Intimate Partner Violence and Risky Health Behaviors in LGBTQ+ Youth Populations

• In Event: Victimization Consequences Among Different Populations

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and risk behaviors such as alcohol/drug use, bullying, suicide, sex, etc. in LGBTQ+ youths. Secondary data from the CDC’s National High School 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey was used due to the development of self-identity, sexual orientation, dating experiences, and risk behaviors present in this age group. The dataset (n=13,677) was analyzed via descriptives, crosstabulations, and binomial logistic regression analyses to determine statistical significance between the variables identified. Logistic regression analysis found overwhelmingly higher rates of risk behavior exhibition for those who ever experienced forced sexual intercourse or sexual dating violence across all sexual orientations. Overwhelmingly, youths “not sure” of their sexual orientation who experienced forced sexual intercourse or sexual dating violence presented the highest likelihood for risk behaviors. Heterosexual, Gay/Lesbian, and Bisexual youths’ likelihood for risk behaviors fell consistently between one and a half to three times more likely given their experience of victimization. In contrast, youths “not sure” of their sexual identity were between six to fifty times more likely to engage in those specific behaviors. These findings indicate LGBTQ+ youths questioning their sexual orientation are significantly more vulnerable to risk behaviors when related to IPV.

Authors

• Anna Kulach, Drexel University

• Ashley Dickinson, Drexel University