Intimate Partner Violence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

Pantalone D.W., Schneider K.L., Valentine S.E., Simoni J.M.

High rates of partner abuse (PA) of all types—physical, sexual, and psychological—have been identified in studies of HIV-positive individuals. We examined both the prevalence and correlates of same-sex PA in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants recruited from public outpatient HIV clinics (N = 168) completed CASI surveys about PA and current physical and mental health. Electronic medical record data were obtained for HIV biomarkers. Results indicate high rates of past year PA (physical, 19%; sexual, 17%; psychological, 51%; any, 54%), with rates comparable to, or higher than, those reported in recent studies of HIV-positive women and older studies of HIV-positive MSM. Overall, participants endorsing past year PA reported poorer mental but not physical health. Participants who endorsed past year physical PA, specifically, reported the largest number of mental health problems. HIV care providers should routinely assess PA, especially physical PA, in all MSM patients.

Ghanem A., Little S.J., Drumright L., Liu L., Morris S., Garfein R.S.

The contribution of injection drug use to HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) is understudied. MSM infected with HIV within the prior 12 months completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, sexual, drug use, and social factors. Analyses were performed to identify factors associated with lifetime history of injection drug use. Among 212 participants, the mean age was 33.8 years, 72% were White, 89% had attended college, and 9.4% reported ever injecting drugs. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, ever trading sex and using methamphetamine during sex with at least one of their last three partners were associated with injection drug use. Adjusting for these variables, in separate models, ever perpetrating violence against others (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.16), having physically abusive sexual partners (AOR = 3.08), or physically abusing sexual partners (AOR = 10.17) were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with injection drug use. These findings suggest that violence is more common among MSM who inject drugs, which should be considered in HIV prevention efforts.

Rothman E.F., Exner D., Baughman A.L.

This article systematically reviews 75 studies that examine the prevalence of sexual assault victimization among gay or bisexual (GB) men, and lesbian or bisexual (LB) women, in the United States. All studies were published between 1989 and 2009 and report the results of quantitative research. The authors reviewed the reported prevalence of lifetime sexual assault victimization (LSA), and where available, childhood sexual assault (CSA), adult sexual assault (ASA), intimate partner sexual assault (IPSA), and hate crime-related sexual assault (HC). The studies were grouped into those that used a probability or census sampling technique (n = 25) and those that used a non-probability or ‘‘community-based’’ sampling technique (n = 50). A total of 139,635 gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) respondents participated in the underlying studies reviewed. Prevalence estimates of LSA ranged from 15.6-85.0% for LB women and 11.8—54.0% for GB men. Considering the median estimates derived from the collective set of studies reviewed, LB women were more likely to report CSA, ASA, LSA, and IPSA than GB men, whereas GB men were more likely to report HC than LB women. Across all studies, the highest estimates reported were for LSA of LB women (85.0%), CSA of LB women (76.0%), and CSA of GB men (59.2%). With some exceptions, studies using non-probability samples reported higher sexual assault prevalence rates than did population-based or census sample studies. The challenges of assessing sexual assault victimization with GLB populations are discussed, as well as the implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Welles S.L., Corbin T.J., Rich J.A., Reed E., Raj A.

Little is known about the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) or about childhood adversity as a predictor of IPV among MSM. Studies have documented high rates of childhood sexual abuse among MSM. To evaluate associations of early-life sexual and physical abuse with IPV among African American heterosexual men or MSM, prevalence of early-life (≤21 years) sexual and physical abuse was measured among 703 nonmonogamous African American men. Men were classified as (1) MSM who disclosed male sex partners; (2) MSM who initially denied male sex partners but subsequently reported oral-genital and anal-genital behaviors with men; (3) non-MSM. MSM who initially disclosed male sex partners reported significantly (P < 0.0001) higher rates of early physical abuse (36%) and lifetime abuse (49%) compared with non-MSM (15 and 22%), respectively. These MSM reported significantly higher rates of sexual abuse by age 11, age 21, and over a lifetime compared with non-MSM (P < 0.0001). Being an MSM who initially disclosed male sex partners (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6) and early-life sexual abuse (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.8, 4.3) was associated with IPV victimization in current relationships. Similarly, being an MSM with early-life physical and sexual abuse was associated (0.0004 ≤ P ≤ 0.07) with IPV perpetration. Early-life physical and sexual abuse was higher among MSM who disclosed male sex partners compared with heterosexual men; however, all MSM who experienced early-life abuse were more likely to be IPV victims or perpetrators.

