Exploring Gender Differences of What Couples in Same Sex Relationships Fight About

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

While research on same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV) is growing, the triggers of violent fights have not been examined. Though some triggers may be similar and others may not, the goal of the present study is to gain a better understanding of what triggers a violent fight in gay (63.7%), lesbian (25.5%), and transgender (10.7%) couples. 251 participants in same-sex relationships, 187 (74.5%) which reported a violent fight, were interviewed from a harm reduction center and asked about their worst fight and what triggered it. The most cited trigger (41.3%) leading to violence involved controlling behaviors (i.e. jealously, autonomy). Other triggers included drugs/alcohol, cheating, or ending of the relationship. A series of chi-squares comparing the three genders suggested no differences across groups. The reasons for violence in this harm reduction population resembles that of similar distressed heterosexual populations in substance use treatment, suggesting that conflict in some of these populations arise from similar stressors. However, a primary difference is the absence of fights occurring because of children in same-sex populations. The fight triggers can help to develop gender-specific interventions for this population to prevent and minimize violent conflict.

Authors

• Jennifer Carter, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Alexzandira Langheier, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Jennifer Loveland, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Chitra Raghavan, John Jay College of Criminal Justice