Psychosocial and Culturally-Specific Factors Related to Intimate Partner Violence Victimization among a Sample of Latino Sexual Minority Cis Men in the U.S.

Abstract

A growing body of research illustrates that sexual minority men (SMM) experience elevated rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to heterosexual individuals. Researchers have examined the relationship between minority stress and IPV victimization among sexual minority men. A majority of the IPV research identifying risk factors associated with IPV victimization among SMM have sampled predominately non-Hispanic White SMM, while Latino SMM are consistently under-represented in IPV research. This study examines the associations between (1) co-occurring psychosocial factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, childhood sexual abuse, drug use, and problematic drinking) and (2) Latino-specific minority stress factors (e.g., U.S.-born, language, race/ethnic identities, and discrimination) on IPV victimization in a nationwide sample of Latino SMM. Data were collected from Latino SMM aged 18 or older, identified as cis-male, and in a romantic relationship with a cis-male partner ( N = 530). The participants were recruited through social media and geo-location-based dating mobile applications. A majority (72%) of the sample reported IPV victimization in their lifetime. Specific to forms of IPV, more than half (51.9%) of the sample reported monitoring behaviors, while 49.6% reported emotional IPV, 45.1% reported physical IPV, 31.5% reported controlling behaviors, and 22.3% reported HIV-related IPV. In multivariable models, psychosocial and Latino-specific factors were associated with the increased likelihood of IPV victimization. Regarding Latino-specific factors, being born in the U.S. and race-based discrimination predicted IPV victimization. These findings highlight the extent to which minority stress elevates the risk of IPV for Latino SMM and point to the need to address social factors in IPV prevention services. Further, work on SMM IPV victimization tends to focus on the potential role of sexual orientation-related discrimination, whereas the current study points to the importance of race-based discrimination.

Discrimination and intimate partner violence among a sample of bisexual and gay men in the United States: a cross-sectional study

“…However, even though the scale measures a crucial aspect of discrimination, it does not cover all the factors that may lead to discrimination based on sexual orientation. Studies have linked IPV experiences to race-related discrimination but not sexual orientation-identity-discrimination ( 34 ). Specifically, Robles et al ( 34 ) found that race-based discrimination increased the odds of IPV victimization in Latino sexual minority men.…”

“…Studies have linked IPV experiences to race-related discrimination but not sexual orientation-identity-discrimination ( 34 ). Specifically, Robles et al ( 34 ) found that race-based discrimination increased the odds of IPV victimization in Latino sexual minority men. Thus, additional studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of specific forms of discrimination sexually minority men face to better predict their risk of IPV victimization.…”