Ludermir A.B., Lewis G., Valongueiro S.A., de Araújo T.V., Araya R.

Partner violence against women is common during pregnancy and might have an adverse effect on the mental health of women after delivery. We aimed to investigate the association of postnatal depression with psychological, physical, and sexual violence against women by their intimate partners during pregnancy.In a prospective cohort study undertaken in Recife, northeastern Brazil, between July, 2005, and December, 2006, we enrolled pregnant women (aged 18-49 years) in their third trimester of pregnancy who were attending primary health-care clinics. The women were interviewed during pregnancy and after delivery. The form of partner violence in pregnancy was assessed with a validated questionnaire, and the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used to measure postnatal depression. Associations were estimated with odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for confounding factors contributing to the association between postnatal depression and intimate partner violence.1133 pregnant women were eligible for inclusion in the study, of whom 1045 had complete data for all variables and were included in the analysis. 270 women (25.8%, 95% CI 23.2-28.6) had postnatal depression. The most common form of partner violence was psychological (294 [28.1%, 25.4-31.0]). Frequency of psychological violence during pregnancy was positively associated with occurrence of postnatal depression, and although this association was attenuated after adjustment, women reporting the highest frequency of psychological violence were more likely to have postnatal depression even after adjustment (adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.15-4.57). Women who reported physical or sexual violence in pregnancy were more likely to develop postnatal depression (OR 3.28, 2.29-4.70), but this association was substantially reduced after adjustment for psychological violence and confounding factors.Psychological violence during pregnancy by an intimate partner is strongly associated with postnatal depression, independently of physical or sexual violence. This finding has important policy implications since most social policies focus on prevention and treatment of physical violence.Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia da Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia, e Insumos Estratégicos, and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (Brazil).

Balsam K.F., Lehavot K., Beadnell B.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has several deleterious effects on health and well-being, including increased risk for rape in adulthood. Such revictimization experiences are linked to negative mental health outcomes. The vast majority of literature on prevalence and impact of sexual revictimization has focused on heterosexual women. In an effort to extend this research to lesbians and gay men, who are known to face higher rates of both CSA and adult rape, we conducted a study ( N = 871) comparing adult lesbians, gay men, and heterosexual women on prevalence and mental health correlates of sexual revictimization. Results indicated that CSA is associated with elevated rates of adult rape for all three groups. In addition, revictimization showed comparable associations with mental health variables for all three groups. Participants with both CSA and adult rape had higher levels of psychological distress, suicidality, alcohol use, and self-harm behaviors relative to those with only one type of victimization and those with no victimization, and those with any victimization were more likely to report recent use of drugs compared to those with no victimization.

Wong C.F., Weiss G., Ayala G., Kipke M.D.

Renn K.A.

In this article, the author provides an overview of existing literature addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and queer issues in higher education. She argues that although colleges and universities are the source of much critical and postmodern writing about LGBT and queer topics, scholarship on LGBT/queer people and organizations in higher education itself lacks theoretical depth. The author points to ways that existing research approaches and theoretical stances benefit higher education practice and suggests areas in which attention to methodological rigor and theoretical advancement is needed.

Rhodes S.D., McCoy T.P., Wilkin A.M., Wolfson M.

This Internet-based study was designed to compare health risk behaviors of gay and non-gay university students from stratified random cross-sectional samples of undergraduate students. Mean age of the 4,167 male participants was 20.5 (+/-2.7) years. Of these, 206 (4.9%) self-identified as gay and 3,961 (95.1%) self-identified as heterosexual. After adjusting for selected characteristics and clustering within university, gay men had higher odds of reporting: multiple sexual partners; cigarette smoking; methamphetamine use; gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use; other illicit drug use within the past 30 days and during lifetime; and intimate partner violence (IPV). Understanding the health risk behaviors of gay and heterosexual men is crucial to identifying associated factors and intervening upon them using appropriate and tailored strategies to reduce behavioral risk disparities and improve health outcomes.

Shannon K., Kerr T., Strathdee S.A., Shoveller J., Montaner J.S., Tyndall M.W.

