; 33.2% vs. 30.2%). Psychological victimization and perpetration were the most commonly reported. Among men in same-gender relationships, depression symptoms had the highest association with IPV victimization (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56–2.95) and perpetration (PR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.24–2.39). Research, clinical screenings, and other settings that focus on understanding and intervening on partner violence victimization and perpetration should intentionally consider the experiences of SMM in order to effectively promote healthy relationships and optimal mental health.

Intimate Partner Violence and Attachment Styles as Factors Associated with Coping Stress Styles Among Iranian Women.

The current study sought to examine attachment styles as mediators between intimate partner violence (IPV) and stress coping styles among Iranian women. Data were collected from September to December 2020. The study population was composed of 102 women who were referred to Social Emergency Centers in Isfahan and affected by domestic violence. They were given self-report questionnaires to measure IPV (the Haj-Yahia Violence Questionnaire), Stress Coping Styles (CISS), and Attachment Styles (AAQ). Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Sexual IPV victimization was related to both avoidant attachment (β = .229, p = .015) and anxious attachment (β = .245, p = .008). Anxious attachment style was related to emotion-oriented coping (β = .437, p = .000). There was a negative relationship between avoidant attachment and anxious attachment (β = -.237, p = .032) with avoidance-oriented coping. Sexual IPV victimization and economic IPV victimization were associated with avoidance-oriented coping (β = -.225, t = 0.816, p = .015; β = .188, t = 0.816, p = .044). Women who had experienced IPV and had an insecure attachment style were more likely to utilize avoidance and emotional coping strategies. For women who had a secure attachment style, there was no association was found between IPV victimization and coping styles. Attachment styles may influence the relationship between IPV and coping strategies in Iranian women who have experienced violence.

Intimate partner violence in the time of COVID‐19: An investigation into housing density and number of rooms as contributing factors

AbstractCOVID‐19 lockdowns have resulted in significant societal disruptions, intensifying family stress and escalating instances of intimate partner violence (IPV). Lockdowns necessitated prolonged proximity to abusers, magnifying home's significance as a space of victimization. The current study conducted in Korea (n = 813) examined the impact of housing density and room count on COVID‐19‐related IPV. Analyzing data from Seongnam City, Korea, the study examined a couple of pre‐/postpandemic, factors covariates like gender, age, employment, education, and income. Using STATA 13.0, the study conducted multiple logistic regression to examine the association between housing conditions and IPV during and prior to COVID‐19, with all covariates included. Housing density was associated with emotional IPV victimization before COVID‐19, while the number of rooms was associated with physical and sexual IPV victimization before COVID‐19 and sexual IPV victimization after COVID‐19. Time spent with partners was significantly associated with emotional IPV victimization, and the association between the number of rooms and sexual IPV victimization remained significant after adjusting for COVID‐19‐related variables. Practical implications and recommendations are discussed to address this issue and protect vulnerable populations from harm. Although poor housing conditions have been linked to increased stress levels and comprised mental health, scant attention has been paid to those relationships.

Male Intimate Partner Violence Victims’ Experiences With Seeking Help From Legal System Services Over Time and Across Countries

Fifty years of evidence documents that men represent a substantial portion of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, studies show that there are few services available to them, and qualitative studies from Western countries worldwide show that male IPV victims report uniformly negative experiences when seeking help from various legal professionals, including police, judges, lawyers, other court personnel, and victim advocates. The current study is a quantitative investigation of male IPV victims’ experiences with legal service systems across several English-speaking countries and over time. Using cross-sectional data from two samples—594 self-identified male IPV victims and 1,380 men from a crowdsourcing platform (Prolific) who reported at least one act of physical and/or sexual IPV victimization from a romantic partner—we found that men from the United States were significantly less likely to seek help from the police or legal support personnel than men from other countries, but they rated these resources’ helpfulness significantly higher. Moreover, the helpfulness of these resources increased over time. On average, across countries and time periods, ratings were consistent with unhelpfulness, with the majority of men reporting that they were not provided with appropriate resources or support. Discussion focuses on explanations for these findings, implications for practice, and suggestions for future research.

