“There’s So Much at Stake”

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of dating violence among a sample of sexual minority youth. Focus groups were conducted as part of a larger study that surveyed 109 sexual minority youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years. Participants identified four main themes contributing to dating violence among same-sex couples: homophobia (societal and internalized); negotiating socially prescribed gender roles; assumed female connection; and other relationship issues. Such information is essential for determining the need for and content of dating violence services, including education, safety planning, and referrals for mental and physical health services for sexual minority youth.

Gender Role Attitudes and Male Adolescent Dating Violence Perpetration: Normative Beliefs as Moderators

“…In addition, the study did not distinguish between heterosexual and same-sex relationships. This is an important issue to consider as emerging research suggests that sexual minority adolescents are at increased risk for dating violence (Martin-Storey, 2015) and have trouble negotiating socially prescribed gender role attitudes; for example, some sexual minority youth may consciously resist prescribed gender roles whereas others ascribe to them (Gillum and DiFulvio 2012). It will thus be important to replicate these findings in different cultural regions and also to examine whether and how the relationships examined in the current study vary by race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and/or cultural identity.…”

Sexual Orientation Disparities in Substance Misuse: The Role of Childhood Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Among Patients in Care at an Urban Community Health Center

“…In addition, and consistent with minority stress theories (Meyer, 2003), homophobia from internal or societal sources may place additional stressors on the relationship which may lead to increased risk of conflict. Same-sex partners may also feel pressure to subscribe to masculine-feminine roles within relationships whereby one person is more dominant than the other, reflecting broader societal gender norms, which could lead to increased risk of violence (Gillum & Difulvio, 2012). …”

Physical Dating Violence Victimization Among Sexual Minority Youth

“…7–10 Other related reasons for increased relationship violence may include difficulties among some SMYs in navigating their gender identity and gender expression which may play a role among some SMYs and create tensions in relationships. 11 SMYs, like their heterosexual peers are also influenced by strict gender roles and social norms of behaving depicted in the “mainstream” culture. 12,13 For example, a partner may take on a more dominant role and expect the other partner to conform.…”

“…11 Other stressors within heterosexual couples also play out in sexual minority relationships such as power imbalances attributed to social class differences, jealousy, incompatibility, and a lack of recognition of unhealthy relationships stemming from absent role models. 11 When SMYs do recognize violence in their relationships, they may be less likely to seek help for fear of reprisal or rejection upon coming out. 14 Additionally, services and education received may lack cultural appropriateness.…”

“…SMYs may also be afraid to leave a violent relationship because they don't see other relationship options for themselves given low visibility of sexual minorities in the community. 11 …”