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Thomas JC, Kopel J. Male Victims of Sexual Assault: A Review of the Literature. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13040304. [PMID: 37102818 PMCID: PMC10135558 DOI: 10.3390/bs13040304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to female rape victims, the literature addressing male rape victims remains a growing area of interest for counselors and scholars. This article aims to review the growing literature on male sexual assault victims. Specifically, the review will examine the literature on male victims of sexual assault in nine sections: (a) an overview of male sexual assault, (b) male rape myths, (c) prevalence, (d) responses to male victimization, (e) populations and perpetrators of male victimization, (f) risk factors, (g) reporting, (h) the impact of sexual assault on men, (i) help-seeking, and (j) implications for counseling. Empirical studies, case reports, and books are included in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Thomas
- Department of Counselor Education & Family Studies, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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2
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Rajkumar RP. Cultural collectivism, intimate partner violence, and women's mental health: An analysis of data from 151 countries. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1125771. [PMID: 37066068 PMCID: PMC10098113 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1125771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Culture, defined as the distinctive, learned beliefs and patterns of behavior that are particular to a given group or community, is a key determinant of mental health. The cultural dimension of individualism-collectivism, which measures the extent to which a given society accords importance to individuals as opposed to larger groups, has been associated with cross-national variations in mental health outcomes such as depression and suicide. However, this cultural dimension is also associated with variations in the frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV), which has a significant and sustained adverse impact on women's mental health. This study examines the relationships between individualism-collectivism, the frequency of IPV, and rates of depression and suicide in women, based on data from 151 countries. In this data set, IPV was significantly associated with age-standardized rates of depression and suicide in women, even after adjusting for demographic variables. Cultural collectivism was positively correlated with IPV, but this relationship was significantly influenced by national income and women's educational attainment. In multivariate analyses, IPV, but not cultural collectivism, remained significantly associated with depression in women. These results highlight the importance of screening for and addressing IPV in women seeking mental health care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cultural and economic factors may both increase the risk of IPV and delay or impede its reporting.
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Willie TC, Callands T, Alexander KA, Kershaw T. Measuring women's sexual autonomy: Development and preliminary validation of the women's sexual autonomy scale. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231183837. [PMID: 37377349 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231183837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual autonomy is an influential component of sexual health risk reduction frameworks, but a universal assessment of sexual autonomy is currently lacking. OBJECTIVES This study develops and validates the Women's Sexual Autonomy scale (WSA), a comprehensive measure that captures women's perception of their sexual autonomy. DESIGN Forty-one items were initially created based on current research and in consultation with sexual health experts. In Phase I, a cross-sectional study with 127 women was conducted to finalize the scale. In Phase II, a cross-sectional study with 218 women was conducted to test the stability and validity of the scale. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with an independent sample of 218 participants. METHODS In Phase I, principal component analysis with promax rotation was conducted to examine the factor structure for the sexual autonomy scale. Cronbach's alphas were conducted to assess the internal consistency of the sexual autonomy scale. In Phase II, confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to confirm the factor structure of the scale. Logistic and linear regressions were used to assess validity of the scale. Unwanted condomless sex and coercive sexual risk were used to test construct validity. Intimate partner violence was used to test predictive validity. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors across 17 items: 4 items on sexual cultural scripting (Factor 1), 5 items on sexual communication (Factor 2), 4 items on sexual empowerment (Factor 3), and 4 items on sexual assertiveness (Factor 4). Internal consistency for the total scale and subscales were adequate. The WSA scale showed construct validity by negatively relating to unwanted condomless sex and coercive sexual risk, and predictive validity by negatively relating to partner violence. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest the WSA scale provides a valid, reliable assessment of sexual autonomy for women. This measure can be incorporated into future studies investigating sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiara C Willie
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tamora Callands
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Trace Kershaw