Objective To examine the prevalence and structural correlates of gender based violence against female sex workers in an environment of criminalised prostitution.Design Prospective observational study.Setting Vancouver, Canada during 2006-8.Participants Female sex workers 14 years of age or older (inclusive of transgender women) who used illicit drugs (excluding marijuana) and engaged in street level sex work. Main outcome measure Self reported gender based violence. Results Of 267 female sex workers invited to participate, 251 women returned to the study office and consented to participate (response rate of 94%). Analyses were based on 237 female sex workers who completed a baseline visit and at least one follow-up visit. Of these 237 female sex workers, 57% experienced gender based violence over an 18 month follow-up period. In multivariate models adjusted for individual and interpersonal risk practices, the following structural factors were independently correlated with violence against female sex workers: homelessness (adjusted odds ratio for physical violence (aORphysicalviolence) 2.14, 95% confidence interval 1.34 to 3.43; adjusted odds ratio for rape (aORrape) 1.73, 1.09 to 3.12); inability to access drug treatment (adjusted odds ratio for client violence (aORclientviolence) 2.13, 1.26 to 3.62; aORphysicalviolence 1.96, 1.03 to 3.43); servicing clients in cars or public spaces (aORclientviolence 1.50, 1.08 to 2.57); prior assault by police (aORclientviolence 3.45, 1.98 to 6.02; aORrape 2.61, 1.32 to 5.16); confiscation of drug use paraphernalia by police without arrest (aORphysicalviolence 1.50, 1.02 to 2.41); and moving working areas away from main streets owing to policing (aORclientviolence 2.13, 1.26 to 3.62). Conclusions Our results demonstrate an alarming prevalence of gender based violence against female sex workers. The structural factors of criminalisation, homelessness, and poor availability of drug treatment independently correlated with gender based violence against street based female sex workers. Socio-legal policy reforms, improved access to housing and drug treatment, and scale up of violence prevention efforts, including police-sex worker partnerships, will be crucial to stemming violence against female sex workers.

Mimiaga M.J., Noonan E., Donnell D., Safren S.A., Koenen K.C., Gortmaker S., O'Cleirigh C., Chesney M.A., Coates T.J., Koblin B.A., Mayer K.H.

Previous studies have found high rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among US men who have sex with men (MSM). CSA history has been associated with a variety of negative effects later in life including behaviors that place MSM at greater risk for HIV acquisition and transmission. The present analysis is the first to examine the longitudinal association between CSA and HIV infection, unprotected anal sex, and serodiscordant unprotected anal sex, as well as mediators of these relationships among a large sample of HIV-uninfected MSM.The EXPLORE Study was a behavioral intervention trial conducted in 6 US cities over 48 months with HIV infection as the primary efficacy outcome. Behavioral assessments were done every 6 months via confidential computerized assessments. Longitudinal regression models were constructed, adjusting for randomization arm, geographical location of study site, age at enrollment, education, and race/ethnicity.Of the 4295 participants enrolled, 39.7% had a history of CSA. Participants with a history of CSA [adjusted hazards ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02 to 1.69] were at increased risk for HIV infection over study follow-up. A significant association was seen between history of CSA and unprotected anal sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.36) and serodiscordant unprotected anal sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.43). Among participants reporting CSA, the EXPLORE intervention had no effect in reducing HIV infection rates. Participants reporting CSA were significantly more likely to have symptoms of depression and use nonprescription drugs.A predictive relationship between a history of CSA and subsequent HIV infection was observed among this large sample of HIV-uninfected MSM. Findings indicate that HIV-uninfected MSM with CSA histories are at greater risk for HIV infection, report higher rates of HIV sexual risk behavior, and may derive less benefit from prevention programs. Future HIV prevention interventions should address the specific mental health concerns of MSM with a history of CSA.

Arreola S.G., Neilands T.B., Díaz R.

Objectives. We sought to examine the relationships among childhood sexual abuse, social discrimination, psychological distress, and HIV-risk among Latino gay and bisexual men in the United States. Methods. Data were from a probability sample of 912 men from Miami, FL; Los Angeles, CA; and New York, NY. We used logistic regression and path analyses to examine direct and indirect effects of childhood sexual abuse on psychological distress and sexual risk behavior. Results. We found a 15.8% (95% confidence interval = 12.3%, 19.2%) prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. Not having sex before age 16 years and having consensual sex before age 16 years did not differ from each other in predicting any of the outcomes of interest. Forced sex was associated with a significantly increased risk for all outcomes. A path analyses yielded direct effects of childhood sexual abuse and exposure to homophobia during childhood and during adulthood on psychological distress and indirect effects on risky sexual behavior. Conclusions. HIV-risk patterns among Latino gay and bisexual men are related to childhood sexual abuse and a social context of discrimination, which combined lead to symptoms of psychological distress and participation in risky sexual situations that increase risky sexual behaviors associated with HIV acquisition.

Murray C.E., Mobley A.K.