The relationship between emotional intimate partner violence and other forms of violence: A metaanalytic review.

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) and different forms of violence (e.g., stalking perpetration and victimization, physical IPV perpetration and victimization, sexual IPV perpetration and victimization, and controlling behaviors) using a meta-analysis. Data from 188 studies, yielding 382 effect sizes, were used to compare the strength of correlates for IPV victimization versus perpetration, as well as gendered results. This meta-analysis found, in order of strength, controlling behaviors victimization, physical IPV victimization, physical IPV perpetration, sexual IPV victimization, stalking victimization, and sexual IPV perpetration were significantly associated with emotional IPV victimization. The meta-analysis also found, in order of strength, emotional IPV perpetration was positively associated with stalking perpetration, physical IPV perpetration, causing injury to a partner, controlling behaviors victimization, sexual IPV perpetration, physical IPV victimization, controlling behaviors perpetration, and sexual IPV victimization. This study found limited significant differences around gender, with physical IPV victimization approaching significance for emotional IPV perpetration for women. The current study highlights the implications associated with early assessment and intervention in cases of IPV.

Examining the Intersection of Disability Status, Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, and Victimization Among College Students

ABSTRACT Research often finds persons with a disability, persons who are transgender non-conforming (TGNC), or who are sexual minorities experience increased victimization risk. Less research has examined how these identities intersect to impact victimization risk. Thus, our study adds to the literature by examining how these identities intersect to influence risk of violent, sexual, and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among a national-level sample of college students. In doing so, we explore the interactions between having any disability and being TGNC and being a sexual minority on victimization risk. In addition, specific disability types are explored for their potential interactive effects. Findings show increased risk of sexual victimization and IPV victimization among those who identify as TGNC and have a disability. Specific disability types, speech and mobility, interacted with gender identity to impact risk. Our findings suggest the need for universities to implement inclusive and culturally competent prevention and intervention efforts.

Accounts of interpersonal touch in female victims of intimate partner violence: A qualitative study

Crucial for human development and functioning, affectionate touch predicts well-being. However, most research on affectionate touch in romantic relationship is conducted with samples in high quality relationships and relies on quantitative methods. We thus know little to nothing about how touch is experienced in low-quality relationships, namely those characterized by intimate partner violence (IPV). To fill this gap, victims of physical and/or sexual IPV who had received psychological support at one association supporting victims of IPV were invited to participate in the present study. The thematic analysis conducted upon the qualitative data revealed five main themes: (1) the definition of identity by touch, (2) the presence of “undesired” touch, (3) the absence of “desired” touch, (4) the memories and flashbacks triggered by touch, and (5) the self-reconstruction allowed by touch. Analyses are discussed in terms of their link with previous research on affectionate touch and on interpersonal violence. The results suggest that this constitute a meaningful topic of investigation to be further analyzed, as well as a possible therapeutic channel.

Factors associated with non-help-seeking among women victims of physical or sexual intimate partner violence in Peru: Findings from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey, 2017 to 2019.

To evaluate the factors associated with non-help-seeking in victims of physical or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) in Peru. This was an analytical cross-sectional study of 3-year data from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey. The sample comprised women aged 18 to 49 who had experienced physical or sexual IPV at some time in their lives. The dependent variable was non-help-seeking after suffering physical or sexual IPV. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the factors associated with non-help-seeking. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was carried out in which only women who suffered physical or sexual IPV in the last year were considered. Data from 15,265 female victims of physical or sexual IPV were analyzed. It was found that 57.4% did not seek help after suffering physical or sexual IPV. The main reasons for non-help-seeking included thinking it was unnecessary (42.3%) and embarrassment (14.9%). Age between 30 and 49 years old (PRa:1.15; 95%CI [1.06, 1.25]) and residing in a rural area (PRa:1.07; 95%CI [1.00, 1.13]) were associated with a higher probability of non-help-seeking. On the other hand, having a secondary education level (PRa:0.91; 95% CI [0.86, 0.97]) or higher (PRa:0.90; 95%CI [0.82, 0.99]), having a partner who drinks alcohol (PRa:0.94; 95%CI [0.89, 0.99]), having experienced physical or sexual IPV during a pregnancy (PRa:0.87; 95%CI [0.80, 0.94]), and having experienced moderate (PRa:0.81; 95%CI [0.76, 0.86]), or severe physical or sexual IPV (PRa:0.74; 95%CI [0.67, 0.82]), were associated with a lower probability of non-help-seeking. These associations were consistent in the sensitivity analysis. Half of the women who experience physical or sexual IPV do not seek help. There are sociodemographic factors related to this non-seeking of help that are useful for identifying and prioritizing interventions to reduce IPV and improve the health status of women.

