Determinants of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Acquisition Among Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) takes on unique dimensions when directed against transgender individuals, with perpetrators leveraging transphobia to assert power and control. Standard IPV measurement tools do not assess this type of IPV. Four questions to assess transgender-related IPV (T-IPV) were developed: (a) being forced to conform to an undesired gender presentation or to stop pursuing gender transition; (b) being pressured to remain in a relationship by being told no one would date a transgender person; (c) being “outed” as a form of blackmail; and (d) having transition-related hormones, prosthetics, or clothing hidden or destroyed. The T-IPV tool was administered to 150 female-to-male transmasculine individuals completing a study of cervical cancer screening in Boston from March 2015-September 2016. Construct validity was assessed by examining correlations between T-IPV and two validated screeners of other forms of IPV (convergent) and employment status and fruit consumption (divergent). The association between T-IPV and negative health outcomes (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, psychological symptoms, binge drinking, number of sexual partners, and sexually transmitted infection [STI] diagnosis) were also calculated. Lifetime T-IPV was reported by 38.9%, and 10.1% reported past-year T-IPV. T-IPV was more prevalent among those who reported lifetime physical (51.7% vs. 31.7%, p = .01) and sexual (58.7% vs. 19.4%, p < .001) IPV than those who did not. Lifetime T-IPV was associated with PTSD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.04, 4.80]), depression (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI = [1.22, 5.96]), and psychological distress (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI = [1.10, 7.26]). The T-IPV assessment tool demonstrated adequate reliability and validity and measures a novel type of abuse that is prevalent and associated with significant mental health burden. Future work should further validate the measure and pilot it with male-to-female transfeminine individuals.

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Injury May Be More Than Skin Deep: Injury Dimensions in Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e517322011-513 ◽

2007 ◽

Author(s):

Terri Weaver ◽

Patricia Resick

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Female Victims

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Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence during Lockdown and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Family Violence ◽

10.1007/s10896-021-00260-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Minna Lyons ◽

Gayle Brewer

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Global Health ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Female Victims ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽

Service Disruption

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that there is an increase in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during times of crisis (e.g., financial, environmental, or socio-political situations). The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented global health and financial tragedy, but research is yet to establish exactly how the situation may impact on IPV. The present study investigates victims’ experience of IPV during lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. We report a qualitative thematic analysis of 50 discussion forum posts written by victims of IPV. Of these, 48 forum posts were written by female victims of male perpetrated violence. All forum posts were obtained from the popular online platform, Reddit. We identified four themes associated with IPV victims’ experiences during lockdown and the global pandemic: (i) Use of COVID-19 by the Abuser, (ii) Service Disruption, (iii) Preparation to Leave, and (iv) Factors Increasing Abuse or Distress. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on those living with IPV, often increasing the severity of IPV experienced. The experiences of those affected by IPV during this period inform interventions and the guidance and support provided to IPV victims during times of crisis.

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Challenges of Using Videos in Exam Rooms of Safety-Net Clinics to Encourage Patient Self-Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence and to Increase Provider Screening

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/10778012211000136 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107780122110001

Author(s):

Paula Tavrow ◽

Brittnie Bloom ◽

Mellissa Withers

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Safety Net ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

High Turnover ◽

Management Tools ◽

Self Disclosure ◽

Female Victims ◽

Safety Net Clinics ◽

Main Components

Identifying intimate partner violence (IPV) in clinics allows for early intervention. We tested a comprehensive approach in five safety-net clinics to encourage female victims to self-identify and providers to screen. The main components were (a) short, multilingual videos for female patients; (b) provider training; and (c) management tools. Although videos were viewed 2,150 times, only 9% of eligible patients watched them. IPV disclosure increased slightly (6%). Lack of internal champions, high turnover, increased patient load, and technological challenges hindered outcomes. Safety-net clinics need feasible methods to encourage IPV screening. Management champions and IT support are essential for video-based activities.

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Gambling-Related Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: A Grounded Theory Model of Individual and Relationship Determinants

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/08862605211037425 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088626052110374

Author(s):

Nerilee Hing ◽

Catherine O’Mullan ◽

Elaine Nuske ◽

Helen Breen ◽

Lydia Mainey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Grounded Theory ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Violence Against Women ◽

Gender Inequality ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Theory Model ◽

Theory Approach ◽

Female Victims

This study aimed to examine how problem gambling interacts with gendered drivers of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women to exacerbate this violence. Interviews were conducted with 48 female victims of IPV linked to a male partner’s gambling; 24 female victims of IPV linked to their own gambling; and 39 service practitioners from 25 services. Given limited research into gambling-related IPV, but a stronger theoretical base relating to IPV against women, this study used an adaptive grounded theory approach. It engaged with existing theories on gendered drivers of violence against women, while also developing a grounded theory model of individual and relationship determinants based on emergent findings from the data. Gambling-related IPV against women was found to occur in the context of expressions of gender inequality, including men’s attitudes and behaviors that support violence and rigid gender expectations, controlling behaviors, and relationships condoning disrespect of women. Within this context, the characteristics of problem gambling and the financial, emotional and relationship stressors gambling causes intensified the IPV. Alcohol and other drug use, and co-morbid mental health issues, also interacted with gambling to intensify the IPV. Major implications. Reducing gambling-related IPV against women requires integrated, multi-level interventions that reduce both problem gambling and gendered drivers of violence. Gambling operators can act to reduce problem gambling and train staff in responding to IPV. Financial institutions can assist people to limit their gambling expenditure and families to protect their assets. Service providers can be alert to the co-occurrence of gambling problems and IPV and screen, treat, and refer clients appropriately. Public education can raise awareness that problem gambling increases the risk of IPV. Reducing gender inequality is also critical.

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