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Heterosexual Partner Sexual Violence: Identifying Women Victims Through Questions on Sexual Coercion
Gemma Pons-Salvador1, Alicia Martínez Sanz2, Carmen Mañas Viejo2
1University of Valencia, Spain.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|January 17, 2025
Summary
Many women do not recognize intimate partner sexual violence unless asked directly about sexual coercion. Specific questioning is crucial for identifying subtle coercion and understanding experiences of sexual violence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is prevalent but difficult to detect.
- Societal beliefs, myths, and gender stereotypes impede identification of IPSV.
- Subtle coercion and duress complicate recognition of sexual violence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if direct questions improve women's identification of intimate partner sexual violence.
- To analyze the characteristics of sexual coercion in intimate relationships.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Semi-structured Interview for the Exploration of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (EVS).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 110 women, divided into two groups: victims seeking help and women in divorce proceedings.
- Utilized the Semi-structured Interview for the Exploration of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (EVS) to explore experiences.
- Compared self-identification of sexual violence with identification after direct questioning about sexual coercion.
Main Results:
- Half of women seeking help identified sexual violence only after direct questioning about coercion.
- Coercion without physical aggression (threats, blackmail) was often unrecognized.
- One-third of women in divorce proceedings acknowledged subtle coercion without physical violence.
Conclusions:
- Direct questioning is essential for identifying intimate partner sexual violence, especially when coercion is not overt.
- Women may not recognize sexual violence if it lacks explicit aggression or involves participation under duress.
- Healthcare providers and support services should use specific questions to screen for IPSV.
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