Intimate partner violence in female same-gender couples: An investigation of actor–partner correlates within the past year.

Abstract

Objective: Female same-gender couples experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) as compared to other couples, yet research on IPV in this population is limited and almost exclusively focused on individual-level correlates. Given the interdependent nature of IPV, the current study examined actor and partner associations of recent IPV use in female same-gender couples. Method: Data were collected from 103 adult female same-gender couples (N = 206) and analyzed using actor-partner interdependence models. Results: The odds of engaging in physical assault in the last year were positively associated with partner (but not actor) discrimination, alcohol use, and anxiety symptoms and negatively associated with both actor and partner relationship adjustment, emotional intimacy, and partner (but not actor) dedication and social support. The odds of engaging in high levels of psychological aggression in the last year were positively associated with actor and partner depressive and anxiety symptoms, actor (but not partner) negative communication, and partner (but not actor) discrimination and negatively associated with both actor and partner emotional intimacy, actor (but not partner) relationship adjustment, dedication, and social support. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the interdependent nature of IPV-associated factors in female same-gender couples. Clinical implications include evaluating factors associated with recent IPV use that take into account dyadic associations between partners. Clinical Impact StatementThe study provided a better understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal correlates of recent intimate partner violence (IPV) in female same-gender couples, including factors related to individual mental health, relationship quality, social support, and sexual minority stress. The results can inform appropriate assessments and interventions that account for both individual and partner factors associated with IPV risk in this population.

Dyadic effects of minority stress and problematic alcohol use on sexual intimate partner violence in same sex couples

“…These findings are consistent with prior literature which indicate that SGM stress is positively associated with heightened rates of nonsexual IPV perpetration (e.g., Decker et al, 2018). In addition, these findings are partially consistent with recent research with sexual minority women that evidenced Partner, but not Actor, effects of external sexual minority stress and nonsexual IPV perpetration (Do et al, 2021). However, unlike prior research, Research Question 1 examined whether these effects were sustained when modeled simultaneously with the other risk factors.…”

“…Relative to an analysis of only one partner's characteristics, this approach more accurately models IPV perpetration risk by considering the interpersonal nature of relationship; specifically, it provides the unique ability to examine potential effects of both partners’ characteristics on IPV perpetration while accounting for the other partner's characteristics and perpetration. Such work has shown that Actor and Partner problematic drinking are positively associated with Actor IPV perpetration in cisgender heterosexual (e.g., Leone et al, 2016; Testa et al, 2012) and sexual minority populations (Do et al, 2021; Leone et al, 2022). However, to date, other than research on nonsexual forms of IPV (Do et al, 2021; Leone et al, 2022), we could not identify any published studies which used this analytic approach to study S‐IPV perpetration within the SGM community.…”

“…Such work has shown that Actor and Partner problematic drinking are positively associated with Actor IPV perpetration in cisgender heterosexual (e.g., Leone et al, 2016; Testa et al, 2012) and sexual minority populations (Do et al, 2021; Leone et al, 2022). However, to date, other than research on nonsexual forms of IPV (Do et al, 2021; Leone et al, 2022), we could not identify any published studies which used this analytic approach to study S‐IPV perpetration within the SGM community.…”

Minority stress and intimate partner violence among sexual and gender minorities assigned female at birth.

“…A small but growing body of research supports links between minority stress experiences and various forms of IPV among SGM-AFAB. In terms of distal minority stressors, two studies of female same-sex couples found that experiences of discrimination were associated with IPV perpetration and victimization (Balsam & Szymanski, 2005; Do et al, 2022). In regard to more proximal minority stress experiences, internalized heterosexism has been associated with psychological, physical, and sexual IPV victimization and perpetration among women in same-sex relationships (Balsam & Szymanski, 2005; Lewis et al, 2014; Milletich et al, 2014).…”

“…In addition, most previous research on minority stress and IPV among SGM-AFAB has only focused on a subset of this population, namely, cisgender women in relationships with cisgender women (e.g., Balsam & Szymanski, 2005; Do et al, 2022; Lewis et al, 2014; Milletich et al, 2014). SGM-AFAB include sizeable numbers of gender minorities (Salk et al, 2020), as well as those who are in relationships with cisgender men and gender minority individuals (Bauermeister et al, 2010; Dyar, Newcomb, et al, 2020).…”