Health Consequences of Intimate Partner Cyber Abuse

• In Event: Exploring the Health Consequences of Victimization Across the Life Course

Abstract

As technology advances, there are new means available for intimate partners to use to gain power and control over their partners. While gaining scholarly attention, many questions about these new cyber-based behaviors remain unanswered. Thus, building upon the existing body of literature, we developed a comprehensive measure of intimate partner cyber abuse (IPCA) to answer some of the lingering questions. In light of previous research indicating serious health consequences as a result of traditional (i.e., offline) intimate partner violence (IPV) and cybervictimization, we explore the adverse health costs associated with IPCA victimization. Two main research goals are accomplished utilizing data collected via a self-report questionnaire from a large sample of adults who have experienced IPCA victimization within the previous six months. First, we identify the extent of multiple types of negative health-related harms that these victims have experienced. Second, we examine which factors (relationship, victim, perpetrator, and incident characteristics) impact the likelihood of experiencing health consequences, along with the severity of the health costs experienced. The findings are discussed by comparing cyber-based IPV costs with what is known about offline IPV and suggestions for future research are offered.

Authors

• Erica Fissel, University of Central Florida

• Leah C. Butler, University of Cincinnati

• Bonnie S. Fisher, University of Cincinnati