Sexual Orientation Disparities in Substance Misuse: The Role of Childhood Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Among Patients in Care at an Urban Community Health Center

Research has consistently found rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in nonheterosexual relationships to be comparable or higher than rates of IPV in heterosexual relationship. Less is understood about the relationship between child abuse, sexual orientation, and IPV victimization. The role of sexual orientation in the relationship between child abuse and IPV victimization is important to consider given research has found higher rates of childhood abuse among nonheterosexual individuals. In addition, the relationship between child abuse victimization and IPV victimization in adulthood has also been documented. This research extends the literature on IPV by comparing child abuse victimization as a predictor for IPV between heterosexual and nonheterosexual IPV victims. Using the National Violence Against Women Survey, this study used logistic regression models to find partial support for the hypothesis that nonheterosexuals who experience child abuse will be more likely to be IPV victims as adults than similarly situated heterosexuals.

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Dimensions of sexual orientation and rates of intimate partner violence among young sexual minority individuals assigned female at birth: The role of perceived partner jealousy.

Psychology of Violence ◽

10.1037/vio0000275 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 411-421

Author(s):

Christina Dyar ◽

Brian A. Feinstein ◽

Arielle R. Zimmerman ◽

Michael E. Newcomb ◽

Brian Mustanski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Sexual Orientation ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intimate Partner

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The Role of Acculturation in the Relation Between Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Misuse Among IPV-victimized Hispanic Women in the Community

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260520967134 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 088626052096713

Author(s):

Miranda E. Reyes ◽

Nicole H. Weiss ◽

Suzanne C. Swan ◽

Tami P. Sullivan

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Substance Misuse ◽

Hispanic Women ◽

The United States ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Drug Misuse ◽

Moderating Role ◽

Relevant Factors

Hispanic women in the United States are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). One correlate of IPV among Hispanic women with important public health implications is substance misuse. However, limited research has identified culturally relevant factors that may impact the strength of the IPV-substance misuse association in this population. The present study examined the moderating role of acculturation in the relation between IPV types (i.e., physical, psychological, and sexual) and substance (i.e., alcohol and drug) misuse. Participants were 150 IPV-exposed Hispanic women in the community ( M age = 35.13). IPV types, substance misuse outcomes, and acculturation were significantly and positively correlated with each other at zero-order. Moderation analyses indicated that the relations between IPV and substance misuse were stronger among Hispanic women with higher (vs. lower) levels of acculturation. These findings suggest the potential utility of considering acculturation when assessing and treating substance misuse among IPV-exposed Hispanic women.

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Childhood Abuse and Women’s Use of Intimate Partner Violence: Exploring the Role of Complex Trauma

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/1946-6560.5.1.98 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 98-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kimberly R. Flemke ◽

Jennifer W. Underwood ◽

Katherine R. Allen

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Childhood Abuse ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Complex Trauma ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

History Of ◽

Potential Factors ◽

Childhood Traumas

Much research now indicates significant long-term effects for individuals who have experienced various forms of abuse in childhood. Recent research also has examined the role of women as perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV), including potential factors that contribute to their use of violence. One trend revealed in the research is that many of the women who engaged in acts of IPV also had a history of experiencing one or more types of childhood abuse (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, or witnessing family violence). This article discusses the specific framework of complex trauma as a theoretical model to understand how unresolved triggers of childhood trauma may potentially serve as ongoing catalysts for women’s IPV. Using the lens of complex trauma illuminates the criticalinterpersonalfactor yet to be studied thus far, which suggests that many women’s IPV experiences may be rooted in havingchildhood traumas triggeredby their intimate partner. Suggestions for treatment are recommended as exploring the intersection between past trauma and present violence, which seems to be the key for unlocking important answers in treating violent women and decreasing IPV.

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