Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Research Articles

“She Punched, Punched, and Scratched Me While I Was Holding My Children After We Broke Up”: Men’s Experience of Postseparation Domestic Abuse

There is a paucity of literature relating to male victims of intimate partner violence and their experiences postseparation. This study explored men’s experiences of abuse after the end of a relationship using an anonymous online survey distributed via social media. The survey included questions of a demographic nature followed by a series of open-ended questions. A hundred and thirty men aged between 18 and 68 years participated. All participants were reporting on their experiences within opposite sex relationships. A thematic analysis identified four master themes (preseparation abuse, postseparation abuse, abuse impact, and help-seeking). The analysis revealed significant experiences of abuse occurring preseparation, followed by accounts of postseparation abuse and the challenges men faced in terms of help-seeking. The collection of preseparation data helped to situate the postseparation experiences in the wider context of an existing abusive relationship and illustrated the impact of this across a range of experiential domains. We conclude that men’s experiences of physical abuse as well as coercive and controlling behavior that exist preseparation often continue postseparation, albeit changing and escalating through different mechanisms. Suggestions for future research and recommendations for practice have been identified.

Violence against women, innate preferences and financial inclusion

We examine the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the decision of low-income women to enter formal financial markets by opening a bank account. Additionally, we investigate potential behavioral explanations for the connection between IPV and account-opening decisions. In laboratory experiments conducted in rural Bangladesh, we find that victims of IPV tend to be more risk tolerant and impatient compared to others. When given the option to open a bank account without fees, women who experienced IPV in the past 12 months are less likely to do so than those who did not experience such violence. A path analysis reveals that differences in risk tolerance and impatience mediate the relationship between IPV exposure and financial exclusion. Essentially, our findings indicate that exposure to IPV increases risk tolerance and impatience in women, which in turn discourages them from opening a savings account.

Orthopaedic Injury Patterns in Intimate Partner Violence: Defensive Wounds and Fracture Patterns: A Systematic Literature Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent issue in the United States, despite universal screening measures for women of reproductive age. Orthopaedic surgeons have a unique opportunity to intervene in cases of IPV as musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures, are the second most common type of injury seen in IPV patients. This systematic literature review aims to identify patterns in musculoskeletal injuries caused by IPV to increase identification of patients afflicted by IPV. A comprehensive search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science yielded 316 articles. Included were cohort studies and literature reviews of patients with an IPV-associated orthopaedic injury. Excluded were case studies, perspective articles, material predating 2003, and studies with pediatric or elderly populations. Sixteen articles met criteria. Data supported historical findings that musculoskeletal injury is the second most common injury in patients with IPV, with upper extremity fractures prevailing. Minimally displaced phalanges fractures were most common (9.9%-64%), and isolated ulnar fractures had significant relative risk of IPV association (8.5-12.8). Patients with multiple fractures of varying chronicity were more likely to be victims of IPV (sensitivity 25.2%, specificity 99.2%, positive predictive value 96.2%), and these chronic fractures matched patterns of acute injury caused by IPV. New findings in male victims included a higher proportion of lower extremity and pelvic fractures seen in male cohorts. This study synthesizes evidence of IPV-related orthopaedic injuries, offering objective criteria for identifying victims. Despite limitations in fracture descriptions, the findings aid various physicians in recognizing IPV victims. Considering ongoing IPV prevalence and screening challenges, further research on injury patterns is recommended. Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact of intimate partner violence on quality of life and disease activity in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Stress and trauma are psychosocial factors with an impact on the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The influence of violence on SLE has not been entirely explored, even though women (including patients with rheumatic diseases) are a vulnerable population to any form of violence. This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on health-related quality of life in women with SLE. An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted at a rheumatology clinic of a university hospital from September 2022 and September 2023. We evaluated the presence of IPV in 85 women with SLE with the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed at (HITS) questionnaire and the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), and quality of life with LupusQoL. The prevalence by HITS score of past-year IPV was 24.4% and of lifetime IPV was 36.5%. Past-year non-physical violence was present in 17.1% of patients by ISA, and 27.1% were victims in their lifetime. While in physical violence, 7.3% were victims in the previous year and 21.2% in their lifetime. The total quality of life and the emotional domain by LupusQoL were diminished in victims of past-year IPV, compared to those who weren't exposed (p = .018 and p = .036, respectively). Past-year HITS score correlated with the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) (rho = 0.301, p = .006), while lifetime HITS score correlated with PGA (rho = 0.329, p = .002) and SLEDAI-2K (rho = 0.277, p = .010). We found that one in four women suffered IPV in the previous year, and those who were exposed had diminished quality of life. Also, the severity of the abuse correlated with disease activity. Our findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care for patients with SLE.

