Intimate Partner Violence among California Couples: Multilevel Analysis of Environmental and Partner Risk Factors

Adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence: A meta-analysis

Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a significant public health concern. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent one risk factor for IPV, however, the results of existing research on the association between ACEs and IPV demonstrate mixed findings. The present research sought to meta-analytically examine the association between ACEs and (a) IPV perpetration and (b) IPV victimization. Moderator analyses were conducted to determine factors that may impact the association between ACEs and IPV involvement. Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO in August of 2021. One-hundred and twenty-three records were screened for inclusion. All studies included a measure of ACEs and IPV victimization or perpetration. Among the 27 studies and 41 samples included in the meta-analysis, 65,330 participants were included. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that ACEs were positively associated with IPV perpetration and victimization. Significant methodological and measurement moderators further inform our understanding of ACEs and IPV involvement. The present meta-analyses demonstrates that trauma-informed approaches to IPV screening, prevention, and intervention may be useful, given that individuals who are involved with IPV may be more likely to possess a history of ACEs exposure.

Alcohol Use and Physical Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Black Men: The Moderating Effect of Interpersonal Social Support

Studies have consistently shown an association between alcohol use in adulthood and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Yet, no known studies have examined this relationship when considering social support as a potential moderator with a sample of Black men. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined the moderating role of interpersonal social support on alcohol use in adulthood and physical IPV perpetration among Black men. Data for 1,127 Black men were obtained from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Condition (NESARC, Wave 2). Descriptive and logistic regression models were run with weighted data using STATA 16.0. Results from logistic regression analyses revealed that alcohol use in adulthood significantly predicted IPV perpetration (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, p < .001). Interpersonal social support significantly moderated (OR = 1.01, p = .002) the relationship between alcohol use and IPV perpetration among Black men. Additionally, age, income, and perceived stress were significantly associated with IPV perpetration among Black men. Our study findings highlight the role of alcohol use and social support in exacerbating IPV perpetration among Black men, and the need for culturally responsive interventions to address these public health concerns throughout the life course.

The Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence Among Black Men: The Moderating Role of Alcohol Use

This study examined the moderating role of alcohol use on the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among Black men in the United States. We conducted bivariate and logistic regression analyses using data from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Bivariate results revealed significant relationships between eight of the 10 ACE factors physical neglect; emotional, physical and sexual abuse; witnessing a mother being abused; and having a parent guardian with an alcohol and drug problem and who was incarcerated and IPV perpetration. Similarly, examination of the relationship between ACEs and alcohol use in adulthood also revealed significant associations, with the exception of exposure to emotional neglect, emotional and sexual abuse, and witnessing a mother being abused. Findings from the logistic regression models revealed that alcohol use significantly moderated the relationship between ACEs and IPV perpetration, but only for men exposed to 1, 2, and ≥4 adversities in childhood. However, alcohol use appeared to exacerbate the relationship between ACEs and IPV perpetration for men without childhood adversity. Implications for practice, policy, and areas for further research are discussed.

Association of Cannabis Use and At-Risk Alcohol Use With Intimate Partner Violence in an Urban ED Sample

INTRODUCTION

Urban ED patients have elevated rates of substance use and intimate partner violence. The purpose of this study is to describe the risk profiles for intimate partner violence among urban ED patients who report at-risk alcohol use only, cannabis use only, or both types of substance use.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey data were collected from study participants (N = 1037; 53% female; ages 18-50) following informed consent. We measured participants' past-year at-risk drinking (women/men who had 4+/5+ drinks in a day), cannabis use, psychosocial and demographic characteristics, and past-year physical intimate partner violence (assessed with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale). We used bivariate analysis to assess whether rates of intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization differed by type of substance use behavior. Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated for each intimate partner violence outcome. All analyses were stratified by gender.

RESULTS

Rates of intimate partner violence differed significantly by type of substance use behavior and were highest among those who reported both at-risk drinking and cannabis use. Multivariate analysis showed that women who reported at-risk drinking only, cannabis use only, or both types of substance use had increased odds for intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization compared with women who reported neither type of substance use. Men's at-risk drinking and cannabis use were not associated with elevated odds of intimate partner violence perpetration or victimization.

