CONTEXTIntimate partner violence (IPV) among sexual minority young adults has been understudied, and victimization and perpetration estimates are needed.METHODSData on 13,653 women and men aged 24–32 who participated in Wave 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used to examine associations between sexual orientation and IPV perpetration and victimization in respondents’ current or most recent relationship. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between respondent characteristics and three IPV categories (physical violence, threatened violence and forced sex).RESULTSSome 94% of males and 80% of females identified as 100% heterosexual; 4% of males and 16% of females as mostly heterosexual; 1% of males and 2% of females as bisexual; and 2% of males and females as either mostly homosexual or 100% homosexual. Compared with their heterosexual counterparts, mostly heterosexual women were more likely to report having perpetrated or been a victim of physical IPV (odds ratios, 1.9 and 1.6, respectively), having threatened violence (2.0) and having been a victim of threatened violence and forced sex (1.6 for each); mostly heterosexual males were more likely to have been a perpetrator or victim of physical IPV (3.1 and 1.8, respectively) and a perpetrator of forced sex and threatened violence (2.0 and 1.8, respectively). Bisexual males had elevated odds of physical violence victimization (3.3) and forced sex victimization (4.9) and perpetration (5.0).CONCLUSIONSSome sexual minority groups are disproportionately affected by IPV, indicating a need for increased prevention efforts and for studies exploring the mechanisms underlying these differences.

Although teen dating violence victims' reticence in seeking help from adults is well documented, little is known about youths' comparative perceptions of the types of help offered by and effectiveness of various sources. This qualitative study solicited teens' perceptions of sources of help for victims using in-depth interviews with African American youth (ages 13-18) in two public high schools in New Orleans ( N = 38). Participants were recruited purposively by researchers during lunchtime and via referral by school personnel. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded independently by two study team members. Thematic content analyses were conducted. Teens reported that victims were most likely to seek help from friends, who were largely expected to provide advice and comfort. Nearly half reported that teens would be likely to seek help from family, who would provide more active responses to dating violence (i.e., reporting to authorities, confronting the abuser). Fewer respondents believed teens would seek help from other adults, such as school personnel, who were also perceived as likely to enlist outside authorities. Fears about lack of confidentiality and over-reaction were the main perceived barriers to accessing help from adults. Furthermore, although respondents believed teens would be less likely to seek help from adults, adults were perceived as more effective at stopping abuse compared with peers. Interventions that train peer helpers, explain confidentiality to teens, increase school personnel's ability to provide confidential counseling, and promote use of health services may improve access to help for teen dating violence victims.

Objective: African American (AA) teens endure the highest burden of abuse in their romantic relationships. Although teens believe physical violence constitutes abuse (Martin, Houston, Mmari, & Decker, 2012;Sears & Byers, 2010), some teens are more accepting of using controlling behaviors. This study identifies what behaviors AA teens consider to be dating violence, as well as the contextual factors that influence their classification. Method: Data were collected from interviews (n ϭ 38) with AA teens in New Orleans. Teens' definitions were elicited through presenting a series of scenarios depicting teen dating violence (TDV) behaviors. Participants were asked to describe their rationales for scenario designation. Researchers employed thematic content analysis to identify primary themes across the interviews. Analysis involved multiple rounds of iterative coding and the clustering of similar thematic constructs. Results: Participants categorized scenarios that contained examples of male-perpetrated physical or sexually coercive acts as "definitely dating violence." However, there was more variation in the labeling of other abuse scenarios. Some of the contextual factors that influenced participant designation included the gender and intent of the perpetrator, the impact on the victim, and the role the victim "played" in the abuse. Participants had more permissive attitudes regarding acts that were interpreted as typical behaviors in dating relationships. Conclusions: These findings underscore the prominent role contextual factors play in AA teens' understanding of TDV. The narrow distinction between perceptions of seriousness across many of the depicted acts of dating violence reveals the complex processes of defining and measuring TDV.

This study provides a unique, statewide view into the contraceptive barriers for women seeking abortion in North Carolina. Addressing the relatively high demand for LARC after abortion could help significantly reduce unintended pregnancy and recourse to abortion in North Carolina.