On the Overlap of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Examination of Trauma-Related Shame.

Every year, millions of people experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), with researchers increasingly discussing the overlap between these two forms of interpersonal violence. However, researchers have not yet used quantitative methods to examine the link between IPV and CSE or to explore potential mechanisms underlying the overlap, including child maltreatment risk factors and psychological mechanisms. One potential mechanism is trauma-related shame, a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder commonly experienced by both victims of CSE and IPV. The current study explores trauma-related shame, childhood maltreatment, and IPV and their associations with CSE using a sample of 174 primarily Black women. Binomial logistic regression is used to analyze the impact of IPV, child abuse and neglect, and trauma-related shame on CSE. Results indicate that IPV and trauma-related shame are both significant predictors of CSE. Implications for future research and the incorporation of shame in trauma-related treatment are discussed.

Spanish-Language Measures of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Evidence and Translation Methodology.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent worldwide, including in Latinx populations. Reported rates of IPV in Latinx populations vary widely, indicating that measurement errors may be impeding researchers' and clinicians' understanding of IPV in these populations. We conducted a systematic review across a range of social science databases to evaluate psychometric properties and translation methodologies of Spanish-language IPV measures. Records were included if they included Spanish measures assessing IPV victimization. We identified 91 records with a total of 70 measures and evaluated the measures' extant psychometric evidence using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments. For the measures translated from English to Spanish, we evaluated the translation methodology based on best-practice recommendations for achieving translations that are psychometrically equivalent to their original versions. We found that validation information about measures was sparse and that few translations adhered to best-practice recommendations. Based on our a priori criteria we recommend the Plazaola-Castaño translation of the Index of Spouse Abuse. In closing, we discuss the validity evidence of translated measures independent of the original language version and best-practice recommendations in translating psychological measures.

Intimate Partner Violence Risk Factors: A Vulnerability-Adaptation Stress Model Approach.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionally affects women. Using the vulnerability-adaptation stress model, we examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), self-esteem, and hope as vulnerability indicators and relationship status and length, positive and negative affect, and socioeconomic status (SES) as stressors to ascertain the risk for IPV. Women (N = 491, M = 37.15, standard deviation = 12.51) completed an online survey comprised of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, Snyder's Hope Scale, ACE questionnaire, Composite Abuse Scale Revised-Short Form, and demographic questions. Factor analysis identified four ACE factors of sexual abuse, physical or psychological abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and household dysfunction. A five-step hierarchical multiple regression identified that greater exposure to physical or psychological child abuse was associated with an increased risk of IPV (Step 2), B = 0.73 [0.16, 1.34]. Lower self-esteem, B = -0.30 [-0.47, -0.14] predicted IPV (Step 3). Age B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length, B = -1.24 [-2.16, 0.41] were associated with a higher risk of IPV (Step 4). In Step 5, previous variables attenuated to non-significance while age, B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length B = -1.25 [-2.16, 0.41] remained significant. While the key findings of this study were inconsistent with some commonly reported findings (e.g., ACEs, self-esteem, hope, relationship status, SES, age), these inconsistencies are important to highlight given the factorial approach to examining ACEs, the comprehensive analyses conducted, and our examination of these variables' direct relationship to IPV. The study was limited by its cross-sectional nature, higher prevalence of IPV victims, and not examining IPV sub-types. Similar studies need to be conducted for other relationship types and victimized individuals (e.g., same-sex relationships and male victims) to provide a complete picture of risk factors for IPV.

