A Qualitative Analysis of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Sexual Minority Men

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to myriad adverse biopsychosocial health outcomes, especially among young sexual minority men (YSMM). IPV is characterized by physical, psychological, or sexual harm inflicted by an intimate partner, and a growing body of evidence suggests that ACEs have a significant role in negatively shaping the psychosocial development of children and adolescents. Yet, few studies have qualitatively explored IPV in YSMM, let alone how ACEs influence perceptions of IPV in this population. This study examines IPV experiences among a diverse sample of (n = 26) YSMM living in New York City. Key themes regarding ACEs emerged from (n = 20) participants' reports of IPV: (a) childhood maltreatment (i.e., physical, psychological, and sexual abuse), (b) household dysfunction (i.e., witnessing domestic violence, family behavioral health problems), (c) exposure to community/neighborhood violence, and (d) peer victimization. Consistent with prior research, participants described how ACEs adversely contributed to present beliefs about intimate relationships, attitudes toward IPV, and dating behaviors. Most participants identified older male family members as perpetrators of childhood maltreatment and attributed heterosexism to household and peer victimization ACEs. Narratives gathered for this study highlight the critical need to address ACEs in IPV interventions for YSMM, with a focus on unlearning harmful conflict resolution behaviors and promoting healthy relationship dynamics. The compounded challenges faced by YSMM of color further underscore the need for tailored advocacy and treatments to prevent IPV and mitigate its long-term health outcomes. This study discusses implications for future research, practice, and policy aimed at addressing the impact of IPV on YSMM, thereby reducing the associated health challenges within this population.