Coping with Intimate Partner Violence and the Influence of Gender and Sexuality
Date
2021-05
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The aim of this research is to examine possible similarities in the nature of Intimate Partner Violence victimization and how social responses among different demographic groups influence the coping behaviors of survivors. Much of the work already done on the topic is centered around heterosexual, cisgender white women victimized by their male partners, but the focus of my study is on other, marginalized genders and sexualities such as heterosexual male victims and the LGBTQIA+ community. I propose that the nature of victimization is similar across different demographics, but the social stigma around relationship dynamics and gender performances has a strong influence on the coping mechanisms the survivor may use in response to the stress. With a metanalysis of already published works and current questionnaires used to collect IPV victimization rates and coping styles, I have curated a measurement that will capture an inclusive look at the survivors and how their trauma affects them. I hypothesize that the victimization of survivors is similar in nature, but because social responses and support structures differ by demographic, I nonetheless am advocating for more resources and support given to the underserved communities. Traditional ideals of masculinity and homophobia/transphobia keep many from receiving the validation and love that they deserve, but with our growing progressive ideals, we must work to uplift the voices of IPV survivors that go unheard.
Description
Keywords
Intimate partner violence, Coping, Trauma-informed care, Stigmatization, Problem-focused coping, Emotion-focused coping