Structural Relationship Model of Basic Psychological Needs With Intimate Partner Violence: The Mediating Role of Gender Discrimination and Self-Esteem.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses a range of abusive behaviors within intimate relationships. This study examines the structural relationships between basic psychological needs and IPV victimization among Iranian women, shedding light on the complex factors contributing to IPV and potential avenues for intervention. Data were gathered from a sample of 306 Iranian women who had experienced IPV, utilizing the Domestic Violence Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The findings supported the appropriate fit of the proposed model and revealed that basic psychological needs exerted significant direct and indirect effects on IPV victimization, mediated through self-esteem and ambivalent sexism. These results provide valuable new insights into the complex dynamics of IPV victimization and hold promise for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preventing IPV and supporting the well-being of affected individuals. Furthermore, the interpretation of the findings has been revised to avoid any implication of victim-blaming, aligning with the aim of understanding and addressing the structural factors contributing to IPV victimization.

Associations Between PTSD and Depressive Symptoms and Victimization Among Female College Students: A Latent Class Analysis.

Research on subgroups of female college students who share similar experiences of childhood maltreatment (CM) and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is sparse. The primary aims of the current study are: (a) to identify subgroups of victims related to experience of psychological, physical, and sexual CM and IPV and (b) to test the association between subgroups and depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. Survey data was collected from 327 female students at a public university in the Northeast. Three distinct subgroups, that is, victimization classes, were found using Latent Class Analysis: A lifetime victimization class, comprised of females reporting high rates of CM and IPV across types (19.0% of the sample), a childhood victimization class (26.9%); and a low victimization class (54.1%). Depressive symptom severity was positively associated with lifetime and childhood, relative to low, victimization class membership. PTSD symptom severity was associated with the childhood victimization class relative to both lifetime and low victimization class. Subgroups of institutions of higher education (IHE) females who share CM and IPV victimization experiences are discernable. The co-occurrence of IPV and CM in female college students is not uncommon. PTSD symptom severity may be more related to CM than IPV in IHE female students.

Exploring the role of salon professionals in identifying sex trafficking and violence victims in Indiana

BackgroundSex trafficking victims often have touchpoints with salons for waxing, styling, and other body modification services required by traffickers. Recently, some states have administered laws requiring salon professionals to receive intimate partner violence (IPV)-related training, with even fewer states mandating training on identifying sex trafficking. This study aimed to understand how salon professionals have witnessed evidence of violence, including IPV and sex trafficking, in the workplace and to explore the differences in their approach to each type of victim.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with salon professionals (N = 10) and law enforcement professionals/policymakers (N = 5). Content and thematic analysis techniques were used.ResultsSalon professionals typically identified potential violence through signs such as bruises, odd behavior, and client disclosures, prompting them to engage in cautious conversations. Yet, few were trained to identify and intervene. Often, they responded to suspected violence by talking with the client, sharing concerns with salon leadership, directly intervening on the client’s behalf, or contacting the police. Law enforcement and salon professionals had suggestions about improving salon professionals’ recognition of and response to violence, including training on victim-focused resources, creating a safe environment, and building relationships with law enforcement. They also suggested strengthening community partnerships to increase resource advocacy and reporting.ConclusionsOne-on-one salon services may provide a unique opportunity to intervene and identify victims of violence, especially when empowered through additional training and collaborative partnerships with community-oriented policing initiates. Implementing training and community-based initiatives could aid salon professionals in gaining greater confidence in knowing what to do when serving a client who is a victim of IPV or sex trafficking.

The ability of a victim of intimate partner violence to realise the nature of the actions committed against her/him and to resist them

The ability of a victim of intimate partner violence to realise the nature of the actions committed against her/him and to resist them

Predicting Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Seven U.S. Cities Using Interpretable Machine Learning.

