Corrigendum: When Intimate Partner Violence Meets Same Sex Couples: A Review of Same Sex Intimate Partner Violence

Lu Y.

Abstract Purpose Domestic violence has been an emerging area of study in recent decades for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people (LGBT +). While some research discussed domestic violence among LGBT + couples in Western countries, very little attention was paid to the patterns of domestic violence in the Chinese context. Against this backdrop, this study sought to elucidate the prevalence and distinctive features of family violence against LGBT + individuals that have been recorded by court rulings, as well as to scrutinize the responses of the judicial system towards these cases of violence. Methods This study utilized a qualitative research approach, relying on court rulings as the primary data source. Specifically, data were collected from the official website that publishes judgments from courts at all levels of China. Content analysis and discourse analysis were employed as analytical techniques to uncover the underlying patterns of family violence among LGBT + people and examine the responses of the judicial system concerning the protection of LGBT + individuals. Results Through an analysis of the court rulings, the findings reveal a total of fifty-three cases of family violence involving LGBT + individuals. These cases constitute approximately ten percent of all criminal cases concerning the LGBT + population. Among these cases, forty cases involve violence perpetrated by LGBT + intimate partners. The violence can be further classified into distinct categories, including break-up violence, sexual violence, and violence occurring in daily life. The consequences of such violence typically result in fatalities or physical injuries. Another form of violence examined in the study is observed within legal partnerships, such as between a heterosexual husband and his lesbian wife. This type of violence also tends to lead to severe outcomes, including deaths or bodily harm to the victim. Furthermore, one noteworthy case of family violence discussed in the research involves a parent–child relationship. Conclusions This study uncovers multiple sources of violence experienced by LGBT + individuals within the context of domestic relationships in China. While LGBT + individuals can employ criminal law to protect their rights as citizens, the legal recognition of same-sex relationships remains rare. Yet, this legal recognition could change the situation in same-sex families troubled by family violence.

Trombetta T., Rollè L.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among sexual minority people has been underestimated since few decades ago despite its spreading. The current systematic review aims to review and systematize studies on factors associated with IPV perpetration within this population. Data search was conducted on EBSCO and PubMed considering articles published until July 2022, and 78 papers were included. Although methodological limitations can affect the results found, the data demonstrated an association between IPV perpetration and psychological, relational, family of origin-related and sexual minority-specific factors, substance use, and sexual behaviors. The findings emerged highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach to tackle IPV perpetration among sexual minority people and limit relapses, while increasing individual and relational wellbeing. The empirical evidence emerged can contribute to the development of policies and services tailored for sexual minority people victims of IPV, to date still scarce and often ineffective.

Lo I.P.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been identified as a public health issue among both heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) populations. While attention has often been paid to IPV among heterosexual couples, there is limited research on the causes of and interventions for IPV confronting same-sex couples, especially those in non-Euro-American contexts. This article highlights the "double closet" nature of same-sex IPV, and, in particular, the triply marginalized position of lesbian victims of IPV due to their gender, sexuality, and experiences of violence in China. Extending ongoing discussions about minority stress faced by sexual minority people, it reveals how the daily stressors associated with identity concealment, coupled with relational selfhood and heteronormative institutional constraints, complicate lesbian relationships and violence in China. Focusing on the family-centered context provides an important window into the ways in which the perceived need to stay in the closet (hide one's sexual identity) and rejection from the family of origin and the state influence lesbians' experiences of IPV and inhibit many of them from disclosing violence. This article builds a dialogue between discussions of the closet and existing literature on IPV. It concludes by drawing attention to the need to break the silence around IPV and build alliances for developing culturally sensitive interventions aimed at addressing IPV.

Tognasso G., Trombetta T., Gorla L., Ramon S., Santona A., Rollè L.

Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence (SSIPV) among lesbian women has been underestimated until few decades ago. While the association between romantic attachment and SSIPV has been widely demonstrated, mechanisms that mediate this association and the complex relationships between romantic attachment, SSIPV, and SSIPV-specific risk factors have not been adequately investigated to date. The current study assessed the influence of romantic attachment on SSIPV perpetration among lesbian women, exploring the mediating role of internalized homonegativity within this association. Three hundred and twenty-five Italian lesbian women with a mean age of 30 years were recruited and completed the following self-report measures: the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), the Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma, and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale Short Form. The results showed a positive association between attachment anxiety, and general and psychological SSIPV perpetration. Similarly, attachment avoidance was positively related with general, psychological, and physical SSIPV perpetration. The association between romantic attachment, and general and psychological SSIPV was partially mediated by internalized homonegativity. These findings have theoretical implications and provide valuable information to implement services and interventions tailored for SSIPV, to date scarce and not effective.

Santoniccolo F., Trombetta T., Rollè L.

Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence (SSIPV) is a complex issue that can be severely damaging. When involved in SSIPV, victims and perpetrators sometimes choose to seek help. The help-seeking process, however, can be difficult. Experiences of help-seeking seem to vary and may be positive or negative depending on several factors, some of which appear to be specific to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people involved in a same-sex relationship. A systematic review of the literature has been conducted across four databases following the PRISMA statement guidelines. Out of 410 screened abstracts, 78 articles were selected for full-text review. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 studies were included in the current review. Thematic analysis was conducted on these studies and results were discussed by three reviewers. Help-seekers tended to use informal sources of help, perceived to be ambivalently helpful. Formal sources tended to be utilized sparingly, except for counselors. Many formal sources were perceived to be unhelpful, and most of the studies identified several barriers to services that prevented effective help. Formal and helpful sources were perceived as knowledgeable and sensitive about LGB themes. While existing research is limited, formal services that can provide effective care for SSIPV appear scarce. Barriers to services seem widespread, limiting accessibility. Existing services would benefit from increasing their knowledge and sensitivity on SSIPV-specific themes. The development of policies, programs, and interventions that aim to provide effective help is needed, as well as more research.