This article presents a systematic review of empirical research examining intimate partner violence among same-sex couples. Seventeen studies that met the inclusion criteria were rated using a 15-item evaluation questionnaire. The results indicated that the existing body of research examining same-sex intimate partner violence demonstrates some common methodological strengths and limitations. The authors conclude with a list of recommendations for future research based on the results of this study.

Ross M.W., Rosser B.R., Neumaier E.R.

Greenwood G.L., Relf M.V., Huang B., Pollack L.M., Canchola J.A., Catania J.A.

Objectives. This study measured the prevalence of battering victimization (i.e., experience of psychological/symbolic, physical, and sexual battering) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and identified characteristics of these men. Methods. A probability-based sample of 2881 MSM living in 4 cities completed telephone interviews between 1996 and 1998. Results. Prevalence estimates were 34% for psychological/symbolic battering, 22% for physical battering, and 5% for sexual battering. The strongest demographic correlate independently associated with all forms of battering was age 40 or younger, whereas education and HIV serostatus were associated with physical and psychological/symbolic violence. Conclusions. Rates of battering victimization among urban MSM are substantially higher than among heterosexual men and possibly heterosexual women. Public health efforts directed toward addressing intimate partner battering among these men are needed.

Cheung D.H., Reeves A.N., Waratworawan W., Kongjareon Y., Guadamuz T.E.

Abstract Background Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is crucial for determining health outcomes and secondary HIV transmission among people living with HIV/AIDS. Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV are often challenged by the prevailing experiences of psychosocial stressors such as intimate partner violence and homophobic bullying, which may negatively affect their HIV care engagement. Methods This study is the first to utilize a prospective cohort design (N = 185) involving YMSM living with HIV in Thailand. We examined the effects of intimate partner violence and homophobic bullying on ART adherence. We also tested the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between intimate partner violence and homophobic bullying and ART adherence. Results We found that intimate partner violence (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.13, 5.42) and homophobic bullying (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.48) were associated with subsequent ART nonadherence. Moreover, depression partially mediated 17.4% (95% CI: 0.75%–56%) of the effect of homophobic bullying on ART nonadherence. Conclusions The results suggest that tailored interventions to optimize ART adherence should address the impact of intimate partner violence and homophobic bullying among YMSM living with HIV. Screening and subsequent treatment of depression alone may not be sufficient to address the effects of intimate partner violence, homophobic bullying, and possibly other MSM-specific psychosocial stressors on ART adherence.

Ekpendu A.C., Asghar M.S., Shaik A.A., Khalid M.Z., Duharte M., Duharte-Vidaurre L., Hegazi M., Brands C.K.

Olakunde B.O., Adeyinka D.A., Ujam C., Cherkos A.S., Yahaya H.B., Ndukwe C.D., Anenih J.O.

Connolly D.J., Coduri-Fulford S., Macdonald K., Gilchrist G., Muschialli L.

Huster S., Xavier Hall C.D., Signorelli M.C., Evans D.P.

We present the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) among LGBTQ+ adults in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Of 1,234 articles, 22 met inclusion criteria, and data were extracted for 4 key research areas: prevalence, measurement, risk and protective factors, and interventions. LGBTQ+ adults in LAC experience IPV at similar or higher rates than those documented among cisgender heterosexuals, with estimates ranging from 0.4% to 91.4%. Inconsistencies in estimates may be due to non-standardized measures and subpopulation variability. The broad variability across subgroups demonstrates the need for more standardized measurement of IPV for these populations. Furthermore, this review identified key risk factors for IPV among LGBTQ+ people including alcohol use, perceived/experienced discrimination, transactional sex, and childhood/adolescent experiences of violence. Protective factors and interventions are not well understood in this context, as there was little to no data. The research on IPV among LGBTQ+ adults in LAC is limited, but this review suggests an increase in research in recent years. However, research has primarily focused on men who have sex with men and transgender women. Studies focusing on bisexual populations, lesbians, transgender men, intersex, and other sexual gender minority populations are needed. The high prevalence of IPV among LGBTQ+ individuals in LAC, inconsistency in definitions and measures, unique risk factors, and lack of interventions found in this review demonstrate the need for further IPV research among LGBTQ+ populations, and standardization of epidemiological methods to measure IPV and its effects.

Buller A.M., Ferrari G., Bleile A., Feder G.S., Brzank P.J., Bacchus L.J.

