Gambling-Related Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: A Grounded Theory Model of Individual and Relationship Determinants

Abstract

This study aimed to examine how problem gambling interacts with gendered drivers of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women to exacerbate this violence. Interviews were conducted with 48 female victims of IPV linked to a male partner’s gambling; 24 female victims of IPV linked to their own gambling; and 39 service practitioners from 25 services. Given limited research into gambling-related IPV, but a stronger theoretical base relating to IPV against women, this study used an adaptive grounded theory approach. It engaged with existing theories on gendered drivers of violence against women, while also developing a grounded theory model of individual and relationship determinants based on emergent findings from the data. Gambling-related IPV against women was found to occur in the context of expressions of gender inequality, including men’s attitudes and behaviors that support violence and rigid gender expectations, controlling behaviors, and relationships condoning disrespect of women. Within this context, the characteristics of problem gambling and the financial, emotional and relationship stressors gambling causes intensified the IPV. Alcohol and other drug use, and co-morbid mental health issues, also interacted with gambling to intensify the IPV. Major implications. Reducing gambling-related IPV against women requires integrated, multi-level interventions that reduce both problem gambling and gendered drivers of violence. Gambling operators can act to reduce problem gambling and train staff in responding to IPV. Financial institutions can assist people to limit their gambling expenditure and families to protect their assets. Service providers can be alert to the co-occurrence of gambling problems and IPV and screen, treat, and refer clients appropriately. Public education can raise awareness that problem gambling increases the risk of IPV. Reducing gender inequality is also critical.

Strengthening the service experiences of women impacted by gambling-related intimate partner violence

“…Front line practitioners, such as DFV counsellors, are vital in ensuring clients can disclose their abuse in a safe and supportive environment [ 31 ] and receive information regarding options available. However, financial concerns play a prominent role in women’s lives when struggling with the decision to leave or not, especially when gambling has depleted their financial resources [ 12 , 14 ]. In recent years, the DFV field has increasingly recognised the importance of addressing women’s financial security [ 52 , 53 ]; this is especially relevant when working with women impacted by violence related to gambling.…”

“…Our study supports evidence from other research that women impacted by highly stigmatised health issues value a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach, tailored to their needs [ 19 , 31 ]. Support for women needs to be non-judgmental due to the stigmatising nature of both problem gambling and IPV [ 12 ], and trauma-informed due to their varying and intersecting needs [ 20 ]. Sharing lived experiences through group counselling or support groups, was a crucial part of the healing process for many women and has been shown to an effective in other settings [ 58 , 59 ], especially for highly stigmatised issues.…”

“…Adaptive grounded theory [ 40 ] and situational analysis [ 41 ] were used as the methodological approach; this combined approach facilitated a richer and more credible understanding of women’s experiences of gambling related IPV. The specific design and methods have been detailed elsewhere [ 12 ]. Using interview data from the larger study, we performed a secondary analysis of data to answer the following research question “How can health and social service agencies be strengthened to better address the needs of women seeking support for gambling-related IPV?” This analytical stage of the research specifically focused on reanalysing interviews from the preceding stages of the study: 48 transcripts from women with lived experience of IPV related to a male partner’s gambling; and 24 transcripts from women with lived experience of IPV related to their own gambling.…”

“…Of note, men are more likely to perpetrate IPV if they hold attitudes supporting gender inequality [ 10 ]. While experiences of gambling harm do not solely cause IPV, when the gendered drivers of violence are present, gambling problems and the associated stressors can intensify and exacerbate IPV [ 12 ]. IPV can co-occur with the perpetrator’s gambling problem and subsequent anger about gambling losses; or with the perpetrator’s anger about the victim’s gambling and associated stressors [ 7 , 13 ].…”

“…IPV can co-occur with the perpetrator’s gambling problem and subsequent anger about gambling losses; or with the perpetrator’s anger about the victim’s gambling and associated stressors [ 7 , 13 ]. Concerningly, some women impacted by IPV seek refuge in gambling venues as they often provide the only safe space to escape from a violent partner [ 12 ]. However, by using gambling venues as safe spaces, many women become trapped in a vicious cycle by chasing gambling losses; this cycle increases their vulnerability to IPV [ 14 ].…”