Background: This study took place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present research assesses the association between lockdown conditions (such as time spent at home, living environment, proximity to contamination and social contacts), mental health (including intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety and depression) and intimate partner violence within the community. This study evaluates the indirect effect of anxiety and depression on the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and intimate partner violence (physical assault and psychological aggression). Methods: 1532 adults (80.8% of women, Mage = 35.34) were recruited from the Belgian general population through an online self-report questionnaire completed during the lockdown (from April 17 to 1 May 2020). Results: The results demonstrate that the prevalence of physical assault (including both perpetration and victimization) was significantly higher in men, whereas the prevalence of psychological aggression was significantly higher in women. Men reported significantly more violence during lockdown. Women, on the other hand, were more anxious and more intolerant of uncertainty. No difference between men and women was found for depression. Anxiety and depression significantly mediated the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and physical assault and psychological aggression. Sex did not moderate the mediation. Conclusion: Clinical implications for public health policy are highlighted.

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Background: This study took place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictive confinement measures put in place to counter the virus’ spread could have major consequences for the mental health and intimate relationships between romantic partners. The present research assesses the association between lockdown conditions (such as time spent at home, living environment, proximity to contamination and social contacts), mental health (including intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety and depression) and the intimate partner violence within the community. This study also proposes to evaluate the indirect effect of anxiety and depression on the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and intimate partner violence (physical assault and psychological aggression). Methods: 1532 adults (80.8% of women, Mage=35.34) were recruited from the general population through an online self-report questionnaire completed during the lockdown. All participants were engaged in a romantic relationship and lived with their partner. Sociodemographic data, lockdown conditions, mental health and intimate partner related-variables were assessed. Results: Results demonstrate that the prevalence of physical assault was significantly higher in men, whereas the prevalence of psychological aggression was significantly higher in women. Men reported significantly more increased violence during lockdown. Women, on the other hand, were more anxious and more intolerant of uncertainty. No difference between men and women was found for depression. Anxiety and depression significantly mediate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and physical assault and psychological aggression. Sex does not moderate the mediation. Conclusion: Clinical implications for public health policy are highlighted, namely the necessity to consider the impact of uncertainty related to crises in increasing the risk of intimate violence between partners, and especially individual vulnerability to mental health problems associated.

Subject: In the 1970s, domestic violence was put on the political agenda as a societal problem. Since then, research exploring the dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has multiplied, but the study of sexual violence between partners is still topical. This article examines female victims’ experiences of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV). Method: This qualitative study uses a thematic approach to explore how IPV victims perceive sexual violence within their couple. Semi-structured interviews, which include the use of qualitative life calendars, were conducted with 20 women. Results: The thematic analysis of the 20 interviews highlighted several themes and sub-themes that address (1) sexual violence experienced by victims within the couple, (2) their perception of sexual violence, and (3) the reasons why they submitted to unwanted sex in an abusive relationship. Conclusion: Experiences of sexual violence are the result of different dynamics; however, IPSV is a form of violence that is still difficult to identify and is more often defined by victims as an impulse or aggression than a rape. Within the couple, the impact of violence, but also the influence of gender stereotypes, affect the perception of violence, assertiveness capacities, and, therefore, the ability to express free consent. Victims submitt to their partner because they are afraid of him; they want to protect themselves or their children; or they do not have the capacity to express their non-consent.