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Nnawulezi N, Rieger A, Shaw J, Greeson M, Lichty L, Allen NE. Reflecting and rejuvenating our work, together: One team's consideration of AJCP publications on gender-based violence. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 70:255-264. [PMID: 35698858 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Community psychology has long valued reflexive praxis as a critical part advancing our research and action. In this Virtual Special Issue (VSI), we, a group of community psychologists and gender-based violence (GBV) researchers at many different points in our careers, reflected on GBV publications that have appeared in AJCP. We examine the ways in which community psychology broadly and articles in AJCP more specifically have conceptualized GBV as a sociocultural issue, how GBV intersects with other oppressions and forms of violence, the tension when systems that aspire to support survivors are inequitable and focused on ameliorative change, and the importance of interventions being locally informed and locally driven. By highlighting selected GBV-focused articles published in AJCP, this VSI discusses (a) understanding and transforming culture via robust research and local partnerships, (b) targeting effective interventions for survivors, (c) invoking systems and targeting change in institutional environments, and (d) making connections between local efforts and broader social movements. To continue to move forward, we conclude we must reflect, embrace methodological plurality, partner, and push for structural change. Reflective questions regarding research and action are offered, to address gender-based violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkiru Nnawulezi
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Agnes Rieger
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica Shaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan Greeson
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lauren Lichty
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Bothell, Washington, USA
| | - Nicole E Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
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The Association of Adolescent Gender Performance and Adult Intimate Partner Violence. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:705-712. [PMID: 36088233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A quarter of women and nearly 1 in 10 men in the United States have reported experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) that had lasting negative impacts at least once during their lifetime. To prevent IPV over the lifecourse, adolescence has been identified as an ideal period for healthy relationship education that addresses the various IPV risk factors. One of those risk factors is believing in traditional gender roles, but the behavioral aspect of gender performance has been understudied. This study explores the relationship between adolescent gender performance and adult IPV perpetration and victimization/survival. METHODS We used logistic regression to estimate associations of adolescent gender performance and adult IPV perpetration and victimization/survival in a sample of 2,197 males and 2,587 females from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) between 1994 and 2008. RESULTS Male adolescent gender performance was associated with increased adult IPV perpetration (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.18 per 10% increase in gender performance) and victimization/survival (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11 per 10% increase in gender performance). Female adolescent gender performance was not associated with adult IPV perpetration or victimization/survival. DISCUSSION The more similarly adolescent males behave to their adolescent male peers, the more likely they are to perpetrate and experience IPV in adulthood. This study supports the implementation of gender transformative education during adolescence and the specific need to address how the behaviors associated with male gender performance are risk factors for adult IPV.
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Ganson KT, Jackson DB, Testa A, Nagata JM. Performance-Enhancing Substance Use and Intimate Partner Violence: A Prospective Cohort Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP22944-NP22965. [PMID: 35119318 PMCID: PMC9679551 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211073097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle T. Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social
Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan B. Jackson
- Department of Population, Family,
and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of
Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Criminology &
Criminal Justice, University of Texas at San
Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jason M. Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Chung KL, Sheridan L. Perceptions of Stalking: Examining Perceivers' Country of Origin, Perpetrator-Target Prior Relationship, and the Mediating Effect of Victim Responsibility. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP19644-NP19663. [PMID: 34490815 PMCID: PMC9554380 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211042601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Research in stalking perceptions has shown certain relational biases, in which people tend to view ex-partner stalkers to be less dangerous than stranger or acquaintance stalkers. These findings are in direct contrast to those of real-life cases whereby ex-partner stalkers pose a greater threat. In addition, although stalking is recognized as a global social problem, most studies have been based on samples drawn from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries. The current study examined whether the prior relationship between the stalking perpetrator and target influences people's perceptions of stalking and whether cross-national differences exist between participants based in Malaysia (where there is currently no law that criminalizes stalking) and England (where stalking has been outlawed since 1997). In a 3 × 2 between-subjects design, 294 Malaysian participants and 170 English participants were presented with a vignette describing a stalking scenario in which the perpetrator was depicted as a stranger, acquaintance, or ex-partner. Participants judged the extent to which the perpetrator's behavior constitutes stalking; necessitates police intervention; would cause the victim alarm or personal distress; would cause the victim to fear the use of violence; and can be attributed to encouragement on the part of the victim. Results showed that typical relational biases existed in both samples, but Malaysian participants were less likely than their English counterparts to label any harassing scenario as serious. Perceptions of victim responsibility were found to mediate the effect of prior relationship and nationality on participants' perceptions. The findings point to the urgency of better cross-cultural understanding of harassment behavior as well as legislations against stalking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li Chung
- University of Reading Malaysia,
Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
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Women Selling Sex in Russia: Analyzing Women’s Appraisal of Exploitation and Mistreatment Using Cognitive Dissonance and Cultural Sex Script Frameworks. SEXES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes3030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, over a third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In Russia, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and physical abuse of women are amongst the world’s highest. Applying cognitive dissonance theory and sexual script theory, this study explores whether women (n = 654) trading sex in Russia appraise their experiences of entering the commercial sex trade as voluntary or forced. Contributing client factors were also analyzed, including beatings (66%), rape (66%), and humiliation (86%) by clients. Multiple logistic regression assessed whether women who reported voluntarily entering the commercial sex trade were more likely to experience physical abuse but less likely to experience rape (AOR:1.37); were more likely to perceive men using them as decent/caring (AOR = 2.54); were more likely to sell sadistic/masochistic services (AOR: 2.31); and less likely to stop selling sex (AOR: 5.84). Implications of this study reveal the importance of intervention strategies that account for a woman’s unawareness of her own exploitation and mistreatment as well as the psychological barriers that prevent her from seeking help. The necessity of recognizing women selling sex as sufferers of coercion and abuse is also emphasized.
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Schermerhorn NEC, Vescio TK, Lewis KA. Hegemonic Masculinity Predicts Support for U.S. Political Figures Accused of Sexual Assault. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/19485506221077861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In three studies ( N = 886), we hypothesized and found that women’s and men’s endorsement of the culturally idealized form of masculinity, hegemonic masculinity (HM), predicted more positive evaluations of a political figure accused of sexual violence (Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh) and more negative evaluations of the women who made accusations of sexual assault. HM predicted these evaluations over and above political party, gender, race, education, and sexism (Study 1), rape myth endorsement (Study 2), and the likelihood to sexually harass (Study 3). Implications for the maintenance of the status quo and the prevalence of sexual violence against women in the United States are discussed.
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10
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Dawson DN, Volpe VV, Laurent HK. Synergistic Effects of Psychological Intimate Partner Violence Exposure and Gender Discrimination on Postnatal Mental Health Trajectories. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP8907-NP8932. [PMID: 31057035 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519844274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
While the literature examining physical intimate partner violence (IPV) is extensive, the impact of psychological IPV on mental health during high-risk times such as the period following childbirth is not well understood. The current study examined associations between psychological IPV and the course and severity of women's postnatal mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms). Both main effects of psychological IPV exposure and possible exacerbation by broader social victimization (i.e., gender discrimination) were considered. Participants were 76 mothers from a larger longitudinal study, who completed self-report measures of IPV, gender discrimination, and affective symptoms at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postnatal. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed a main effect of psychological IPV on the course of trauma symptoms only. As hypothesized, gender discrimination moderated the effect of psychological IPV on all symptom trajectories in a synergistic manner. At moderate to high levels of gender discrimination only, psychological IPV predicted higher affective symptom severity and an escalating course of postnatal anxiety symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of expanding current conceptualizations of IPV impacts to incorporate relevant aspects of individuals' social-ecological context. Future directions and implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