Background Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a violation of human rights that damages the health and well-being of—gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Sexual health services provide a unique opportunity to assess for DVA and provide support. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of Healthcare Responding to Men for Safety (HERMES), a pilot intervention aimed to improve the identification and referral of gbMSM experiencing DVA in a London NHS Trust. Methods The before and after mixed method evaluation of the intervention included semi-structured interviews with 21 sexual health practitioners, 20 matched pre-post questionnaires, and an audit of 533 patient records to assess identification and referral of gbMSM experiencing DVA. Results HERMES increased practitioners’ self-reported preparedness and confidence in enquiring, identifying and responding to gbMSM experiencing DVA. HERMES increased staff awareness of DVA among these patients, which led to higher identification practices in their work. There was a significant increase in the identification and reporting practices of trained staff (0% to 30%), with 6 (5%) DVA cases identified. However, as far as we could determine, none of these patients contacted the support agency. Conclusions HERMES proved successful in raising staff awareness, provided tools that increased identification and a referral pathway to an external specialist DVA service for the LGBT community. However, the poor uptake of the referral service indicates a need for further exploration of the help-seeking behaviour of gbMSM experiencing DVA and whether they would prefer to receive support within a sexual health service. Reinforcement training and clinical supervision is needed to sustain positive changes in practice over time and address potential challenges posed by staff turnover. Initial training should be conducted through face-to-face sessions with a combination of in-person and e-learning materials and followed by in-person and online reinforcement activities.

Alfandari R., Taylor B.J., Scott R.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread social, public health, and human rights problem. Empirical investigation of IPV risk factors can promote evidence-based assessment tools and effective prevention and intervention. This overview is a pioneering synthesis of systematic reviews (SRs) of IPV risk factors. Systematic searches for SRs in English reporting a meta-analysis of IPV risk factors in adult heterosexual, non-casual relationships published between January 2011 and June 2021 were conducted in four bibliographic databases: Medline via EBSCO, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and APA PsycInfo. This search strategy identified 1,027 unique records. Supplementary manual search methods were completed in July 2023. Overall, 17 SRs utilizing a meta-analytic approach to investigate IPV risk factors published between 2012 and 2022 were included in the overview. Risk factors were organized into five key categories: demographic, individual, family of origin, relationship, and social. Overall, 73 unique risk factors relating to perpetrators and 61 relating to victims were identified in the SRs. Just 50 of the 119 coefficients relating to IPV perpetration were reported, by any SR, as statistically significant and of moderate or strong predictive power; and 39 of these 50 factors related to previous IPV. Only 26 of the 147 coefficients relating to IPV victimization were both statistically significant and of moderate or strong predictive power, the majority of which (15) were in the relationship violence grouping of risk factors. The evidence suggests a randomness to IPV. This body of evidence provides some limited direction for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.

Tan R.K., Campbell L., Azevedo V., Patrão A.L., dos Reis A.P., Gómez Bravo R., Olumide A., Adebayo E., Osiberu A., Francis J.M., Marks M., Shamu S., Eleuteri S., Sahakyan S., Nobre P., et. al.

Mayshak R., Harries T., Watson C., Curtis A., Walker A.

Reback C.J., Landovitz R.J., Benkeser D., Jalali A., Shoptaw S., Li M.J., Mata R.P., Ryan D., Jeng P.J., Murphy S.M.

Abstract Background In the United States, most (~ 70%) annual newly diagnosed HIV infections are among substance-using sexual minority men (SMM) and gender minority transgender women (trans women). Trans women and SMM are more likely to report or be diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) than their cisgender or heterosexual counterparts and the presence of an SUD substantially increases the risk of HIV infection in both groups. Although Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, initiation, adherence, and persistence are exclusively behavioral outcomes; thus, the biomedical benefits of PrEP are abrogated by substance use. SUD is also associated with reduced quality-of-life, and increased overdose deaths, utilization of high-cost healthcare services, engagement in a street economy, and cycles of incarceration. Objective To determine the optimal (considering efficacy and cost-effectiveness) strategy for advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum among trans women and SMM with an SUD. Methods This study will implement a randomized controlled trial, evaluating two Stepped Care approaches involving A.S.K.-PrEP vs. standard of care (SOC) to determine optimal intervention strategies for trans women and SMM with an SUD (N = 250; n = 83 trans women; n = 167 SMM) for advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum. Participants will be randomized (3:1) to Stepped Care (n = 187) or SOC (n = 63). Participants in the Stepped Care arm will be assessed at 3-months for intervention response; responders will be maintained in A.S.K.-PrEP, while non-responders will receive added attention to their SUD via Contingency Management (CM). Non-responders will be re-randomized (1:1) to either (a) receive A.S.K.-PrEP + CM, or (b) shift the primary focus to their SUD (CM alone). Results Recruitment and enrollment began in May 2023. Recruitment will span approximately 36 months. Data collection, including all follow-up assessments, is expected to be completed in April 2027. Discussion Trans women and SMM with an SUD have the two highest HIV prevalence rates in the United States, which underscores the urgent need for effective measures to develop scalable behavioral interventions that can encourage advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum. To improve public health, researchers must identify scalable and cost-effective behavioral interventions to promote PrEP initiation, adherence, and persistence among trans women and SMM who use substances. Trial registration This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05934877.