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are at higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization than their housed peers. This is often due to their increased vulnerability to abuse and victimization before and during homelessness, which can result in a cycle of violence in which YAEH also perpetrates IPV. Identifying and addressing factors contributing to IPV perpetration at an early stage can reduce the risk of IPV. Yet to date, research examining YAEH's IPV perpetration is scarce and has largely employed conventional statistical approaches that are limited in modeling this complex phenomenon. To address these gaps, this study used an interpretable machine learning approach to answer the research question: What are the most salient predictors of IPV perpetration among a large sample of YAEH in seven U.S. cities? Participants (N = 1,426) on average were 21 years old (SD = 2.09) and were largely cisgender males (59%) and racially/ethnically diverse (81% were from historically excluded racial/ethnic groups; i.e., African American, Latino/a, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander, and mixed race/ethnicity). Over one-quarter (26%) reported IPV victimization, and 20% reported IPV perpetration while homeless. Experiencing IPV victimization while homeless was the most important factor in predicting IPV perpetration. An additional 11 predictors (e.g., faced frequent discrimination) were positively associated with IPV perpetration, whereas 8 predictors (e.g., reported higher scores of mindfulness) were negatively associated. These findings underscore the importance of developing and implementing effective interventions with YAEH that can prevent IPV, particularly those that recognize the positive association between victimization and perpetration experiences.

The gaslighting relationship exposure inventory: Reliability and validity in two cultures

Gaslighting, a form of psychological abuse, has received increasing attention in recent years. The current research provides reliability and validity evidence for a new 11-item measure of exposure to gaslighting by a romantic partner: The Gaslighting Relationship Exposure Inventory (GREI). Two studies were conducted with Israeli ( N = 509) and American ( N = 395) community samples. Participants were involved in a romantic relationship and completed an online questionnaire that included measures of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, depression, and relationship satisfaction. In both studies, the GREI items loaded onto a single factor of relationship gaslighting exposure. The scale demonstrated metric gender invariance and was reliable in both men and women. Relationship gaslighting exposure was strongly linked with psychological abuse victimization and weakly linked with other forms of IPV victimization, thus showing strong convergent and discriminant validity. Moreover, relationship gaslighting exposure was associated with greater depression and lower relationship quality, above and beyond other forms of IPV victimization. The results support the reliability and validity of the GREI in both men and women, as well as its utility for the study of gaslighting exposure within relationships. The current research highlights that gaslighting is a distinct form of psychological abuse with unique implications for personal and relational well-being.

A Bayesian Study of Drinking and Intimate Partner Violence Across Two- and Four-Year Colleges

ABSTRACT This study investigated intimate partner violence victimization patterns in two-year and four-year college students, examining heavy episodic drinking as a risk factor. Using Bayesian analysis to assess similarities, Hypothesis 1 found moderate evidence for no reliable differences in dating victimization between groups. Hypothesis 2 indicated that heavy episodic drinking reliably predicted intimate partner violence in both college types. Contrary to Hypothesis 3, the relationship strength between heavy episodic drinking and intimate partner violence did not differ between campus types. These results suggest consistent intimate partner violence patterns across college types, emphasizing the importance of addressing heavy episodic drinking in prevention efforts for both groups. The study contributes valuable insights to understanding and mitigating intimate partner violence risks in diverse college settings.

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.

The relevance of the data collection process in the VioGén system from a feminist perspective

The VioGén system is a predictive policing and algorithm tool, which has been implemented in Spain since 2007. Its main objective is to assess the risk of a woman of being victim of intimate partner violence and proposing measures for her protection accordingly. This work will focus on one of the most essential parts of the tool’s functioning: the data collection process. I intend to illustrate how this process of data collection can be influenced by the bias and stereotypes that have been constructed within criminal law concerning gender violence victims and the way this affects, in the end, the system’s functioning.

Pathways to Thriving in Palestinian Women Citizens of Israel Experiencing IPV: The Contribution of Personal Resources and Recovery Actions

ABSTRACT Personal resources and recovery actions to face trauma are known to impact the wellbeing of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Although acknowledged as a key component, scant research has been conducted on the recovery trajectories of survivors from Arab societies, especially in Palestinian citizens of Israel. This study examined the contribution of personal resources (empowerment related to safety, dispositional optimism, and potency) to engaging in steps toward recovery and ultimately thriving in 157 Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) victims of IPV. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was applied to test a mediation model that estimated the extent to which personal resources (empowerment related to safety, dispositional optimism, and potency) predicted survivors’ thriving directly and indirectly through the mediating variables of engagement in specific recovery actions. The model revealed direct associations between empowerment related to safety, dispositional optimism, potency, and thriving. Women’s empowerment toward safety positively predicted thriving via establishing healing spaces. Contrary to predictions, although women’s empowerment toward safety positively predicted women’s engagement in connecting/sharing, women’s connecting/sharing negatively predicted their thriving. These findings highlight the importance of women’s personal resources by showcasing their strengths and the steps they take to enhance their thriving within the Israeli- Arab context.