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Newmann SJ, Zakaras JM, Dworkin SL, Withers M, Ndunyu L, Gitome S, Gorrindo P, Bukusi EA, Rocca CH. Measuring Men's Gender Norm Beliefs Related to Contraception: Development of the Masculine Norms and Family Planning Acceptance Scale. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2691-2702. [PMID: 33821378 PMCID: PMC8416878 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01941-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Male partner resistance is identified as a key factor that influences women's contraceptive use. Examination of the masculine norms that shape men's resistance to contraception-and how to intervene on these norms-is needed. To assess a gender-transformative intervention in Kenya, we developed and evaluated a masculinity-informed instrument to measure men's contraceptive acceptance-the Masculine Norms and Family Planning Acceptance (MNFPA) scale. We developed draft scale items based on qualitative research and administered them to partnered Kenyan men (n = 150). Item response theory-based methods were used to reduce and psychometrically evaluate final scale items. The MNFPA scale had a Cronbach's α of 0.68 and loaded onto a single factor. MNFPA scores were associated with self-efficacy and intention to accept a female partner's use of contraception; scores were not associated with current contraceptive use. The MNFPA scale is the first rigorously developed and psychometrically evaluated tool to assess men's contraceptive acceptance as a function of male gender norms. Future work is needed to test the MNFPA measure in larger samples and across different contexts. The scale can be used to evaluate interventions that seek to shift gender norms to increase men's positive engagement in pregnancy spacing and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Newmann
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Unit 6D-14, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
| | - Jennifer Monroe Zakaras
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shari L Dworkin
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA, USA
| | - Mellissa Withers
- University of Southern California Institute On Inequalities in Global Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Louisa Ndunyu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- The Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Serah Gitome
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Phillip Gorrindo
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Corinne H Rocca
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, Oakland, CA, USA
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Willie TC, Linton SL, Whittaker S, Martinez I, Sharpless L, Kershaw T. "There's no place like home": Examining the associations between state eviction defense protections and indicators of biopsychosocial stress among survivors of intimate partner violence. Soc Sci Med 2021; 279:113957. [PMID: 34022678 PMCID: PMC8208584 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Housing instability is prevalent among intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors and a source of biopsychosocial stress among this population. Eviction policies play an important role in determining housing instability of IPV survivors. However, few studies have investigated whether state-level policies that prevent evictions lessen vulnerability to biopsychosocial stress among IPV survivors. This study examined the relationship between state eviction defense policy and indicators of biopsychosocial stress among 6577 IPV survivors. State-level data on IPV-related housing policies were from a compendium on homelessness and violence. Individual-level data were collected from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), a nationally representative study of noninstitutionalized U.S. women and men from Wave 1 (2010). Multilevel regression models were conducted to investigate associations between the presence of an eviction defense policy and indicators of biopsychosocial stress (i.e., headaches, sleeping, safety concerns and PTSD symptoms). Stratified multilevel modeling was conducted to examine differences in the policy-stress associations across racial and ethnic groups and gender. Nearly 26% of states had an eviction defense policy for IPV survivors. Overall, residing in a state with an eviction defense policy (vs. none) was associated with no reports of frequent headaches (B [95% CI] = -0.21 [-0.41, -0.01], p < .05). For non-Hispanic Black survivors, residing in a state with an eviction defense policy (vs. none) was associated with reduced likelihood of reporting safety concerns (B [95% CI] = -1.36 [-2.16, -0.56], p < .001) and PTSD symptoms (B [SE] = -1.91 [-2.82, -1.01], p < .000). Among men survivors, residing in a state with an eviction defense policy was associated with reduced likelihood of reporting safety concerns (B [95% CI] = -0.63 [-1.26, -0.01], p < .05). State housing policies are important protective policies for IPV survivors. For IPV survivors, the eviction defense policy may interrupt the psychological sequeale of IPV and housing instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiara C Willie
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sabriya L Linton
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shannon Whittaker
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Isabel Martinez
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Laurel Sharpless