COVID-19-Related Stress and Its Association with Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been speculated that the prevalence rates of IPV increased. This paper aims to understand how pandemic-specific distress was related to experiencing and perpetrating IPV. Using self-reported survey data from 371 individuals living in the United States, this study used multiple logistic regressions to examine how reports of distress related to working from home, working outside the home, isolation, stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, physical and mental health, finances, interpersonal relationships, taking care of children, and online learning for children, as well as reports of partner conflict regarding COVID-19, were associated with physical, psychological, and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization. Our results indicated that distress related to family relationships, taking care of children, and COVID-19 as a source of conflict were all associated with an increased risk of IPV victimization, while distress related to mask mandates and friendships was associated with a decreased risk. Distress related to physical health, family relationships, taking care of children, and COVID-19 being a source of conflict were associated with an increased risk of IPV perpetration, while distress related to mental health and friendships was associated with a decreased risk. Implications for researchers and clinicians are discussed.

Looking Within: An Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Sexual Minority Youth.

Sexual minority youth are at increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization compared to their heterosexual peers. However, the sexual minority population is not a homogenous group and risk of IPV victimization varies by LGB+ subgroup (e.g., gay/lesbian, bisexual, and unsure). Using two waves of data (2017, 2019) from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), this study analyzes (a) differences in physical and sexual IPV victimization between heterosexual and sexual minority youth, (b) within group differences among sexual minority youth, and (c) if the relationship between IPV victimization and sexual identity is attenuated after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and theoretically relevant risk factors. Results indicate that sexual minority youth are at elevated risk of IPV victimization compared to their heterosexual peers. Within-LGB+ analyses show that bisexual youth are more likely than gay/lesbian youth to be victims of sexual IPV. The association between physical and sexual IPV victimization and sexual identity is partially attenuated by sociodemographic variables and observed risk factors. Findings indicate that intervention and prevention programming should be tailored to identify, and treat, the risks and needs of unique, at-risk populations.

Longitudinal Associations Between Childhood Adversity and Adolescent Intimate Partner Violence in Malawi.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)-including child maltreatment, witnessing violence, and household dysfunction-have been robustly associated with poor health in later life. There is also increasing evidence that those who experience childhood adversity are more likely subsequently to be victims or perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). Most evidence, however, is cross-sectional and concentrated in high-income settings, and cannot be generalized to more diverse contexts. In contrast, this study assessed longitudinal relations between ACEs and IPV in a low-income country. We interviewed 1,878 adolescents in rural Malawi between 2017 and 2018 (aged 10-16) and again in 2021 (aged 13-20). Adolescents completed the Adverse Childhood Experience-International Questionnaire. Past-year physical, sexual, and emotional IPV victimization and perpetration were measured using the WHO's Violence Against Women Instrument. We estimated multivariate regression models between cumulative adversity (0-13 adversities) at baseline and IPV at follow-up among respondents who reported any romantic or sexual partnerships. The cumulative ACEs score was associated with emotional IPV victimization for boys (OR = 1.12 per ACE) and sexual IPV victimization for girls (OR = 1.18). The ACEs score demonstrated a significant association with perpetration for girls only (OR = 1.33 for emotional IPV). By using longitudinal data, we more rigorously demonstrated the critical role of childhood adversity in shaping later IPV behavior. There are ongoing efforts toward primary prevention of childhood adversity. Given the burden that adolescents already carry (six ACEs on average in our sample), we also need secondary interventions that can help interrupt the pathway from adversity to IPV. This calls for increased collaboration between those working to address violence against children and violence against women.

