The Role of Food and Food Behaviors in Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

There is a paucity of research that systematically examines how food behaviors play a role in intimate partner violence (IPV). Therefore, this qualitative study aims to answer the broad question, what role do food behaviors play in intimate relationships? Food behavior narratives emerging from participants of court-mandated domestic violence (DV) offender treatment programs were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Five themes emerged. Two described inflammatory/harmful roles: (1) food as a trigger for anger and violence and (2) food as a mechanism of “othering.” One theme described the role of food behaviors in promoting unequal and equal relationships: (3) food as an embodiment of gender roles. Two themes described reconciliatory/beneficial roles: (4) food as a mechanism of recognition and (5) and food as a representation of group rapport. Food behaviors can escalate into conflicts but can also be used as a tool to resolve conflicts. Limitations and the need for future research are further discussed.

The Link Between Intimate Partner Violence and Food Insecurity: A Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

“…Regarding relational components, perpetrators may use food as an indicator of gender role performance and as such, food will act as a trigger for inflicting IPV. Lack of food can inflame violence, while food offers can quell it (Shimizu et al, 2021). IPV affects ability to work, which increases food insecurity, which can then lead to an increase in IPV (Chilton et al, 2013).…”

“…Sample size ranged from 12 (Clark & Jordan, 2022) to 69,072 (Ackerson & Subramanian, 2008); as expected, qualitative studies tended to have smaller samples than did quantitative studies. Almost all studies relied on self-reported IPV; an exception is Shimizu and colleagues (2021), who used observations of participants in court-mandated domestic violence offender treatment programs. Similarly, almost all studies relied on self-reported food insecurity; exceptions included a few studies that used biological measures such as BMI and anemia (Ackerson & Subramanian, 2008; Adhikari et al, 2020; Ferdos & Rahman, 2018; Rahman et al, 2013).…”

“…Qualitative Studies. One qualitative study used data from interviews with offenders and victims as well as observations of treatment sessions (Shimizu et al, 2021). The authors concluded that food and food behaviors do play a role in IPV.…”