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Mitchell JE, Raghavan C. The Impact of Coercive Control on Use of Specific Sexual Coercion Tactics. Violence Against Women 2019; 27:187-206. [PMID: 31718488 DOI: 10.1177/1077801219884127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that women experience unwanted sex under nonviolent duress from partners. This study examined the relationship between coercive control and sexual coercion in heterosexual couples. Among a sample of 136 men arrested for domestic violence, extent of coercive control was used to predict the likelihood of using eight specific sexual coercion tactics. Findings indicated that coercive control predicted significantly greater likelihood of using covert tactics, but not physically violent or overtly aggressive tactics. The tactics that demonstrated the strongest relationship with coercive control seem indicative of a toxic relational environment that may subtly erode victim autonomy and sense of self over time. Implications discuss how use of more covert and insidious tactics maintain invisibility, isolation, blame, and perceived complicitness of victims in clinical, legal, and social settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny E Mitchell
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York City, USA
| | - Chitra Raghavan
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York City, USA
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"You Never Know What Could Happen": Women's Perspectives of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in the Context of Recent Intimate Partner Violence. Womens Health Issues 2019; 30:41-48. [PMID: 31537431 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulnerability to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a significant public health issue for women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Despite the increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection, women only represent 4.6% of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users in the United States. IPV may present additional difficulties to PrEP access. In this qualitative study, we examined how IPV and the relational context shaped women's decisions, attitudes, and engagement in the PrEP care continuum. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 19 women residing in Connecticut who participated in a prospective cohort study. We purposively recruited our sample to include women who reported physical and/or sexual IPV in the past 6 months, and used a grounded theory approach to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS Our findings suggest multiple ways that the relational context can affect women's decisions, attitudes, and engagement in the PrEP care continuum. We identified five aspects of women's relationships that can shape women's interest, intentions, and access to PrEP: 1) relationship power struggles, 2) infidelity, 3) trust and monogamy, 4) male partner's reactions, and 5) "season of risk" (i.e., PrEP use only during times of perceived human immunodeficiency virus risk). Collectively, these findings suggest that women experiencing IPV might face additional relational challenges that need to be adequately addressed in settings administering PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Communication on sexual risk reduction strategies should address relational factors and promote women's autonomy. Future research on long-acting and invisible forms of PrEP may help to circumvent some of the relational barriers women experiencing IPV may face when considering PrEP care.
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Willie T, Kershaw TS. Associations Between Latent Classes of Interpersonal Polyvictimization and Polyperpetration and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Young Pregnant Couples: A Dyadic Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:1699-1709. [PMID: 29797147 PMCID: PMC6035097 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Interpersonal violence victimization and perpetration have been associated with sexual risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults, but research is lacking on: (1) how patterns of interpersonal polyvictimization and polyperpetration are associated with sexual risk among young pregnant couples, and (2) how individual and partner experiences of violence differentially impact sexual risk. The current analyses used baseline data from a longitudinal study that followed 296 pregnant young couples from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Couples were recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics, and an ultrasound clinic in the U.S. Latent class analysis identified subgroups based on polyvictimization and polyperpetration. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, path analyses assessed actor-partner effects of class membership on sexual risk. Three latent classes were used for women: Class 1: Polyvictim-Polyperpetrator; Class 2: Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator; and Class 3: Community and Prior IPV Victim. Four latent classes were used for men: Class 1: Community and Prior IPV Victim; Class 2: Polyvictim-Nonpartner Perpetrator; Class 3: Prior IPV and Peer Victim; and Class 4: Nonvictim-Nonperpetrator. Path analyses revealed that females in Class 2 and their male partners had higher condom use than females in Class 3. Males in Class 2 had more sexual partners than males in Class 1. Among nonmonogamous couples, males in Class 2 were less likely to be involved with a female partner reporting unprotected sex than males in Class 1. Among nonmonogamous couples, females in Class 2 had more acts of unprotected sex than females in Class 1. Males in Class 4 were less likely to have concurrent sexual partners compared to males in Class 1. Risk reduction interventions should address both victimization and perpetration. Additional research is needed to understand how mechanisms driving differential sexual risk by patterns of interpersonal polyvictimization and polyperpetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiara Willie
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Trace S Kershaw
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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