Hong C.

Hong C., Wang Y., Wang Y., Pushpanadh S., Stephenson R., Keum B.T., Goldbach J.T., Graham S.M., Holloway I.W.

Sexual minority men (SMM) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at a substantially high rate and also bear high burdens of adverse mental health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate existing evidence on the associations between experiencing IPV and adverse mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, etc.) among SMM. Following the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, we identified 22 published studies encompassing data from 18,454 individuals, all of which were cross-sectional in design and half of which were conducted in the U.S. We found that experiencing IPV was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms and anxiety with a pooled Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) of 1.71 (95% CI [1.43, 2.05]) and 1.89 (95% CI [1.46, 2.43]), respective. Studies also found that IPV was positively associated with suicide-related risk (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI [2.21, 3.32] and perceived loneliness. Studies varied in their IPV measures and recall periods and used diverse mental health measurement tools like PHQ-9/GAD-7, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed an urgent need to examine the effects of IPV on SMM’s mental well-being in low- and middle-income countries using standardized IPV measurement tools. Future research should employ a longitudinal design to track the long-term effects of IPV on the mental well-being of SMM and explore potential interventions for mitigating these impacts over time. These insights are crucial for enhancing IPV screening within healthcare settings and identifying key intervention targets aimed at improving the mental health of SMM.

Jabali O.

This study examines domestic violence perpetrated by wives against husbands in Palestine, utilizing structured interviews with 53 married participants. Findings reveal prevalent female-perpetrated domestic violence, often involving mutual conflict initiation. External stressors and power dynamics significantly influence behaviors, reflecting situational pressures and control issues. Verbal abuse and emotional manipulation are widespread, indicating covert and challenging violence dynamics. Responses to violence vary, suggesting barriers to accessing support systems. Effective conflict resolution is crucial to address ongoing relationship challenges. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, emphasizing the need to address underlying psychological factors and promote healthier relationship dynamics. Based on the study's findings, actionable recommendations include educational outreach, customized support services, legal advocacy initiatives, community engagement projects, professional development activities, and sustained research efforts to promote positive societal change.

Jessup O., Nacht C.L., Amato M., Reynolds H.E., Felner J.K., Hong C., Muthuramalingam S., Siconolfi D.E., Wagner G.J., Stephenson R., Storholm E.D.

Tillewein H., Luckey G., Miller K., Jenkins W.

Previous research has shown there is a high prevalence of sexual violence (SV) and revictimization among the LGBTQ+ community. Little is known about the prevalence of SV and revictimization among rural LGBTQ+ individuals. This study investigates patterns of revictimization and the prevalence of SV among sexual and gender minority individuals. Less resources, services, and more social isolation in rural areas may exacerbate SV. The Illinois Cohort Study is a longitudinal cohort made up of LGBTQ+ individuals with recruitment from June to September 2022. Individuals that have met the screening criteria were delivered a series of surveys for completion, after obtaining consent and given an incentive for their participation. Survey questions on intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and revictimization were collected and described using descriptive statistics. Rural areas were defined as having a population less than 50,000. A total of N = 74 participants responded to the third survey. There were 46% of participants who identified as non-cisgender, and roughly 48% of participants identified as bisexual, pansexual, or other. There were 58% of participants who experienced some form of SV. Factors significantly associated with SV included age, gender, and total Adverse Childhood Experience score ( p < .001, .0278, and .002, respectively). There were 70% of participants who reported experiencing SV more than once. Those who reported being sexually victimized more than once reported the abuse lasting an average of 11 years. There were 46% of participants who felt unsafe or trapped in their current relationship. Lesbian (31%) or bisexual (31%) participants were significantly more likely to report feeling afraid in their relationship ( p = .041). This study showed that in rural areas, SV is prevalent among LGBTQ+ individuals. Data can be used to produce interventions and resources to reduce the prevalence of SV and revictimization among rural LGBTQ+ individuals.