Interventions for intimate partner violence during the perinatal period: A scoping review: A systematic review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent global health problem. IPV that occurs before pregnancy often continues during the perinatal period, resulting in ongoing violence and many adverse maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes. This scoping review is designed to broadly capture all potential interventions for perinatal IPV and describe their core components and measured outcomes. We conducted a search for empirical studies describing IPV interventions in the perinatal population in June 2022. The search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts, ClinicalTrials.gov and MedRxiv. Hand searching of references from select articles was also performed. Included studies described an intervention for those experiencing IPV during the perinatal period, including 12 months before pregnancy, while pregnant or in the 12 months post-partum. The search encompassed January 2000 to June 2022 and only peer-reviewed studies written in either English or French were included. Included interventions focused on the survivor exposed to IPV, rather than healthcare professionals administering the intervention. Interventions designed to reduce IPV revictimization or any adverse maternal, obstetrical, or neonatal health outcomes as well as social outcomes related to IPV victimization were included. We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Campbell Collaboration. In total, 10,079 titles and abstracts were screened and 226 proceeded to full text screening. A total of 67 studies included perinatal IPV interventions and were included in the final sample. These studies included a total of 27,327 participants. Included studies originated from 19 countries, and the majority were randomized controlled trials (n = 43). Most studies were of moderate or low quality. Interventions included home visitation, educational modules, counseling, and cash transfer programs and occurred primarily in community obstetrician and gynecologist clinics, hospitals, or in participants' homes. Most interventions focused on reducing revictimization of IPV (n = 38), improving survivor knowledge or acceptance of violence, knowledge of community resources, and actions to reduce violence (n = 28), and improving maternal mental health outcomes (n = 26). Few studies evaluated the effect of perinatal IPV interventions on obstetrical, neonatal or child health outcomes. The majority of intervention studies for perinatal IPV focus on reducing revictimization and improving mental health outcomes, very few included obstetrical, neonatal, and other physical health outcomes. Future interventions should place a larger emphasis on targeting maternal and neonatal outcomes to have the largest possible impact on the lives and families of IPV survivors and their infants.

Collaboration in providing intimate-partner violence services to women with disabilities

BackgroundThere is a consensus among scholars, policymakers, and implementers that addressing the complex nature of intimate partner violence (IPV) requires a collaborative response. However, there is limited literature on how various professionals work collaboratively to address the needs of women with disabilities who experience IPV. This study combines the perspectives of women with disabilities and those of professionals to understand collaboration in providing IPV services to women with disabilities.MethodsTwenty-nine in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 IPV service providers and 11 women with disabilities. The data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings are presented under three themes: the first shows a consensus among different IPV service providers and disabled women on the importance of collaboration when supporting victims of IPV with disabilities; the second depicts the common ways in which collaboration occurs when supporting women with disabilities; and the third illuminates the critical elements that boost effective collaboration.ConclusionSupporting IPV victims with disabilities requires active collaboration at both an internal and external level. Strengthening collaboration among different actors requires trust, specified roles, and the allocation of adequate resources.

A Multi-Level Analysis of Help-Seeking Behaviour of Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Globally, many men are victims of intimate partner violence but not many seek help to stop the violence. This study sought to identify the factors associated with the help-seeking behavior of male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Uganda. This was done using ordinary and mixed-effects regression models with logit, probit, and complementary log-log link functions and secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. Most males (70.6 percent) never sought help after experiencing intimate partner violence. Marital status, listening to the radio, physically hurt partner, experienced physical injury, number of control issues, father ever beat mother, and severity of violence were significantly associated with the help-seeking behavior of male victims of IPV. There is a need to come up with interventions that encourage males to report IPV, especially among the married, and also sensitize males not to wait until they have experienced physical injuries or any other severe violence before they seek help. Given that the sampling methodology used in demographic and health surveys introduces nesting in the data, researchers should consider using multilevel models.