Experience of intimate partner violence among opposite-gender and same-gender couples

Interventions for intimate partner violence tend to focus on violence against women by men. However, empirical surveys have shown that men and individuals in same-gender relationships also experience intimate partner violence. This study examines the association between gender and experience of intimate partner violence, including men and same-gender couples. An internet survey was conducted among women and men aged 20-35 who were in either opposite-gender or same-gender relationships. Men in same-gender relationships were the most likely to have experienced intimate partner violence. Reports of feeling controlled by a partner were lowest among women in opposite-gender relationships and highest among men in same-gender relationships. Social support outside the relationship was highest among women in opposite-gender relationships and lowest among men in same-gender relationships. These results suggest that intimate partner violence against men in same-gender relationships is a serious but overlooked issue. More gender-inclusive countermeasures addressing the experiences of men and intimate partner violence within same-gender couples are needed.