DISCUSSION

Brief screening of patients' at-risk drinking and cannabis use behaviors may help identify those at greater risk for intimate partner violence and those in need of referral to treatment.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Alcohol Use in Adulthood, and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Perpetration by Black Men: A Systematic Review

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social and public health problem in the United States. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and alcohol use have been found to be associated with IPV perpetration; however, limited studies have examined the interrelationships of these variables among Black men. This is the first known study to systematically review and synthesize studies on the interrelationships of ACEs, alcohol use, and IPV perpetration among Black men. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in PubMed and six EBSCOhost databases by a research librarian and two researchers. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria: empirical; available in English; included ACEs, alcohol use/substance abuse, and IPV perpetration variables in the analyses; and samples included Black/African American male IPV perpetrators aged ≥ 18 years. ACEs were found to be associated with IPV perpetration among Black men, but findings were mixed regarding the role of alcohol in relation to ACEs and IPV. Numerous ACE factors (1-6) were used across studies. However, findings regarding the co-occurrence of ACE factors are inconclusive because none of the studies examined the cumulative effects of exposure to more than one type of ACE on subsequent IPV perpetration. Implications for policy, practice, and research related to the interrelationships of ACEs, alcohol use, and IPV perpetration are provided. Future work is needed to better explicate the interrelationships among these constructs.

Relationships Between Opioid-Related Hospitalizations and Intimate Partner Violence and Child Maltreatment Hospitalizations in Pennsylvania Across Space and Time

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment outcomes are markedly associated with substance abuse disorders. However, few studies have explored these serious family violence outcomes in connection to the opioid epidemic or population-level geographic connections between these variables. This study assesses associations of ZIP code-level IPV and child maltreatment hospitalization outcomes with opioid- and alcohol-related diagnoses as well as economic and demographic neighborhood characteristics. We used 11 years (2004-2014) of ZIP code-level Pennsylvania hospital discharge data and U.S. Census neighborhood characteristics data. As nearby ZIP codes are more likely to be similar than those that are distant, we incorporated spatial autocorrelation using conditionally autoregressive Bayesian hierarchical space-time models. There was a positive relationship between ZIP code-level opioid-related diagnoses and both IPV (relative risk 1.061; 95% credible interval [1.015, 1.106]) and child maltreatment (relative risk 1.055; 95% credible interval [1.035, 1.070]) hospitalizations. There was a positive relationship between alcohol-related diagnoses and IPV but not child maltreatment. Higher median household incomes were associated with lower counts of both IPV and child maltreatment hospitalizations. To illustrate geographic heterogeneity of model estimates, posterior distributions were used to compare variability of effects across ZIP codes. Our findings emphasize the secondary implications of the opioid epidemic in the form of family violence within communities.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), excessive alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among Black men: A latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to subsequent intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and alcohol use. Although higher rates of ACEs are found in racial/ethnic minority populations, there is a paucity of research examining ACEs patterns and risk for IPV perpetration and excessive alcohol use among Black men.

OBJECTIVE

To identify homogeneous subgroups based on ACEs among Black men using latent class analysis and assessing risk for later IPV perpetration and excessive alcohol consumption in adulthood.

METHODS

Using a sample of Black men (n = 2306) from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), we conducted latent class analysis (LCA) to examine their ACEs patterns based on 10 domains. ACE classes were used in logistic regression models to predict IPV perpetration and unhealthy alcohol use.

RESULTS

LCA revealed three classes: (1) High Household Dysfunction & Physical Neglect; (2) Physical/Emotional Abuse; and (3) Low ACEs. Men in the High Household Dysfunction & Physical Abuse (OR = 3.95, p < 0.001), and Physical/Emotional Abuse (OR = 2.37, p < 0.001) classes had increased risk for IPV perpetration (ref: Low ACEs class) controlling for sociodemographic factors. No significant association was found between class membership and unhealthy alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the need for interventions aimed at addressing ACEs among Black boys as they increase risk for negative outcomes in adulthood. Future research should explore heterogeneity in ACEs among youth and risk of IPV and explore possible causal mechanisms in the development of IPV among adults who have experienced ACEs.

