Poster #134 - Interpersonal Victimization, Acceptance of Couples Violence, and Police Contact in the English-speaking Caribbean

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a global issue. In the English-speaking Caribbean region, this problem is evident in high levels of violence against women and girls; very few estimates exist documenting IPV among males. Individuals’ Acceptance of Couple's Violence (ACV) has been used to explore why some victims’ report to formal authorities as well as why geographic differences may exist in IPV and police responses. This study examines the association between IPV victimization, ACV, and police contact in the English-speaking Caribbean. Using nationally representative data from three countries (Grenada, Guyana, and St. Lucia), we use bivariate and multivariate analyses to validate the ACV scale and explore correlates of IPV victimization and ACV by gender and police contact. Our findings suggest that about 4% of women and 5% of men have experienced IPV in the region. ACV is higher among men; for both men and women, ACV is higher for those who have experienced IPV victimization, police contact, or been arrested. Finally, we review interventions that could be implemented to address IPV and ACV in the region.

Authors

• Amanda Rae Operana, DePaul University

• Kayla Freemon, DePaul University

• Genesis Belen Navarrete, Arizona State University

• Charles Katz, Arizona State University

• Hyunjung Cheon, University of Texas at El Paso