Men as Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Cameroon and Sierra Leone.

There is a lack of research on how global intimate partner violence (IPV) has impacted men, especially in patriarchal societies of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study used data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in Cameroon and Sierra Leone after 2010 to examine the prevalence and predictors of IPV victimization among married or cohabiting men aged 15 to 59 years. We chose to examine factors related to IPV victimization separately in each country to highlight the importance of not generalizing results from one SSA country to another or to SSA as a whole. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with physical, psychological, and sexual IPV victimization. In Cameroon, 26.5% of men reported psychological victimization, 24.4% reported physical victimization, and 2.3% reported sexual victimization in the year before the survey. The corresponding proportions of male victims in Sierra Leone were 23.4%, 14.9%, and 2.7% respectively. Men in both countries experienced more psychological violence than physical or sexual violence. The prevalence of IPV varied by age, education, ethnicity, witnessed father beating his mother, wife's alcohol consumption, and approval of wife-beating. In both countries, reporting IPV victimization was related to exposure to father beating mother, alcohol consumption, ethnicity, and approval of wife-beating. Implications of these findings suggest that it is important to consider the influence of contextual and structural factors in understanding the vulnerability of men to IPV victimization. The inconsistent patterns and socio-cultural variation within countries suggest that a multilayer approach should be used to prevent and respond to IPV against men.

Abuse in the Continua: HIV Prevention and Care Outcomes and Syndemic Conditions Associated with Intimate Partner Violence Among Black Gay and Bisexual Men in the Southern United States.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been implicated in HIV acquisition and worse HIV outcomes. Limited research focuses on the experiences of Black gay and bisexual men. Using data from cross-sectional surveys in Baltimore, Maryland, and Jackson, Mississippi, we analyzed the association between IPV victimization and HIV-related outcomes among 629 adult Black gay and bisexual men, among whom 53% self-reported a negative result at last HIV test. 40% of participants reported lifetime physical, sexual, and/or psychological IPV victimization, and 24% past-year victimization. Recent and lifetime IPV were associated with recent clinical diagnosis of STI (adjPrR: 1.44; 95%CI: 1.08-1.92) and ART medication interruptions (adjPrR: 1.59; 95%CI: 1.25-2.01), respectively. Physical IPV was inversely associated with current PrEP use (adjPrR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.13-0.90). Recent IPV was independently correlated with depression symptomatology (adjPrR: 2.36; 95%CI: 1.61-3.47) and hazardous alcohol use (adjPrR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.42-2.61), with evidence of interactions. IPV-HIV relationships were intersected by internalized stigma, housing instability, poverty, and lack of insurance. Tailored IPV services are urgently needed for comprehensive HIV services for Black gay and bisexual men in the U.S.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence Among Youth in Cambodia: A Latent Class Analysis.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a global public health problem, including in low- and middle-income country settings, and are associated with increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) during young adulthood. However, current measurement of ACEs may underestimate sequelae of different combinations, or classes, of ACEs and mask class-specific associations with adult exposure to IPV. We used data among ever-partnered young women and men aged 18-24years from the Cambodia Violence Against Children Survey (Nw = 369; Nm = 298). Participants retrospectively reported on seven ACEs and lifetime physical and/or sexual IPV victimization and perpetration. Latent classes comprised of ACEs were used as predictors of physical and/or sexual IPV perpetration and victimization, controlling for household wealth. Identified latent classes for women were "Low ACEs" (60%), "Community Violence and Physical Abuse" (23%), and "Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse" (17%). Latent classes for men were "Low ACEs" (48%) and "Household and Community Violence" (52%). Among women, those in the Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse class were more likely to experience and perpetrate physical and/or sexual IPV in their romantic relationships compared to the reference group (Low ACEs). Women in the Community Violence and Physical Abuse class were more likely to perpetrate physical and/or sexual IPV, but not experience IPV, compared to women in the Low ACEs class. Among men, those in the Household and Community Violence class were more likely to perpetrate physical and/or sexual IPV against a partner, compared to men in the Low ACEs class. Overall, patterns of ACEs were differently associated with IPV outcomes among young women and men in Cambodia. National violence prevention efforts might consider how different combinations of childhood experiences shape risk of young adulthood IPV and tailor interventions accordingly to work with youth disproportionately affected by varied combinations of ACEs.