The Intersection of Alcohol Use, Gender Based Violence and HIV: Empirical Findings among Disadvantaged Service-Seeking Youth in Kampala, Uganda

The SAVA syndemic is frequently used to describe the co-occurrence of HIV, gender-based violence (GBV), and substance use. In this study we determine the extent to which the typologies of the SAVA syndemic can be described and utilized for intervention strategies among youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. We analyzed the “Kampala Youth Survey 2014,” a cross-sectional survey conducted in the spring of 2014, consisting of a convenience sample (N = 1134) of urban youth (12–18 years of age). Descriptive statistics were computed for hypothesized risk factors and demographic variables among the 8 typologies of GBV, HIV, and alcohol use. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to determine statistically significant correlates with each typology. The overall prevalence of GBV was 31.7%, whereas the overall prevalence of alcohol use in the past 12 months was 31.2%. HIV-Positive youth comprised 10.5% of the total sample. Females comprised the majority of the typology with no SAVA components compared to males (55% vs. 45%, respectively), as well as the SAVA syndemic typology (GBV + HIV + ALC +) (58% vs. 42%, respectively). Engaging in commercial sex work (36%), witnessing parental abuse (61%), and depression/suicidality (81%) were all highly prevalent among youth in the SAVA syndemic typology (GBV, HIV, and alcohol use). Sex work and observing parental abuse were associated with the SAVA syndemic typology in the multivariable model. In our study, alcohol rarely coexisted without GBV among the typologies. Therefore, prevention efforts including structural interventions may be particularly warranted in vulnerable populations to address alcohol use, which may directly or indirectly impact GBV and HIV.

Structural and social determinants of inequities in violence risk: A review of indicators

There is disproportionate risk for violence conditioned on inequities due to race, socioeconomic status, gender, and where people live. Consequently, some communities are more vulnerable to violence and its repercussions than other communities. This study aims to share indicators that might be useful for violence prevention researchers interested in measuring structural or social determinants that position communities for differential risk of experiencing violence. An existing database of indicators identified in a previous review was reassessed for measures of factors that shape community structures and conditions, which place people at risk for violence. Indicators of 86 community constructs are reported. These indicators may help to advance the field by offering innovative metrics that can be used to investigate further the structural and social determinants that serve as root causes of inequities in violence risk.

Frequency of Intimate Partner Violence among an Urban Emergency Department Sample: A Multilevel Analysis

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health problem. Within the U.S., urban emergency department (ED) patients have elevated prevalence of IPV, substance use, and other social problems compared to those in the general household population. Using a social-ecological framework, this cross-sectional study analyzes the extent to which individual, household, and neighborhood factors are associated with the frequency of IPV among a socially disadvantaged sample of urban ED patients. Confidential survey interviews were conducted with 1037 married/partnered study participants (46% male; 50% Hispanic; 29% African American) at a public safety-net hospital. Gender-stratified multilevel Tobit regression models were estimated for frequency of past-year physical IPV (perpetration and victimization) and frequency of severe IPV. Approximately 23% of participants reported IPV. Among men and women, impulsivity, adverse childhood experiences, substance use, and their spouse/partner's hazardous drinking were associated with IPV frequency. Additionally, household food insufficiency, being fired or laid off from their job, perceived neighborhood disorder, and neighborhood demographic characteristics were associated with IPV frequency among women. Similar patterns were observed in models of severe IPV frequency. IPV prevention strategies implemented in urban ED settings should address the individual, household, and neighborhood risk factors that are linked with partner aggression among socially disadvantaged couples.

Drinking Context-Specific Dose-Response Models of Intimate Partner Violence Among an Urban Emergency Department Sample

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association between physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and frequencies of drinking and volume consumed in six different contexts among a sample of urban emergency department (ED) patients.

METHOD

We obtained survey data from 1,037 married, cohabiting, or partnered patients (53% female; 50% Hispanic; 29% African American) at a Northern California safety-net hospital. Past-year physical IPV was measured with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale. We asked patients about frequency of drinking and usual number of drinks consumed at bars, restaurants, homes of friends or relatives, own home, public places such as street corners or parking lots, and community centers or large events. Gender-stratified dose-response models were estimated for frequencies of IPV perpetration and victimization, with adjustment for sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, marijuana use, and spouse/partner problem drinking.

