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Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Non-Heterosexuals: Prevalence and Associations With Mental and Sexual Well-Being

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Abstract

This study focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) among non-heterosexuals in Flanders. Prevalence rates were explored and compared with heterosexual IPV using a first representative sample consisting of 1690 heterosexuals and non-heterosexual individuals. A second convenience sample consisting of 2401 non-heterosexual individuals was used to determine differences between women and men and to explore associations between IPV and victims’ well-being. Physical and psychological IPV inflicted by the current/former partner were reported by 14.5 and 57.9 % of the non-heterosexuals, respectively. Non-heterosexuals and heterosexuals were equally likely to report physical and psychological IPV. Furthermore, non-heterosexual women and men reported similar physical, sexual, and psychological IPV. However, female victims experienced more frequent acts of psychological IPV. IPV was negatively associated with victims’ well-being.

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  1. Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Sabine Hellemans, Tom Loeys, Ann Buysse, Alexis Dewaele & Olivia De Smet

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  1. Sabine Hellemans
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Hellemans, S., Loeys, T., Buysse, A. et al. Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Non-Heterosexuals: Prevalence and Associations With Mental and Sexual Well-Being. J Fam Viol 30, 171–188 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-015-9669-y

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