Gender and Sexual Orientation in Canadian Intimate Partner Violence Research: A Scoping Review

• In Event: Examining Vulnerable Populations in Domestic Violence Research

Abstract

A growing body of research highlights the need to understand the intimate-partner violence (IPV) experiences of gender and sexual minorities, who are under-represented in health and social science research. Following the PRISMA-ScR approach, we conducted a scoping review of Canadian IPV research, examining the inclusion of gender and sexual minorities and reporting of gender identity and sexual orientation. We conducted a comprehensive search of violence-specific journals, supplemented by a Scopus database search. Eligible articles 1) were published in English or French in peer-reviewed journals from 2020-2023, 2) research findings focused on IPV with a sample of at least some survivors and/or perpetrators, 4) had at least one Canada-affiliated author, and 5) used at least some data collected from Canadian participants. The final sample included 150 articles. Most did not adequately report gender identity/sexual orientation measurement details, and most included only cisgender heterosexual participants. Some articles conflated sex and gender, used outdated terminology, or used language rendering gender/sexual minorities invisible. While research focused on heterosexual individuals is needed, exclusionary research practices can further marginalize gender/sexual minorities and impede the development of equity-oriented care solutions. Recommendations for IPV researchers to improve gender/sexual minority inclusion/reporting practices are provided.

Authors

• Jennifer C. D. MacGregor, Western University

• Caitlin Burd, Western University

• Yetunde Adetutu Ogunpitan, Western University

• Eden Hoffer, Western University

• Jaimeson Canie, Western University

• Najibullah Naeemzadah, Western University

• C. Nadine Wathen, Western University