Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence and Drug Use Among Homeless Youth

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among homeless youth (HY) is common, yet it has continuously been understudied, especially in relation to substance use. As part of a longitudinal study of Los Angeles area HY, drop-in service seeking youth completed a self-administered questionnaire. The presented results are from the third panel of data collection ( N = 238), and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) was used to assess IPV behavior regarding the participant's most recent intimate relationship. Approximately 38% of participants reported IPV behavior in their most recent relationship, and the majority of this behavior was bidirectional. It was unlikely that a HY was only a victim or only a perpetrator. Multivariable models revealed that bidirectional IPV was related to increased odds of recent methamphetamine; whereas sole perpetration was associated with an increased likelihood of ecstasy use. Specific substance use and IPV are closely related to risk behaviors for HY. Comprehensive interventions should be developed to address both these risk behaviors.

Violence, Trauma, Mental Health, and Substance Use Among Homeless Youth Juggalos

“…The variable assessing violence did not distinguish between victimization and perpetration. In fact, it is likely that youths are experiencing both types [31]. Juggalos are visually distinctive and there have been reports of Juggalos being discriminated against, particularly in light of the FBI classification [1, 32].…”

Exploring the impact of network characteristics on substance use outcomes among homeless former foster youth

“…Both self-interview and sociometric variables were used in this analysis. Details on the data collection and sociomatrix creation procedures have been published elsewhere (Petering et al 2015).…”

The relationship between hazardous alcohol use and violence among street‐involved youth

“…Though bidirectional intimate partner violence has been associated with methamphetamine use among homeless youth, 11 this is the first study to our knowledge that has identified an association with hazardous alcohol use among street-involved youth who use illicit drugs. However, a large body of evidence has linked intimate partner violence victimization with alcohol consumption among youth.…”

“…10 High rates of recent intimate partner violence (IPV) have also been documented among street-involved youth, with estimates ranging between 30–40%. 9, 11 Childhood experiences of family conflict, violence, and abuse are common reasons why youth leave home 12 and may also predispose them to future development of substance use disorders 13 and adult victimization. 14 …”