Sexual violence as a predictor of unintended pregnancy among married women of India: evidence from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (2015\u201316)

BackgroundSexual Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a public health problem globally, with about one in three women experiencing sexual IPV ever in their lifetime. Unintended pregnancy is one of the consequences of sexual IPV and has its repercussions that can span generations. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) and assess the association between sexual IPV and unintended childbirth in India among married women aged 15–49 years.MethodsThe National Family Health Survey-India (NFHS-4) fourth-round dataset was used for the present study. Pregnancies intention was the primary outcome variable, and the main predictor variable was self-reported sexual IPV in the past 12 months. Women’s current age, age at marriage, education and occupation, place of residence, wealth quintile, parity, religion, caste, region, mass media exposure, and husband’s education were other control variables. Weighted analysis depicted the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and their association with different socio-demographic variables. Binary logistic regression was done in two steps respecting a hierarchical approach for potential confounders.ResultsApproximately 6.4% of study participants had ever experienced sexual IPV in India. Prevalence of sexual IPV was significantly higher when the age of marriage was < 19 years, among uneducated, in the lowest wealth index quintile, belonging to scheduled caste, having multiparity, and not having mass media exposure. About 12.1% of pregnancies were considered unintended by the respondents, and 22.9% of women who ever had a history of sexual IPV considered the last pregnancy to be unintentional. Women who experienced sexual IPV were in younger age groups, having parity ≥1, and bigger families had significantly higher odds of having an unintended pregnancy compared to their reference groups.ConclusionsWe observed that sexual IPV has a significant role in unintended pregnancies. Effective counseling means should be rolled out for victims of sexual IPV as it is a taboo subject. The significant factors that can predict unintended pregnancies highlighted in our study should be acknowledged while counseling.

Performance-Enhancing Substance Use and Intimate Partner Violence: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Research has shown that performance-enhancing substance (PES) use, including anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), is associated with interpersonal violence (e.g., fighting). This study aimed to determine whether legal PES use and AAS use are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) involvement cross-sectionally and over seven-year follow-up in a nationally representative prospective cohort study. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 12,288) were analyzed (2021). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between legal PES use and AAS use at Wave III (2001-2002; ages 18-26) and IPV victimization (five variables) and IPV perpetration (five variables) at Wave III and Wave IV (2008-2009; ages 24-32), adjusting for relevant demographic and confounding variables. Results from cross-sectional analyses showed that legal PES use and AAS use were associated with higher odds of both any IPV victimization and sexual IPV victimization, and both any IPV perpetration and physical IPV perpetration by pushing or shoving a partner. Results from prospective analyses showed that AAS use, but not legal PES use, was associated with higher odds of all five IPV victimization variables (any IPV victimization: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.04-2.84; two forms of physical abuse: 1: AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.15-3.50; 2: AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.06-4.21; incurring an injury from IPV victimization: AOR 4.90, 95% CI 1.71-14.01; and sexual IPV victimization AOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.05-5.65), as well as three IPV perpetration variables (any IPV perpetration: AOR 2.11, 95% CI 105-4.23; one form of physical abuse perpetration: AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.06-6.27; and sexual IPV perpetration: AOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.44-10.02). These results emphasize the adverse social and interpersonal risks associated with PES use. Continued research, health care, and public health prevention and intervention efforts to reduce the use of PES and occurrence of IPV are warranted.