Understanding Patterns of Intimate Partner Abuse in Male–Male, Male–Female, and Female–Female Couples

Abstract

Intimate Partner Abuse (IPA), a major social problem, can lead to mental health conditions and is implicated in 30 % of female and 5 % of male homicide deaths. We hypothesized that due to distinct relationship structures and power dynamics which are immersed in varying sociocultural contexts, victims of male–male, female–female and female–male dyads experience different patterns of IPA. Our objectives were: (1) To examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of victims of male victim–male abuser (M–M), female victim–male abuser (F–M), male victim–female abuser (M–F), and female victim-female abuser (F–F) dyads. (2) To compare patterns of IPA reported by the victims in these groups. Out of 397 subjects in the general population that attempted this Internet-based study, 214 English-speaking subjects were older than 18 years, had experienced IPA, and provided complete information for the analysis. Victims of IPA were screened and specific methods of abuse were evaluated. M–Ms were significantly more educated (70 %) than other groups. F–Fs experienced more abuse before age 18 by a parent or relative. F–Fs experienced the most physical abuse while M–Ms the least (p = 0.004). Physical abuse or threats of abuse in front of children was reported more in F–Fs (p < 0.01) and least in M–Ms. IPA patterns differ significantly with F–Fs presenting the most physical profile and M–Ms presenting the least.