RESULTS

None of the women's context-based frequency and volume measures were associated with frequency of IPV victimization. Women's volume of alcohol consumed at home was associated positively with frequency of their IPV perpetration (β = .008, SE = .003, p < .01), and volume consumed in public places was associated negatively with this outcome (β = -.023, SE = .010, p < .05). Among men, none of the context-based frequency and volume measures were associated with frequency of either IPV outcome. Spouse/partner's problem drinking was associated with each gender's IPV victimization, and with IPV perpetration by men.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency of drinking and volume consumed in specific contexts do not substantively contribute to frequency of IPV perpetration or victimization in this sample of urban ED patients.

Understanding the Relation Between Neighborhoods and Intimate Partner Violence: An Integrative Review

Stemming in part from the lack of theory, predictors of the relationship between neighborhoods and intimate partner violence (IPV) are underidentified. Furthermore, few mediation studies exist that inductively build and deductively confirm theoretical frameworks. This article provides an integrative review of the literature, aiming to enhance the field's understanding of predictors and potential mechanisms that drive this relationship, using a combined theoretical model to guide the analysis. The integrative review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl's systematic method for integrative reviews with articles published between 1995 and 2015. Findings indicate that macro-, exo-, and mesolevel predictors and mediators in the proposed model have modest empirical support; however, a number of concepts at each ecological level have yet to be fully researched. Results of this review suggest that a well-defined and integrative theoretical framework will enhance the current understanding of ecological research into IPV. Additionally, a comprehensive ecological approach to IPV intervention is likely to be more effective than employing solely an individual-level approach. Intervention implications are discussed.

Alcohol, conflict, and aggression in intimate relationships: A dyadic approach

Intimate partner aggression (IPA) is a critical public health problem that requires clear and testable etiological models that may translate into effective interventions. While alcohol intoxication and a pattern of heavy alcohol consumption are robust correlates of IPA perpetration, there has been limited research that examines this association from a dyadic perspective. In the present review, we discuss compelling reasons for understanding dyadic factors that assist our understanding of alcohol-facilitated IPA, review the relatively small number of studies that have investigated such factors, and provide a theoretical and methodological framework for researchers to conceptualize how to model alcohol-facilitated IPA from a dyadic framework.

Epidemiological and spatial characteristics of interpersonal physical violence in a Brazilian city: A comparative study of violent injury hotspots in familial versus non-familial settings, 2012-2014

This study explores both epidemiological and spatial characteristics of domestic and community interpersonal violence. We evaluated three years of violent trauma data in the medium-sized city of Campina Grande in North-Eastern Brazil. 3559 medical and police records were analysed and 2563 cases were included to identify socioeconomic and geographic patterns. The associations between sociodemographic, temporal, and incident characteristics and domestic violence were evaluated using logistic regression. Using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), we mapped victims' household addresses to identify spatial patterns. We observed a higher incidence of domestic violence among female, divorced, or co-habitant persons when the violent event was perpetrated by males. There was only a minor chance of occurrence of domestic violence involving firearms. 8 out of 10 victims of domestic violence were women and the female/male ratio was 3.3 times greater than that of community violence (violence not occurring in the home). Unmarried couples were twice as likely to have a victim in the family unit (OR = 2.03), compared to married couples. Seven geographical hotspots were identified. The greatest density of hotspots was found in the East side of the study area and was spatially coincident with the lowest average family income. Aggressor sex, marital status, and mechanism of injury were most associated with domestic violence, and low-income neighbourhoods were coincident with both domestic and non-domestic violence hotspots. These results provide further evidence that economic poverty may play a significant role in interpersonal, and particularly domestic violence.

Military/Civilian Risk Markers for Physical Intimate Partner Violence: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis compared risk markers for perpetration of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) among military and civilian males. We also examined strength of risk markers among male and female service members. In total, 36 military studies and 334 civilian studies, which reported 883 effect sizes, were included in the analyses. Results revealed more similarities than differences in risk markers for IPV among military and civilian males and among military males and females. Of the risk markers examined, relationship satisfaction and alcohol problems were significantly stronger risk markers for IPV among civilian males compared to military males. Perpetrating emotional abuse was a significantly stronger risk marker for IPV perpetration among military females compared to military males. Recommendations for IPV prevention and intervention are discussed.

