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Battering victimization among a probability-based sample of men who have sex with men
Gregory L Greenwood1, Michael V Relf, Bu Huang
1Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, USA. ggreenwood@psg.ucsf.edu
Objectives:
This study measured the prevalence of battering victimization (i.e., experience of psychological/symbolic, physical, and sexual battering) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and identified characteristics of these men.
Methods:
A probability-based sample of 2881 MSM living in 4 cities completed telephone interviews between 1996 and 1998.
Results:
Prevalence estimates were 34% for psychological/symbolic battering, 22% for physical battering, and 5% for sexual battering. The strongest demographic correlate independently associated with all forms of battering was age 40 or younger, whereas education and HIV serostatus were associated with physical and psychological/symbolic violence.
Conclusions:
Rates of battering victimization among urban MSM are substantially higher than among heterosexual men and possibly heterosexual women. Public health efforts directed toward addressing intimate partner battering among these men are needed.
Insights
Battering victimization is common among men who have sex with men (MSM), with rates higher than in heterosexual populations. Younger age and lower education were linked to increased risk for intimate partner violence.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue.
- Research on IPV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is limited.
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of battering victimization among MSM is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of psychological/symbolic, physical, and sexual battering victimization among MSM.
- To identify demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with battering victimization in this population.
Main Methods:
- A probability-based sample of 2881 men who have sex with men (MSM) was recruited from four U.S. cities.
- Data were collected through telephone interviews conducted between 1996 and 1998.
- Statistical analyses were performed to estimate prevalence and identify correlates of battering.
Main Results:
- Prevalence estimates for battering victimization were 34% for psychological/symbolic, 22% for physical, and 5% for sexual violence.
- Younger age (≤40 years) was independently associated with all forms of battering.
- Lower educational attainment and HIV serostatus were associated with physical and psychological/symbolic battering.
Conclusions:
- Urban men who have sex with men (MSM) experience substantially higher rates of battering victimization compared to heterosexual men and women.
- Public health initiatives are urgently needed to address intimate partner battering within the MSM community.
- Further research should explore effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of MSM experiencing IPV.