Ethnic Differences in Intimate Partner Violence in the U.S. General Population

Abstract

This article reviews cross-sectional and longitudinal research on ethnic differences related to intimate partner violence (IPV) in the U.S. general population and the role of alcohol use and socioeconomic characteristics. Evidence indicates that significant ethnic differences exist in the prevalence of IPV. Although ethnic minorities report higher rates of IPV, differences in crude rates are reduced after controlling for socioeconomic circumstances and alcohol use. However, Black couples appear to be at greater risk of IPV than their White or Hispanic counterparts even after controlling for such risk factors. Overall, socioeconomic characteristics,demographic characteristics, and alcohol use appear to play important roles in the occurrence of IPV. These findings suggests that IPV continues to be a significant public health problem and represents an area of health disparity for ethnic minorities.

Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programs: A Proposal for Evidence-Based Standards in the United States

“…However, there is very little research investigating ways in which BIPs may better address the particular structural, cultural, and contextual issues that lead to IPV in ethnic and racial minority groups. Although some research indicates no difference between racial and ethnic minority groups concerning IPV perpetration (Buttell, Powers, & Wang, 2012;Field & Caetano, 2004;Lipsky, Caetano, & Roy-Byrne, 2009;Rennison & Planty, 2003), most research on the topic highlights race and ethnicity as indicators of IPV (Caetano, Ramisetty-Mikler, & Field, 2005;Melander, Noel, & Tyler, 2010;West, 2012). Culturally focused BIP curricula have received mixed reviews concerning their effectiveness (Gelles, 2001;Gondolf & Williams, 2001;Almeida, Woods, Messineo, & Font, 1998); however, more research should be conducted identifying beneficial cultural factors for integrating into curricula, and more studies should be directed toward the evaluation of these culturally centered programs.…”

Contributions of Work Stressors, Alcohol, and Normative Beliefs to Partner Violence

“…Results from the 1995 National Study of Couples indicate that almost half of IPV events are mutual , although women are more likely than men to sustain injuries (Archer, 2000). General population samples show that IPV prevalence is highest among younger couples, racial/ ethnic minorities, and couples with objective and subjective household indicators of lower socioeconomic status, including lower income, fi nancial distress, lower education, and unemployment (Bachman and Saltzman, 1995;Field and Caetano, 2004). These indicators often characterize bluecollar couples.…”

Female Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence: A Comparison between Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union in Israel and Israeli-Born Women

“…Torres (1991) found that Hispanic women tended to endure battering for a longer time than Anglo and African-American women, and Mexican American women, more than Anglo women, tended to view some forms of domestic violence as normal and acceptable. In addition, Field and Caetano (2004) found that when the variables of urbanity, income, employment, and occupation status were controlled, Hispanics still demonstrated a higher prevalence of domestic violence against women than Anglos. Some researchers suggest that the subculture of violence and structural inequality theories may be supplementary rather than contradictory (Raj and Silverman 2002).…”

“…Families with a lower socio-economic status experience increased stress, because their stressors are more numerous and severe, and they have fewer resources available to cope with these stressors. Stress caused by structural factors may lead to increased frustration, disharmony in interpersonal relationships, and violence (Field and Caetano 2004).…”