Intimate Partner Violence and Its Health Impact on Ethnic Minority Women

Abstract

In the United States, intimate partner violence (IPV) against women disproportionately affects ethnic minorities. Further, disparities related to socioeconomic and foreign-born status impact the adverse physical and mental health outcomes as a result of IPV, further exacerbating these health consequences. This article reviews 36 U.S. studies on the physical (e.g., multiple injuries, disordered eating patterns), mental (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress disorder), and sexual and reproductive health conditions (e.g., HIV/STIs, unintended pregnancy) resulting from IPV victimization among ethnic minority (i.e., Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina, Native American/Alaska Native, Asian American) women, some of whom are immigrants. Most studies either did not have a sufficient sample size of ethnic minority women or did not use adequate statistical techniques to examine differences among different racial/ethnic groups. Few studies focused on Native American/Alaska Native and immigrant ethnic minority women and many of the intra-ethnic group studies have confounded race/ethnicity with income and other social determinants of health. Nonetheless, of the available data, there is evidence of health inequities associated with both minority ethnicity and IPV. To appropriately respond to the health needs of these groups of women, it is necessary to consider social, cultural, structural, and political barriers (e.g., medical mistrust, historical racism and trauma, perceived discrimination, immigration status) to patient-provider communication and help-seeking behaviors related to IPV, which can influence health outcomes. This comprehensive approach will mitigate the racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities related to IPV and associated health outcomes and behaviors.

Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and the association with symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress in a multi-ethnic pregnant population in southern Sweden

“…American research has shown that the rate of IPV and the associated health effects vary for different groups of ethnic minorities [16].…”

“…If the impact of abuse on mental health varies for natives and non-natives this should have implications for care. 4 Few studies, and none European, have investigated the role of immigrant status or ethnicity in the relationship between a history of abuse and mental health among pregnant women [15,16]. A Canadian cross-sectional study of around five thousand pregnant women concludes that immigrant status does not change the association between violence and depression [15].…”

“…A number of studies exist providing the prevalence and impact of IPV among ethnic minority groups, without investigating if ethnic background influenced the impact of violence [14,16].…”

Partner violence victimization and unintended pregnancy in Latina and Asian American women: Analysis using structural equation modeling

“…Nearly one in three (35.6%) women in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by a partner at some point in their lives (Breiding, Chen, and Black 2014). In addition to serious injuries, IPV can have serious mental health consequences, including suicide attempts, and has been associated with premature deaths (Gold et al 2012;Stockman, Hayashi, and Campbell 2015). Risk factors associated with IPV victimization include socio-demographic factors; health behaviors, such as heavy alcohol or drug use; mental health conditions; and history of being in abusive relationships (Brownridge et al 2011;Chu, Goodwin, and D'Angelo 2010).…”

Abuse and violence in families

“…Although abuse and violence affects all communities, it disproportionately takes a toll on vulnerable populations such as indigenous communities, undocumented immigrants and other minority and marginalised groups because of its interaction with other economic, social and health inequities (Nixon & Humphreys, 2010;Stockman, Hayashi, & Campbell, 2015). Given that family abuse and violence is a complex problem enmeshed in societal values, beliefs and responses, decreasing if not eliminating its presence, increasing safety and decreasing harms cannot occur through simple solutions.…”