ABSTRACT
Intimate partner violence (IPV) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is a prevalent issue with detrimental health consequences that requires more attention within the field of violence. In order to contribute to this objective, the present chapter aims to summarise the following evidence to date among GBMSM: (1) prevalence estimates of IPV, (2) factors associated with IPV, (3) the association of IPV measures with substance use, depression, sexual risk behaviour and HIV positivity, (4) help-seeking behaviour among those who experience IPV, (5) evidence for responding to IPV and (6) the key debates and challenges. In a 2013 meta-analysis of US studies, the pooled prevalence of any (physical, psychological and/or sexual) lifetime IPV victimisation among GBMSM was very high at 48%. Similar findings have also been observed in recent studies. The prevalence of any lifetime IPV perpetration among GBMSM has been reported in a number of recent studies, with estimates ranging from 16% to 35%. Younger age, minority ethnicity, lower socio-economic status, sexualised drug use (chemsex), group sex, internalised homophobia, homophobic discrimination, concealment of sexual identity, identifying as bisexual, and racist discrimination have all been linked to IPV in studies of GBMSM. There is consistent evidence that IPV is strongly associated with substance use, depressive symptoms, condomless sex (CLS) and HIV positivity. Longitudinal data is needed to better understand the temporal sequence of events. There is also a need to collect more data on experiences of abuse in childhood, emotional attachments formed with primary caregivers, and levels of social support. Responding to IPV within male same-sex relationships is complicated by social norms surrounding masculinity and violence between men as well as by some service providers’ prejudicial attitudes towards gay sexuality. Addressing these issues may require educational campaigns and enhanced training for health care providers. There is an urgent need to develop and test culturally competent interventions.