Intergenerational transmission of self-regulation: A multidisciplinary review and integrative conceptual framework

This review examines mechanisms contributing to the intergenerational transmission of self-regulation. To provide an integrated account of how self-regulation is transmitted across generations, we draw from over 75 years of accumulated evidence, spanning case studies to experimental approaches, in literatures covering developmental, social, and clinical psychology, and criminology, physiology, genetics, and human and animal neuroscience (among others). First, we present a taxonomy of what self-regulation is and then examine how it develops--overviews that guide the main foci of the review. Next, studies supporting an association between parent and child self-regulation are reviewed. Subsequently, literature that considers potential social mechanisms of transmission, specifically parenting behavior, interparental (i.e., marital) relationship behaviors, and broader rearing influences (e.g., household chaos) is considered. Finally, evidence that prenatal programming may be the starting point of the intergenerational transmission of self-regulation is covered, along with key findings from the behavioral and molecular genetics literatures. To integrate these literatures, we introduce the self-regulation intergenerational transmission model, a framework that brings together prenatal, social/contextual, and neurobiological mechanisms (spanning endocrine, neural, and genetic levels, including gene-environment interplay and epigenetic processes) to explain the intergenerational transmission of self-regulation. This model also incorporates potential transactional processes between generations (e.g., children's self-regulation and parent-child interaction dynamics that may affect parents' self-regulation) that further influence intergenerational processes. In pointing the way forward, we note key future directions and ways to address limitations in existing work throughout the review and in closing. We also conclude by noting several implications for intervention work.

Discrepant Patterns of Heavy Drinking, Marijuana Use, and Smoking and Intimate Partner Violence: Results From the California Community Health Study of Couples

This study analyzed whether discrepant (husband or wife use only) or concordant (both partners use) patterns of heavy drinking, marijuana use, and smoking are associated with increased risk for male-to-female partner violence and female-to-male partner violence among adult couples. Based on a geographic sample of married or cohabiting couples residing in 50 California cities, logistic regression analyses were conducted using dyadic data on past-year partner violence, binge drinking and frequency of intoxication, marijuana use, and smoking. When all substance use patterns were included simultaneously, wife-only heavy drinking couples were at elevated risk for male-to-female partner violence, as were concordant marijuana-using couples. Husband-only marijuana discrepant couples were at increased risk for female-to-male partner violence. Further research is needed to explore the processes by which discrepant and concordant substance use patterns may contribute to partner aggression.

Drinking context-specific associations between intimate partner violence and frequency and volume of alcohol consumption

AIMS

To quantify two specific aspects of drinking in various venues (past-year frequency of drinking in each venue and volume consumed per venue) and assess their relationships with intimate partner violence.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A geographic sample of married or cohabiting couples residing in 50 medium-to-large cities in California, USA (n = 1585 couples) was obtained. Cross-sectional survey data were collected via confidential telephone interviews.

MEASUREMENTS

Each partner in the couple provided information about past-year male-to-female and female-to-male intimate partner violence (IPV), drinking contexts and psychosocial and demographic factors. Frequency of drinking in six contexts and volume consumed in those contexts were used in censored Tobit models to evaluate associations between IPV and male and female drinking contexts.

FINDINGS

Risks for IPV differed among drinking contexts and were sometimes related to heavier volumes consumed. In fully adjusted models, male partners' frequency of drinking at parties at another's home {β [standard error (SE) 0.130 (0.060]; P = 0.030} was associated with risk for male-to-female IPV and frequency of drinking during quiet evenings at home was associated with risk for female-to-male IPV [β (SE) 0.017 (0.008); P = 0.033]. Female partners' frequency of drinking with friends at home [β (SE) -0.080 (0.037); P = 0.030] was associated with decreased male-to-female IPV, but volume consumed was associated with increased risk [β (SE) 0.049 (0.024); P = 0.044].

CONCLUSIONS

The social context in which drinking occurs appears to play a role in violence against partners, with male violence being linked to drinking away from home and female violence being linked to drinking at home.